Like many of us, the 2019-20 NBA season was affected by the global pandemic. And like so many of us, they adapted. But just because the season was shortened and the playoffs had no fans in attendance, there was still the same passion, the same drama, and the same oh-so-lovely last-second game-winning shots. Here are the top five buzzer-beaters of the 2019-20 season.
5. Lucky No. 13
The Man
Zach LaVine
The Date
Nov. 23, 2019
The Shot
While not technically a buzzer beater (there was still time on the clock) this shot makes our list because of how clutch the play was. With under 5 seconds on the clock and the Bulls down 115-113, Zach LaVine gets the inbound pass, scrambles to the 3-point line, and hits a beautiful game-winning jumper with less than a second remaining, his 13th 3-pointer of the game.
The Final Score
Chicago Bulls 116, Charlotte Hornets 115
4. JC in OT
The Man
Jae Crowder
The Date
Oct. 27, 2019
The Shot
Don’t let the fact that he’s been on seven teams in less than nine seasons fool you. Jae is still a man you want in those big moments. Down by two points with less than a second left in overtime, Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant passes the ball to Jae, who’s almost closer to half court than the 3-point line but still manages to sink a sweet 3-pointer, giving the Grizzlies their first win of the season.
The Final Score
Memphis Grizzlies 134, Brooklyn Nets 133 (OT)
3. Bogi Beats Milwaukee
The Man
Bojan “Bogi” Bogdanovic
The Date
Nov. 8, 2019
The Shot
Bojan Bogdanovic over here showing why he’s the highest paid Croatian athlete in history. The Bucks fought back after being down 22 points to tie the game at 100. With just over a second left on the clock, Bogi gets the inbound pass in the corner, turns, jumps, and with a defender in his face, let’s it fly for a 3-point spash as the clock strikes zero for the win.
The Final Score
Utah Jazz 103, Milwaukee Bucks 100
2. Bogi Strikes Again
The Man
Bojan Bogdanovic
The Date
Feb. 9, 2020
The Shot
The only player to score two buzzer-beaters all season, Bogi’s second shot was even better than the first. Just over a second on the clock. Instead of playing at home, they’re in enemy territory. Instead of an inbound pass in the corner, it’s center court. Instead of one defender in Bogi’s face, he’s got two. Despite the added difficulties, the outcome was the same – nothin’ but net.
The Final Score
Utah Jazz 114, Houston Rockets 113
1. Numero Uno
The Man
Malik Monk
The Date
Nov. 15, 2019
The Shot
Tied at 106 with 1 second left on the clock, Cody Martin is looking to inbound the ball. Malik Monk waits for his moment, then breaks. He sprints to about 2 feet beyond the 3-point line, gets the pass, turns, and with three defenders around him and a hand in his face, hits a jumper that’s smooth as butter. The crowd erupts. His teammates rush the court. Malik Monk, after hitting the first buzzer-beater of his young NBA career, just puts his hands in the air and smiles. The kid wears No. 1 for a reason.
The Final Score
Charlotte Hornets 109, Detroit Pistons 106
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