Hubbry Logo
Buzzer beaterBuzzer beaterMain
Open search
Buzzer beater
Community hub
Buzzer beater
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Buzzer beater
Buzzer beater
Buzzer beater
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Derek Fisher shoots a buzzer beater against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2010

In timed sports, a buzzer beater is a successful shot made as the clock expires at the end of a period or at the end of the game, leaving zero seconds remaining. A buzzer sounds whenever a game clock expires, hence the name "buzzer beater." In basketball, the concept normally applies to baskets made at the end of a quarter, the second half, or overtime, but is sometimes applied to shots that beat the shot clock buzzer. A buzzer beater only counts if it leaves the player's fingers before the shot clock runs out. If the ball remains in the player's hands, then the shot violates the Trent Tucker Rule and does not count. The term is most commonly applied to shots that win or tie the game as the game clock expires.

Officials in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Basketball Association, Women's National Basketball Association, Serie A (Italy), and the Euroleague (Final Four series only, effective 2006) are required to use instant replay to verify whether a shot made at the end of a period was in fact released before the game clock expired. Since 2002, the NBA has also mandated the use of LED light strips along the edges of the backboard and the edge of the scorer's table to identify the end of a period.

Notable examples

[edit]

Although buzzer beaters are fairly common, several instances have been recognized as special occasions:

NCAA

[edit]
  • Dubbed "The Dunk," in the 1983 NCAA Championship Finals, NC State forward Lorenzo Charles caught Derek Whittenburg's airball and dunked it as time expired to defeat Houston 54–52. In the most improbable match-ups, NC State won its last 10 games of the season, including the ACC Tournament Championship to become eligible for the NCAA Tournament. NC State also had the most regular season losses (10) of any previous NCAA Champion.[1][2]
  • In the 1992 NCAA Tournament, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' legendary coach Bobby Cremins led an inexperienced Tech team to the Sweet 16, thanks in no small part to James Forrest's buzzer-beating game-winning 3-pointer in the second round against USC (to which CBS commentator Al McGuire famously shouted, "Holy mackerel! Holy mackerel! Holy mackerel!"). With eight tenths of a second left, Forrest received a half-court inbounds pass, rotated 180 degrees and hit a three-pointer at the buzzer for the win.
  • In the 1992 East Regional Final, with 2.1 seconds left and down 103–102 in overtime, Duke forward Christian Laettner caught a full court inbounds pass from Grant Hill, turned and hit a 17-footer (5 m) at the buzzer to give the Duke Blue Devils a 104–103 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. The lead changed hands five times in the last 31.5 seconds of overtime.[3]
  • On January 5, 2004, the Texas Longhorns' forward P. J. Tucker hit a buzzer beater in a game against Providence College to win 79–77 in OT. After extensive looks at instant replay, it was clear that the ball was in his hand when the game clock hit 00.0, but out before the red backboard light came on; by rule, the game ends when the backboard lights up, so the basket counted and Texas won the game.[4]
  • On January 31, 2005, Guilford College was tied at 88 with Randolph-Macon College. Randolph-Macon was shooting 2 free throws with 6 tenths of a second left. After making the first to take an 89–88 lead, the second shot missed. Guilford player Jordan Snipes grabbed the rebound under the basket and threw the ball towards the other goal. The shot went in, giving Guilford a 91–89 victory. Snipes duplicated the feat several days later on air with the local news network WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina.[5][6]
  • In the 2006 NCAA Tournament First Round, #14 seed Northwestern State (LA) stunned the #3 seed Iowa Hawkeyes 64–63 with a last-second three-pointer "off the heels" in the far corner by Jermaine Wallace. Northwestern State had come back from 17 points down with 8 minutes to play.
  • In a 2010 NCAA regular season game against Georgia Tech, the Maryland Terrapins, in essence, made two buzzer beaters (with only the second one counting). First, with 3 seconds on the clock, Greivis Vasquez made a half-court shot on the run to beat what would have been the buzzer. However, Maryland coach Keith Booth had called timeout with 1.5 seconds left, before Vasquez had released the ball. Following the timeout on the ensuing inbounds pass, the Terps got the ball to Cliff Tucker, who made a three-pointer at the buzzer to win the game 76–74.[7]
  • On February 7, 2013, in an NCAA regular season game, Tyler Griffey made an uncontested buzzer-beating layup off an inbounds pass with 9 tenths of a second left to lead the Illinois Fighting Illini to a 74–72 upset home win over #1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers.[8]
  • On March 18, 2016, during the first round of the 2016 NCAA tournament, Paul Jesperson of Northern Iowa made a buzzer beater from half court to win the game for the 11th seeded Panthers 75–72, and upset the 6th seeded Texas Longhorns.[9]
  • On March 20, 2016, during the second round of the 2016 NCAA tournament, with 2.6 seconds left and the game tied at 63, Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig made a 3-point buzzer beater after receiving an inbound pass from Ethan Happ. This resulted in the 7th seeded Wisconsin upsetting the 2nd seeded Xavier.[10]
  • On April 4, 2016, Villanova's Kris Jenkins hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat North Carolina to win the 2016 NCAA tournament, 77–74.
  • On March 24, 2017, Chris Chiozza hit a running three-pointer at the buzzer to help Florida defeat Wisconsin 84–83 in overtime during the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.
  • On April 3, 2021, Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat UCLA to win the NCAA Tournament Final Four, 93–90. Gonzaga would go on to the championship, but lost to Baylor 86–70.
  • On April 1, 2023, SDSU's Lamont Butler hit a jumper at the buzzer to defeat FAU to win the NCAA Tournament Final Four, 72-71.

