The Top 5 One of a Kind Plays of All Time

My list of the top one of a kind plays of all time. It can't just be a rare play, but it has to be something that's never been replicated before or since.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No... ​​​​​​​​​​
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#nba #basketball #hoops

[@jonnyarnett]

What is something you saw in the NBA, and thought to yourself "I've never seen this before"?

[@terterman8585]

Brandon Ingram should at least be on the honorable mention list

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

none of the plays I mentioned made it into the top 5, but I see that some are in the honorable mentions, nice list, apart from Carter's dunk I didn't remember the other plays

[@qzurx]

lenonards's game 7 win should of been at number 1

[@victorvelez8144]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXjTp6BtYqmlY6csi=0B39ZSa2WJDJA2Ky

[@user-jn6vu8dv7m]

Baron Davis longest three-point record

[@JohnnyScumbagg]

That Kawhi game 7 winner against the sixers. The bounce. Him crouching waiting. So fire.

[@luisricardod2864]

I was just waiting for that play, that game winner is the only buzzer beater in a game 7 in nba history

[@LuisMedina-cg7wn]

2 time travel 😂

[@king-ghost1027]

​@@LuisMedina-cg7wn he did not travel

[@jinsonglei3185]

I was physically in that game bro

[@Bigedub101]

​@@LuisMedina-cg7wnSurprised you were able to type that thru the tears

[@emilianodrasal2970]

Trevor Booker's tap shot was surreal. Impossible to repeat, should be on the list imo.

[@codyeble6764]

I remember that because they only had .2 on the clock and when that happens teams literally just threw lobs because that was during the time when they are like well .4 is the most you can get a shot off and their reaction was like well does that count then? Lol

[@rkcraig348]

That Eddie Jones finger roll from taking off 17 feet out still has me shaking my head. Amazing. haha.

[@apostolosblacksmith5424]

Jordan's layup against the Nets is a move I don't think I'll ever see again in my life. It's number 1 for me, I think it deserves at least an honorable mention.

[@johnming73]

100%%%%!!!!

[@vicentegm6998]

Probably dismissed cause it still a layup. But I agree it has to be the best ever.

[@jp3813]

@@vicentegm6998 Some of the honorable mentions are also layups.

[@AndrewSBaker]

I thought it would have made the list. I would have put it over the 9 in 9 seconds. I think Tracy McGrady's 13 points in 35 was more dramatic, even though the duration was drawn out.

[@sakketin]

That move happens once or twice a season nowadays. It's no where near a unique event.

[@miloosdata336]

Larry Bird's left handed game: 120-119 win over the Blazers with 47 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in 49 minutes of action. He shot 21-of-34 from the field and 3-of-3 from three. “Tomorrow night’s the last game of the trip; I’m going to play this one left-handed. Well, at least through three quarters,” Bird reportedly said before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. “I’m saving my right hand for the Lakers.”

[@rafaelraad555]

This 100%

[@codyeble6764]

Ya but he shot jumpers right handed still and really only made half his shots lefty, which he admits he was more comfortable using around the rim... Also after he hit a lefty shot Mchale said to Kersey who was guarding Bird wait til he starts using his right hand lol also went to OT so bird said he prolly should have used his right hand lol

[@markjackson6431]

Brian Scalabrine 3 point 720 fadeaway windmill dunk was the great play i’ve ever seen

[@cobrallama6236]

Oh yeah, the Scalabrine boomerang! I remember one time he did an extra impressive one, turned to the ref and said "count that one as a 50-pointer." And they did!

[@jarlbalgruuf7701]

The White Mamba

[@rageflash9]

with all this GOAT debate, the true GOAT: the White Mamba; is silent and just watching fools argue to death

[@dankotrifunovic]

It can only be matched with John Cena's unseen dunk from half court

[@Space_Ache]

Your channel is undervalued by the basketball community. I think your lack of sensationalism is the reason. Ultimately, the people who watch are surely loyal. I just wish there were more or of us here. You deserve it

[@chp9546]

Jordans lay up against the nets. 3 time pumping while in the air...better than the spectacular move....as always...thank you for your work jonny....grettings from austria

[@codyeble6764]

Ive seen that play again recently tho.. agreed it's better than his switching to the left tho

[@marqueljohnson4211]

Where​@@codyeble6764

[@user-kd8to1nu1k]

der kawhi game 7 buzzerbeater hätte auch hier drinnen sein müssen

[@owensmith2137]

The Jerry West shot is so impressive to me because and was a half court shot that went right in the net! It wasn't a clean swish but every other half court shot I've seen is a bank shot. I swear I have seen a play of Kobe hitting a 360 shot. I haven't been able to find it however. Does anyone else know of it?

