NBA Basketball 2016: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments and Game-Changing Plays

I still get chills thinking about the 2016 NBA season—what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that was. As someone who’s spent years analyzing basketball, both as a fan and professionally, I have to say that season stands out not just for its historic moments, but for the sheer unpredictability that kept us all glued to our screens. From buzzer-beaters that defied logic to underdog stories that warmed our hearts, 2016 had it all. And while the NBA showcases global talent, I can’t help but draw parallels to standout performances elsewhere, like Jio Gonzaga’s impressive outings in other leagues. In two wins, he put up solid numbers, torching LPU with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, then followed it up with 12 points, four boards, and five dimes against Guang Ming. It’s those kinds of consistent, clutch performances that remind me why I love this sport—they echo the resilience we saw on the NBA stage.

Let’s start with the obvious: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulling off that miraculous comeback in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors. I mean, come on—down 3-1 against a team that had just posted a 73-9 regular-season record? Nobody in their right mind would’ve bet on the Cavs, but LeBron put the team on his back in Game 5 and 6, then sealed it with that iconic block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7. I still rewatch that play and shake my head in disbelief. The timing, the athleticism, the sheer will—it was basketball poetry. And let’s not forget Kyrie Irving’s step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds left. As a guy who’s played pickup games my whole life, I know how nerve-wracking those moments are; hitting that shot on the biggest stage? That’s legendary stuff. Stat-wise, LeBron finished the series averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists—just insane numbers that underline his dominance.

But 2016 wasn’t just about the Finals. Kobe Bryant’s final game, where he dropped 60 points against the Utah Jazz, felt like a fairy tale ending. I’ll admit, I’m biased here—Kobe’s been my idol since I was a kid, and watching him go out like that had me emotional. He took 50 shots that night, which some critics called selfish, but to me, it was pure Mamba Mentality: relentless, fearless, and unforgettable. Then there was Steph Curry’s unanimous MVP season, where he shattered records with 402 three-pointers. I remember arguing with friends about whether his style was sustainable; well, he proved us all wrong with those deep, gravity-defying threes. On the defensive end, Draymond Green’s versatility shone—he tallied 13 triple-doubles that year, and his intensity, while sometimes controversial, changed how we view modern big men. And who could forget the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard? His two-way prowess was on full display, earning him Defensive Player of the Year honors and solidifying his rep as a quiet assassin.

Beyond the superstars, though, there were those gritty, game-changing plays that often fly under the radar. Like Damian Lillard’s series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets in the first round—a cold-blooded 30-footer that sent the Blazers through. I’ve tried to replicate that shot in my local gym more times than I care to admit, and let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks. Or Russell Westbrook’s 18 triple-doubles that season, fueling the Thunder’s run and foreshadowing his MVP campaign. His raw energy and stat-stuffing nights—like that 33-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound gem—were a spectacle. And speaking of spectacles, the Dunk Contest between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon was pure magic. That showdown, where Gordon leaped over the mascot for that iconic dunk, should’ve ended in a tie; I’m still salty about the scoring, but it reminded us that basketball is as much about artistry as it is about competition.

Reflecting on all this, I’m struck by how 2016 blended individual brilliance with team narratives. The Warriors’ 73-win season, though ending in heartbreak, redefined small-ball and three-point shooting, influencing how teams play today. Meanwhile, the Cavs’ win brought a championship to Cleveland after a 52-year drought—a storybook ending that even Hollywood would envy. As for me, I’ve taken lessons from that season into my own analysis: it taught me to never count out heart over hype. Whether it’s LeBron’s leadership or Gonzaga’s efficient 18-point games in other leagues, consistency in high-pressure situations is what separates the good from the great. So, as we look back, let’s cherish these moments—they’re not just highlights; they’re the soul of the game we love.