Buzzer-beaters are some of the most exciting plays in basketball, but only a few players have consistently delivered them throughout their careers. Surprisingly, the all-time leader isn’t LeBron James or Stephen Curry—it’s Michael Jordan.
What Counts as a Buzzer-Beater?
A buzzer-beater is a game-winning shot made as the clock hits zero. If there’s still time left on the clock when the shot goes in, it doesn’t count—even if it’s under one second. The shot has to end the game immediately as the buzzer sounds.
Players with the Most Buzzer-Beaters in NBA History:
1. Michael Jordan – 9
2. Kobe Bryant – 8
3. Joe Johnson – 8
4. LeBron James – 8
5. Paul Pierce – 7
6. Andre Iguodala – 5
7. Gilbert Arenas – 5
8. Dwyane Wade – 5
9. Vince Carter – 5
10. Kevin Garnett – 5
Jordan hit his ninth and final buzzer-beater in 2002 with the Washington Wizards—his other eight came with the Chicago Bulls.
LeBron tied Kobe and Johnson with his eighth buzzer-beater on March 26, 2025, against the Indiana Pacers. He also leads all players with five buzzer-beaters in the playoffs, more than anyone else in postseason history.
Clutch vs. Buzzer-Beater: What’s the Difference?
Many players are clutch but don’t rack up buzzer-beaters.
- Stephen Curry has only 1 official buzzer-beater but 9 game-winning shots with 5 seconds or less remaining.
- Damian Lillard is famous for his deep game-winners, but only a couple count as true buzzer-beaters.
This list is only for final shots that win the game as time expires.
Playoff Buzzer-Beaters: Who Shows Up Under Pressure?
Delivering in the postseason is a different level.
- LeBron James leads with 5 playoff buzzer-beaters.
- Michael Jordan had 3, including “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo.
- Damian Lillard has 2 buzzer-beaters in the playoffs—both were series-clinchers.
Michael Jordan: The Gold Standard for Buzzer-Beaters
Jordan leads all players with 9 buzzer-beating game-winners, setting the standard for late-game heroics. His buzzer-beaters weren’t just frequent—they were legendary. His most iconic, “The Shot” in the 1989 playoffs against the Cavaliers, is still one of the most memorable moments in NBA history. Even after all these years, no one has topped him.