[@dennismagee9555]

Jr Ridar shot is the best and most difficult shot I ever seen. I have never seen a shot more impressive and difficult too.

[@husseinalhadi5471]

Reggie Miller told a story about Bird as a coach. Bird would talk trash to the rookies to test their mental fortitude. He challenged Al Harrington and another rookie to a 3 pt shooting contest. Bird was in his 40's at the time and had 3 back surgeries. Bird beat them and Reggie Miller had to explain that Bird is right handed. Bird shot all his 3 point shots lefty. He's definitely shot a 3 lefty in the game.

[@ejoseph2527]

Good man adding an honourable mentions segment at the end. Nice touch.

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Vince almost broke KG's jaw after that dunk. Watch Garnett coming in to steal his shine as Vince is pumped up about the dunk. KG was was a millimeter from being called KO.

[@davincerica7232]

I would put Booker's tap shot in here... That was 1 of a kind for sure, I thought of that one instantly

[@jp3813]

Wilt blocking Kareem's skyhook twice in a row.

[@caseyrobinson5884]

Ima Bird Fan what about the Shot Bird shot with his Right Hand but Finished with the Left Hand or a Steal and Pass to DJ at the End of the GAME I haven't seen Those Plays Before

[@kevinhouse4376]

I think the Bird steal and pass to DJ for the game-winning shot just might have been the greatest defensive play in history.

[@caseyrobinson5884]

@@kevinhouse4376 Exactly my man

[@derekhiemforth]

Yeah, the stolen inbounds pass is just unreal. That was literally the ONLY way the Celtics could win that game. So Bird and DJ just went out and did that. Crazy.

[@chuckyx934]

With those honourable mentions, you can make this into a series. It'll be interesting to see more of these players and the information about them.

[@Jessrgv33]

Hey Jhonny, as usual, I have another top 5 suggestion Since you made the 5 best passers of all time. ¿What about the best ISO scorers of all time? Despite not being winning basketball in my opinion, it still requires a lot of skill

[@jk8190]

Chuck's off the backboard game winner should be on the list

[@clintmemo]

Dr J's iconic layup over, around, and between the Lakers.

[@someguy7424]

That shot was a work of art.

[@derekhiemforth]

Came here to say this.

[@leftyforrester58]

Great concept, list, and video. My pick would be Morris Peterson's buzzer beater against the Wizards. I always used to think that players should just throw the ball up the run out the clock, then to see it backfire was just amazing.

[@codyeble6764]

Bro lol I was watching that live thinking the same, then when he threw it up im like that looks like enough time to come back down, what if... Then it happened lol

[@saveligulas5847]

Ben Wallace bringing Fat Shaq down on a clean block

[@elcompaqueso5214]

very few men have blocked shaq, but that wallace block on shaq was something else.

[@goddammitnappa1617]

he literally folded him too

[@codyeble6764]

That was a foul - Shaq

[@alex4833]

Awesome video, Jonny! Great list. Like you, I can't think of any other instances in which these plays have happened again. Lots of jaw-dropping moments, but I agree that the Carter dunk over Weiss is the greatest one on the list. It's iconic and amazing. I hope you are having a great Wednesday. Take care :).

[@johnatspray]

This is a series!! Please make this a series using different suggestions from people, great video 👍

[@barondavisiscool]

Ooo I believe it was All Star 2008, Rasheed Wallace hit 2 3s with his left hand after Chris Bosh tried and missed as a lefty 😂 one of my favs, i was in school and stayed up to watch it. Not sure if it counts in the All Star game? Also in that game was the first time I saw a double alley oop, from J Kidd to Wade to Lebron 🥶

[@michaelschwan5243]

I'd like to see your top 5 list of actually intentional amazing plays, so like the kobe one would qualify, JR riders, vince's would, but random prayer shots would not. tmacs 13 points in a row, reggies, etc. would be exciting to see that list!

