Ranking the top 10 NBA playoff moments of the 2020's

With the 2026 NBA Playoffs entering the second round, we thought it would be best to rank the top playoff moments since 2020. We see big game winners to big time performances on this list, there were so many moments that a few big ones had to miss out but be sure this is the best of the best. Anthony Davis Game Winner vs Nuggets 2020 In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Davis hit a dramatic game-winning three-pointer to put the Lakers up 2-0 in a close series. This shot also capped off an amazing game for Davis, where he had 31 points and 9 rebounds. All this to go with one of the harder playoff game winners we have seen in recent times. This moment was a crucial part of the Lakers' championship run, and there's no telling what would've happened if he didn't hit this shot, but there is a chance the Nuggets could've made the series look a lot different. Giannis 50 point closeout performance Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals is where one of the all-time greats, Giannis Antetokounmpo, became an NBA Champion. Antetokounmpo had one of the best finals performances ever, putting up 50 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks while shooting 16/25 from the field and 17/19 from the free throw line. Let alone being one of the biggest playoff moments of the 2020's, it is one of the biggest of all time. The Haliburton bounce One of the most iconic shots of the 2025 playoffs had to be on this list. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton and the Pacers delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks in playoff history, with it all being topped off with a famous stepback shot that bounced on the rim straight up in the air and dropped in. Then the celebration to go with it and all the drama of his foot being on the line, but to then deliver in overtime and secure the win was a significant moment in their playoff run. Jimmy Butler 56 point performance in 2023 Jimmy Butler was outstanding throughout the 2023 playoffs, but his 56-point performance in the first round against the Bucks sums it all up. The 56 points rank fourth in most points scored in an NBA playoff game in history. It is one of the best playoff performances of all time, especially with the storyline of an eighth seed taking down a first seed. Kevin Durant's toe on the line This moment changed the history of the NBA, one big toe away from what could've been. In Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semi-finals, Kevin Durant hit a go-ahead shot that everyone believed was for the win, but then it was found that his toe was on the line, resulting in the game going to overtime. The Bucks ended up winning and advancing, and the rest is history, but if Durant's foot was one inch shorter, he could have had another championship in Brooklyn, the big three could've stayed together, and Giannis may have never got one. Luka Doncic Game winner vs Clippers 2020 This is the shot that made Luka Doncic a name for himself as a playoff riser and one of the most skilled players our game has seen. In the bubble, Luka Doncic capped off an unbelievable performance with a stepback deep three for the win in overtime. His performance of 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists helped the Mavs tie up the series at 2-2 without Porzingis. This moment is one that will stay with Luka throughout his whole career. Giannis block and lob More special moments for Giannis in the 2021 finals, I decided to pair the two significant ones for this list. First, his block in Game 4 against DeAndre Ayton, this was one of the most remarkable defensive plays in finals history and helped seal the Bucks' crucial win, which tied the series at 2-2 for them. Then, in Game 5, Jrue Holiday got a steal at the end of the game and threw the ball to Giannis for an incredible lob to secure a road win and take control of the series. Both these moments are some to remember in NBA finals history. Brunson and Divo steal the game In Game 2 of the 2024 playoff series against the Sixers, it looked like the 76ers were about to steal the match on the road and go up 2-0 in the series, but Brunson and DiVincenzo had other thoughts. After being down five with 40 seconds to go, the Knicks came up the floor, Brunson hit a three, then the Knicks got a steal, missed another three, rebounded to the Knicks then back out to DiVincenzo for another three to take the lead. This moment is in the top 10 due to the atmosphere of the Garden after this bucket went in. Haliburton Game 1 winner Another moment from Haliburton in his remarkable playoff run. Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Pacers were a massive underdog on the road against the Thunder, but Haliburton made sure they were gonna be taken seriously. After a missed shot from the Thunder, the Pacers came up the floor with not long left down one. Haliburton got the ball and pulled up from the mid-range, hitting a deep two-point shot to take the lead with under a second to go. This resulted in the Pacers stealing game one on the road, and any game-winning shot in the finals is a big moment in the playoffs. Steph Curry delivers an unbelievable performance Game 2 of the NBA Finals in 2022 assured us that Stephen Curry is an all-time great. Being down 2-1, away from home, back against the wall, Curry delivered one of his all-time performances. Scoring 43 points with seven threes and 10 rebounds to carry his team to a victory was special to witness. This resulted in being the biggest moment for the Warriors in their playoff and championship run. If he doesn't have this performance, they most likely don't win the NBA championship.

Ranking the top 10 NBA playoff moments of the 2020’s

There were so many memorable moments that a few big ones had to miss out.

7Jimmy Butler 56 point performance in 2023

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