What is a Buzzer Beater in Basketball
A buzzer beater is a shot in basketball that is made as the game clock expires, either at the end of a quarter, half, or game.
A buzzer beater is a field goal attempt in basketball that is released before the game clock reaches zero and goes in — scoring points just as or after the buzzer sounds. Buzzer beaters are among the most dramatic plays in all of sports, often deciding games, advancing playoff teams, or sending games to overtime.
How a Buzzer Beater Is Judged
For a buzzer beater to count:
- The ball must leave the shooter's hands before the clock reaches 0:00
- The shot does not need to go in before the buzzer — the ball can be in the air when time expires
- Officials (and replay review) confirm whether the shot was released in time
Types of Buzzer Beaters
- Game-winner — A buzzer beater that wins the game outright (worth more than the deficit at the time)
- Tie-sender — A shot that ties the game and sends it to overtime
- Quarter/Half ender — A shot at the end of a non-final period; dramatic but only scores points
Most Famous NBA Buzzer Beaters
- Michael Jordan, 1989 — "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo; Cleveland series winner
- Michael Jordan, 1998 Finals Game 6 — Won the championship with a last-second jumper over Bryon Russell
- Kawhi Leonard, 2019 Playoffs — Four-bounce Game 7 buzzer beater vs. Philadelphia; only buzzer-beating Game 7 winner in NBA playoff history
- Damian Lillard, 2014 & 2019 — Multiple iconic playoff game-winners
- Ray Allen, 2013 Finals Game 6 — Corner three to send the game to overtime (technically not a buzzer beater, but a near-buzzer game-tying shot)
Practice and Preparation
Elite players practice end-of-game situations specifically, including:
- Off-the-dribble pull-up jumpers with defenders in their face
- Transition shots (catching and shooting quickly)
- Creating space with hesitation moves
The mental composure to hit a buzzer beater under pressure is widely considered a defining characteristic of the sport's greatest clutch performers.