[@aqua_serene]

I would love a video with the Honorable mentions

[@kirkiedakingpin]

When I saw this video the first thing I thought about was Haliburton of the glass assist a couple weeks ago

[@wosile]

Kobe kind of did that during the game where Jeremy Lin scored 38 points. He was double teamed, threw it off the backboard, then passed it to Pau Gasol for a midrange jumper.

[@connortaaffe9384]

Kob did almost the exact same play

[@Lloyd00]

At the end of the day it's just a buzzer beater but Devin Harris had one of the craziest ones in history. When he played for NJ and they were playing Philly when Iggy was on the team. Harris got the inbound and was running up the court. He tried to launch from half court buy Iggy stripped him. Harris was fumbling the ball and just controlled it for long enough to heave it to the basket and it went in! The video is so perfect cuz you see the red light come on literally just after he released

[@paksta]

Great call

[@codyeble6764]

I feel like Tyreke Evans had a similar one, double clutched

[@codyeble6764]

I think Mudiay also had one where he lost it in a crowd and just threw it up at the end of the game too

[@paksta]

@codyeble6764 Tyreke double clutched, but didn't fully lose it in the air. Amazing finish to that game altogether.

[@kp9593]

I think trevor booker shouldve made the cit .2 seconds behind his head. Absolutely the craziest shot ive ever seen.

[@edisonadler6618]

That Kobe play against Warriors where he went btb, spun, passed to Turiaf around the defender who then proceeded to get a poster. Oddly specific but that’s gotta be the most beautiful transition sequence I’ve ever seen

[@thsu8]

That was the smoothest sequence I've ever seen and ofc it was Kobe Bean

[@Riokaii]

the Victor Wembanyama 2 steps from halfcourt layup is probably up there. Not a travel, done on 1 dribble, but clearly shows how immobility is a dying restriction in modern basketball.

[@marcobattiston1702]

Thank you for including JR Rider insane shot.

[@nbagoober13]

Great video man I didn't know about most of these

[@AndresGuazzelli]

I dont even need to watch this to know this video is gonna be lit. But I'll report back in 8 minutes

[@FallenCitys]

We’ll come on now

[@SugarJones723]

Yeah where you at cuh

[@AndresGuazzelli]

Yeah. It was lit

[@jonnyarnett]

Lol, dang, they’re holding you to your word 😂

[@AndresGuazzelli]

@@jonnyarnett It's a very commited community!

[@bballanalytics1552]

Johnny left out a few backboard shattering incidents - Shaquille O'Neal vs the New Jersey Nets on April 23, 1993, and vs the Phoenix Suns on February 7, 1993 AND Darryl Dawkins (before breakaway rims) vs the Kings on November 13, 1979 and again 3 weeks later.

[@dylanjwebmusic]

You just listed like 4 examples so how is it one of a kind?

[@celtics17banners84]

Wilt chamberlain’s 3 point hookshots come to mind

[@kingdeedee]

Luka did one too

[@LuckyBeerCamper]

Jordan's eyes closed free throw. That should be on here.

[@creasedknight6222]

Kobe did one

[@RVered]

Great suggestion! These plays were mostly lucky one-offs, but MJ's eyes-closed free throw was a signature move he pulled more than once. Even if it's not as jaw-dropping as making a three diving out of bounds, the consistency must be factored in.

[@chickhearn4ever779]

The play where Jordan catches a cross court pass with one hand and palms it mid air, comes down and converts it all in one motion hitting a bank shot. Most incredible play.

[@Empithri]

I think Kendall Gill's halfcourt shot should be included here. :)

[@jonnyarnett]

GREAT suggestion. The odds of making that shot are insane.

[@dusandule9605]

Nice to see some love for J. R.

[@CrushWildman]

Cool vid I’ve seen bron hit at least 4-6 behind the backboard shots but man dude hit a behind the backboard shot spinning out of a DOUBLE TEAM😭🔥it was a sky ball and it was all net that was wild

[@greywolf2155]

Glad to see West's buzzer beater get an honorable mention, first thing I thought of when I saw this title

[@MuddyPoppins]

I don’t think we’ll ever see another player ever play 3 quarters of a game left handed. LEGEND 🕊

[@jellybeans336]

Jerry Wests full court playoff buzzer beater, he called it. no one else has ever called a full court shot

[@nufaa5313]

Great list wish you had done a top 10

[@seanmolloy2172]

Robert Horry missed dunk, hangs on the rim, reaches back, catches the ball 1 handed and dunks it, still hanging on the rim. Great play call "It does not count. But boy do I want to see it again."

