1. Thunder Win the NBA Championship,
SGA’s Historic Season, The biggest moment of the entire NBA year came in June 2025, when the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA title with a Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This was not just another Finals win; it was the franchise’s first championship since moving to OKC in 2008. The Thunder finished a season that many called one of the best in league history. They ended the regular season with a record of 68-14 and dominated in the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star, earning Finals MVP after a brilliant Game 7 where he scored 29 points and had 12 assists. His season was historic due to the rare achievement of winning the MVP award, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same year. Only a few players, like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, had done that before. Beyond the stats, this moment marked the rise of a new superstar, shifting the NBA narrative toward a future led by SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. ________________________________________
2. Trae Young’s Half-Court
Buzzer Beater, January Magic Early in 2025, fans witnessed one of the most incredible shots of the season: Trae Young’s half-court buzzer-beater. With time running out and the Atlanta Hawks tied with the Utah Jazz, Young received the inbounds pass, dribbled once, and launched a shot from near midcourt. It banked through just as the clock expired, quickly going viral and becoming a highlight. What made this even more impressive was the context; Young finished the game with 24 points and 20 assists. He became the first player since John Stockton in 1990 to achieve at least 20 assists and 20 points in a game. This combination of a dramatic finish and a remarkable stat line made this play one of the year’s most defining moments. Half-court buzzer-beaters don’t just win games; they create lasting highlights. This shot had fans gasping and social media buzzing in early 2025.
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3. Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Game-Winner
Knicks Advance The 2025 NBA playoffs were full of drama, but few moments matched the excitement of Jalen Brunson’s game-winning three-pointer for the New York Knicks in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons. With the game tied and seconds remaining, Brunson created space with a stunning crossover dribble. Analysts compared the move to those of the greatest ball-handlers, and he then hit the shot that sent the Knicks into the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This shot symbolized Brunson’s rise as a clutch player and embodied the Knicks’ tough, never-give-up attitude throughout the season. The crossover and the three-pointer gave fans one of the most replayed moments of the year, making it a highlight of the 2025 playoffs.
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4. Historic Buzzer Beaters Across the Season
While Young’s half-court shot stands out, 2025 featured many buzzer-beaters that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The season included several iconic game-winners:
• Darius Garland’s 31-foot buzzer-beater to lift the Cavaliers over the Pistons
• Trae Young’s 50-foot shot that shocked the Jazz
• LeBron James’s game-winning tip-in for the Lakers—his eighth career buzzer-beater and first as a Laker
• Josh Giddey’s half-court shot over LeBron’s Lakers in a Bulls upset
These exciting finishes added thrill and unpredictability to the season. Together, they made buzzer-beaters a key part of 2025. While no single shot topped Young’s in dramatic flair, they collectively highlighted clutch performances that basketball fans still discuss today.
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5. Christmas Day Comeback
Knicks Rally in MSG – One of the most unforgettable regular-season games in 2025 wasn’t a buzzer-beater but a legendary comeback on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks trailed the Cleveland Cavaliers by 17 points in the fourth quarter—a deficit that usually crushes hope. However, the Knicks rallied with strong fourth-quarter play. Jalen Brunson led the comeback, scoring 13 points in the final quarter, while rookie Tyler Kolek shone in a breakout performance that energized the bench. Mitchell Robinson’s strong offensive rebounding fueled the rally, and key shots down the stretch secured a 126-124 victory for New York. This moment was special not just for the win but for when it happened. Christmas Day NBA games are watched by millions, and the Knicks’ dramatic comeback quickly became one of the season’s most shared moments. For fans and commentators alike, it was a true holiday classic in a season filled with highlights.
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Conclusion
The NBA in 2025 offered something for every fan, from historic championship runs and genuine MVP seasons to incredible buzzer-beaters and dramatic playoff moments. Whether it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s great achievement, Trae Young’s unforgettable shot, or Brunson’s clutch performance, these moments defined a season that will be remembered for years to come.
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