When talking about the most exciting moments in NBA overtime games, I can’t help but remember the thrilling showdown at TD Garden on May 25, 2012. The Boston Celtics faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 that went into overtime. The arena was electric, with 18,624 fans on the edge of their seats. I remember reading a stat somewhere that this game had one of the highest attendance records for the garden. Rajon Rondo’s triple-double (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) sealed the deal for the Celtics, and fans knew they had witnessed something special.
Another unforgettable moment? Definitely the Miami Heat’s epic battle at American Airlines Arena on June 18, 2013. Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the San Antonio Spurs will forever be etched in my memory. Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in regulation forced the overtime, and the Heat ultimately clinched the game 103-100. Allen’s shot was widely analyzed, and many experts called it one of the most significant plays in NBA history. The energy in that arena was off the charts; ticket prices reportedly averaged $950, showing just how high stakes and compelling the match was.
I still get chills thinking about the Golden 1 Center’s opening season, specifically December 20, 2016. Sacramento Kings versus Portland Trail Blazers. DeMarcus Cousins scored an astounding 55 points, including the crucial free throws in overtime that secured the Kings a 126-121 victory. The new arena, which cost approximately $540 million to build, offered fans an unparalleled experience with its state-of-the-art amenities and proximity to the action on the court. Cousins' dominant performance was the talk of the town, and many fans deemed this game one of the best in the arena’s first season.
The Staples Center has had its fair share of nail-biting finishes, too. Take April 30, 2006, for instance, when the Los Angeles Lakers battled the Phoenix Suns in the first round of playoffs. Kobe Bryant scored the game-tying basket, bringing the score to 90-90, and then hit the game-winner in overtime, giving the Lakers a 99-98 win. I remember seeing a breakdown of game statistics, showing Kobe played a total of 50 minutes that night. To witness his 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in person must have been surreal for fans. The intensity of playoff overtime games really brings out the best in top-tier players.
Madison Square Garden wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the double-overtime thriller on November 13, 2012. The New York Knicks faced the Brooklyn Nets in a battle for New York supremacy. Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points, but it was Joe Johnson’s buzzer-beater that forced the second overtime and eventually led the Nets to a 96-89 win. The stadium, often called “The Mecca of Basketball,” holds a special place for fans and players alike. Attendance that night was just over 19,000, making it one of the loudest games I've ever tuned into. The passion in those seats transforms ordinary games into unforgettable spectacles.
I can't leave out the Quicken Loans Arena (now Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse) and the iconic moment on April 14, 2017. The Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Indiana Pacers in a playoff game that went to double overtime. LeBron James dropped a triple-double with 41 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, helping the Cavs clinch a 135-130 victory. LeBron’s performance in that game was a masterclass in endurance and basketball IQ. His ability to control the pace and make crucial decisions under pressure was awe-inspiring. The arena, packed to its 20,562 capacity, witnessed another chapter in LeBron’s storied career.
Let’s not forget the Oracle Arena on May 31, 2018, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game is infamous for J.R. Smith’s blunder, dribbling out the clock at the end of regulation, thinking the Cavs were ahead. The game went to overtime, and the Warriors dominated, winning 124-114. Oracle Arena, often dubbed “Roaracle” due to its intense atmosphere, didn’t disappoint. This game was so intense that a lot of analysts pointed out how its psychological impact might have influenced the entire series. That’s how pivotal that moment was.
One more to add: The United Center, March 28, 1995. Michael Jordan, barely back from his first retirement, led the Chicago Bulls against the New York Knicks. The game went into overtime, and Jordan, wearing the number 45 jersey, scored 55 points, clinching a 113-111 win for the Bulls. I think it was Sports Illustrated that called it “Double-Nickel” game, one of Jordan’s most legendary performances. It was a clear indicator that his return to the game brought back the magic fans missed dearly. The United Center’s atmosphere during those Jordan years? Indescribably euphoric.
To wrap up, I’ve got to mention the Denver Nuggets' clash with the Portland Trail Blazers on May 3, 2019, at the Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena). This game made headlines as it went into four overtimes, the first in NBA playoff history to do so since 1953. The Trail Blazers eventually won 140-137, but everyone in attendance knew they had just been part of something historic. Nikola Jokić’s 65 minutes on the court were the most by any player in a playoff game in the modern era, a testament to his endurance and skill. The energy in the arena was palpable, even through a TV screen. That's the kind of stuff that makes you a lifelong fan of the sport.
What’s cool about these overtime games is how they elevate the sport to a whole new level. It’s not just about the points scored or the stats; it’s about the raw emotion, the atmosphere in the arena, and the unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more. Sometimes, it feels like the universe aligns to create these magical moments, and being there, whether in person or watching from home, makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. That’s why we love basketball.
I think if you want to immerse yourself in the excitement of these moments, checking out more at arena plus can be a fantastic way to relive some of these stories and get even more insight into the energy and atmosphere that make these games unforgettable.