[@paksta]

Nice call, I remember that one

[@thebluntrealist7180]

Larry Bird's steal against Detroit in the Conference Finals...he was on his tip-toes so his feet wouldn't be out of bounds. Hit DJ coming back with an assist for DJ's GWB layup. Larry Bird of all guys & his most memorable play was a defensive one.

[@notKarb]

I was hoping that 8 point play from the Blazers would be in here. Instantly came to mind when I saw the video timeline

[@warlock7760]

Very nice video as always. Regarding the 3 pointer with a non dominant hand - I think Larry Bird has done it in the famous 60 points game against Atlanta Haws - At least Dominique claims he did that 3 separate times but I have never seen the full game but I imagine you probably have. Is it true or false?

[@mvalentino5650]

Allen Iverson’s look at the camera layup is probably my all time favorite.

[@lilfolkes]

An 8 point play is crazy 😅😅😅😅

[@pedrodaniel13]

That final play in the 91' WCF by Magic was epic and genius.

[@acdcdave1387]

Perhaps this ought to have been a top 10 instead of top five because those are some pretty awesome honorable mentions

[@thsu8]

yeah top 5 is lazy here

[@jgray2718]

I think the Trevor Booker tap shot should be on the list. I also think you could reasonably have included Teresa Weatherspoon hitting a half court shot at the final buzzer to win game 2 of the 1999 WNBA finals. I know you don't really do WNBA, but that's my pick for the greatest shot in basketball history given the circumstances.

[@nuN00b666]

I read the title first as "One of a Kind Players" still nice video tho. But could you make a video on One of a Kind players, with like crazy athletics, skill or personality that we will never see again.

[@MrFantastic23]

Glad Rodney Rodgers got some shine on this list! He was one of the 1st 'stretch' fours. Sad what happened to him after he retired.

[@matthewbartke4424]

2:07 Reminds me of Luka's recent Hook Shot 3 vs the nets. He did use his right hand though.

[@boblevieux]

The Houston Rocket Pippen's hook from half-court at Dallas 1999-02-11 game was rare too, I have it but it's vhs quality.

[@boblevieux]

Found it, the video title is: 1998-99 Top 10 Buzzer Beaters of the Season (NBA Action/Courtside Countdown), #1 Scottie Pippen

[@dylanjwebmusic]

Ray Allen going backwards over the 3 point line for the game winner has gotta be up there. I know other players do step backs all the time but they're not usually continuously running backwards like he was, blindly positioning himself perfectly between the 3 point line and the sideline

[@MrSquaky]

not many people recall this but I remember blake griffin doing TWO back to back alley oop windmill dunks, was a surreal sequence

[@codyeble6764]

Actually now that you mentioned Blake, I remember he jumped for a block and the guy pump faked then while still in the air Blake spun around and blocked him like doing a 360.. I dont think I've ever seen that again

[@joelgonzalez2695]

I don't know if there might be other plays like these ones, but i'd say Ginobili's Accidental 3-pointer and Mo Peterson's Buzzer Beater.

[@2kdesignstudios72]

Horry's 3 vs the Kings is famous in my family because I was just stunned. How about the play where the defender gets the rebound and tried to hurt the ball but it must of slipped because as the ball came down, the opponent jumps up, shoots the ball in one motion and hits a game winner.

[@RandomUser11369]

If it was extended to 6 then I would include Bill Russell's layup while jumping over someone from the free throw line.

[@raffijuliandra3018]

Just an idea for you but would you consider doing a video on the most funniest nba moments of all time?

[@gold-man9]

Two crazy shots were Brandon Ingram’s turn around hook shot buzzer beater from half-court and Baron Davis 90 footer

[@09lowkey]

Honorable mentions under Vince Carter's dunk are Giannis jumping over Hardaway Jr. for the oop, and Lebron jumping over Lucas III on the oop.

[@sabahaddinzaim]

It’s not an nba play but I remember a Euroleague one from a decade or so ago. There was a regular season game for Euroleague between Anadolu Efes and Olimpia Milano (They were Emporio Armani Milano back then) where zoran planinic basically grabbed a rebound off of a late game free throw from the opponent and scored a full court buzzer beating 3 pointer to win by 1 points (61-60). It was technically similar to a shot he made when he was in the nba in 2005 but this one in 2013 was a game winning one. I was watching it live as well when this happened and I couldn’t believe it despite not supporting either team. It’s probably isn’t the rarest ever or something but it was still a pretty rare shot to witness.

[@popeyes12345]

Baron Davis full court shot.. Tmac 13 points in 33 seconds

[@luke8837]

The famous elbow pass should have been included as an honorable mention!

[@codyeble6764]

Well Jason Williams did it, but haliburton just did it too

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

Vin Bakers stank face gets me every time I see the dunk of death. 🥴

[@kirkiedakingpin]

Make part 2

[@Mali-rl4yg]

I think this would be really cool but for players

[@andreavailetti874]

I'd have included the ending of Pelicans-OKC with the back to back half court shots

[@damienburke4996]

Got to have a similar list including McGradys closing of the Spurs

[@Jeff.fl0w]

Kobe dunk is so amazing is still talk about this very day

[@jaimengrove1127]

I’m pretty sure KD hit a lefty 3 pointer for game back in OKC. He also fell into the stands I think

[@nessleezle]

I forget who just did the spectacular move a couple weeks ago. Bridges, maybe?

[@FavTrain]

I think of the backwards volleyball bump shot the jazz player hit vs okc. Forget who it was maybe Gary Neal?

[@codyeble6764]

That was Gordon Hayward passing to Trevor Booker... It's in his honorable mentions... But I agree, with .2 on the clock I've never seen that before or since either

[@williambullock1374]

I was expecting to see White Chocolate's elbow pass on here?

[@nexoticstv]

Trevor Booker's back to the basket buzzer beater

[@DerethAC]

Jordan's layup against the Nets was better than the "Spectacular Move" layup.

[@MrHT23]

JJ Barea's layup on a flagrant 2 by Andrew Bynum at the end of game 4 of the 2011 playoffs against the Lakers. Not sure if anybody has made a shot by getting flagrant fouled let alone a flagrant 2.

[@Crono454]

I am a Suns fan so I’m really partial to the Rex Chapman shot.

[@rodrigomontalva2326]

What about the 13 points in 33 seconds of TMac that was insane!

[@Kabazame]

Honorable Mention to DWade getting blocked by KD, getting the ball back, and hitting a buzzer beater

[@g-rom564]

Im pretty sure Damian Lillard made a shot from 15-18 ft and it counted as a 3. I also think that is the only instance of that play.

[@alejanoelallen1952]

🏀

[@stress.relief]

if kobe is in this list 😭 edit: he is 😂

[@jacoblee5796]

Yeah, its hilarious that he put Kobe on this list. He just can't help himself...

[@minhnguyencong2084]

There was one shot made by a player in another league don’t remember who though but he made an insane shot trying to get the ball inbound without looking like the isah rider shot but the different is it went into his team own basket so he score for the other team

[@DuranmanX]

One of the best shots is Jerry West 60 ft buzzer beater

[@kidlatkidlat3108]

MJ spectacular move must be in the top 5.

[@Switchfork]

Make another one with suggestions from the comments!

[@matthewstanley2627]

Hey Jonny! Still waiting on that best "two-way players"

[@CarlosRodriguez-js9vm]

Jordan Hakeem Kobe Wilt Russel come to mind

[@franktuttor-ps3tc]

RAPTORS ULTIMATE VIDEO PLEASE 🙏🏿

[@bookaufman9643]

Larry Bird played an entire game where he only hit left-handed shots. There was nothing wrong with his right hand he was just showing how much better he was than his opponents.

[@facelessandnameless]

Pretty sure you can make a whole list with just Kobe highlights 😅

[@jonnyarnett]

There’s a reason we yell KOBE when shooting crazy ass shots 🤣

[@treystyles3760]

Rasheed Wallace hit 2 left handed 3 pointers in a row left handed at an all star game

[@jordangeles]

I think Tmacs 13 points in 33 seconds against the spurs to win deserves an honorable mention