NBA

[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, see List of longest NBA field goals.

Regular season

[edit]

Playoffs

[edit]
  • In Game 1 of the 1950 NBA Finals, Bob Harrison hit a 40-foot (12 m) buzzer-beater to win the game for the Lakers, 68–66.[29]
  • In Game 6 of the 1956 NBA Finals, Cliff Hagan makes a shot to force a Game 7 as the Hawks beat the Celtics.[30]
  • In Game 3 of the 1962 NBA Finals, Jerry West steals the ball and makes a layup as the time expired to give the Lakers a 2–1 series lead over the Celtics.[31]
  • In Game 4 of the 1969 NBA Finals, Sam Jones hit an off-balance 18-footer (5.5 m) as time expired to lift the Celtics to a series-tying 89–88 win over the Lakers.[32]
  • In Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals, with the Lakers trailing the Knicks 102–100. Jerry West sank a desperation buzzer-beating 60-foot (18 m) shot to tie the game. Since the three-point field goal was not adopted until the 1979–80 NBA season, it only tied the game. The Lakers lost 111–108 in OT.[33]
  • In Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals, Gar Heard hit a buzzer beater against the Boston Celtics to tie the game at 112 and force a third overtime. This was one of the many high points of the game, which the Celtics won, 128–126. Heard's shot is one of the many reasons the NBA refers to Game 5 as "The Greatest Game Ever Played".[34]
  • In Game 1 of the 1986 Eastern Conference First Round, Dudley Bradley banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the game 95–94 for the Bullets after the 76ers led 94–77 with 3 minutes left.
  • In Game 3 of the 1986 Western Conference Semifinals, Derek Harper hit a long 3 with 3 seconds left to beat the Lakers, 110–108.
  • In Game 5 of the 1986 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets and Lakers were tied at 112 with 1 second left and the ball at half-court. Ralph Sampson hit a turn-around shot at the buzzer to win the series for Houston.
  • In Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round, Michael Jordan took the inbounds pass with 3 seconds left, sprinted to the free throw line and hit The Shot over Craig Ehlo at the buzzer to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 101–100.[35]
  • In Game 4 of the 1993 Eastern Conference First Round, with Charlotte down 103–102 with 3.3 seconds left, Alonzo Mourning took the inbounds pass and hit a 20-footer (6 m) with 4 tenths left.
  • In Game 4 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals, "The Shot II". With the score tied at 101, Michael Jordan made an 18-foot fade-away over Gerald Wilkins at the buzzer to give the Bulls a 103–101 victory and sweep Cleveland.
  • In Game 3 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals with 1.8 seconds left and the Bulls down 2–0 in the series, Toni Kukoč sank a 23-ft (7 m) fadeaway at the buzzer to give Chicago a 104–102 victory over New York.
  • In Game 5 of the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals, Nick Van Exel hit a 3 with 5 tenths of a second left in OT to give the Lakers a 98–96 win over the Spurs. He had also hit a 3 with 10.2 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 88 and force overtime.
  • In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds to erase a 6-point deficit and beat New York, 107–105.
  • In Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana's Rik Smits faked a shot over Tree Rollins, then hit a 10-footer (3 m) at the buzzer to beat Orlando 94–93. The lead changed hands four times in the last 13.3 seconds.
  • In Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals, Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon tipped in a missed layup by Clyde Drexler with 3 tenths of a second left in OT to beat the Magic 120–118.
  • In Game 4 of the 1997 Western Conference First Round, the Suns' Rex Chapman caught an overthrown Jason Kidd pass and made a falling-out-of-bounds 3 with 1.9 seconds left to tie it at 107. The Suns still lost 122–115 in OT.
  • In Game 4 of the 1997 Western Conference Finals, Houston's Eddie Johnson hit a buzzer-beating 3 to beat Utah 95–92.
  • In Game 6 of the 1997 Western Conference Finals, John Stockton hit a 3 at the buzzer, lifting Utah over Houston 103–100 to win the series 4–2.[36]
  • In Game 1 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan hit a jumper over Bryon Russell at the buzzer to give Chicago an 84–82 victory.
  • In Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana was trailing Chicago 94–93 with 2.9 seconds left. Derrick McKey inbounded to Reggie Miller, who hit the game-winning 3 with 7 tenths left. They still lost the Series. The Bulls went on to win the NBA Championship against the Utah Jazz.
  • In Game 4 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals, the Lakers were trailing the Kings 99–97 with 11.8 seconds left. The Lakers were trailing 2–1 in the series and faced Game 5 in Sacramento. After Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal missed consecutive layups, Vlade Divac swatted the ball away in a vain attempt to run out the clock. However, it went right to Robert Horry, who caught the ball and hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 100–99 victory.
  • In Game 1 of the 2003 Western Conference First Round, Stephon Marbury of the Phoenix Suns scored a buzzer beater and had a 96-95 victory against the San Antonio Spurs.
  • In Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals, Tim Duncan made a fade-away 18-footer (5.5 m) over Shaquille O'Neal to give the Spurs a 73–72 lead with 4 tenths of a second left, but Derek Fisher hit a 20-footer (6 m) at the buzzer to win the game for the Lakers 74–73.
  • In Game 5 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Semifinals, with the series tied at 2, the Detroit Pistons were down 88–85 to the Nets with no timeouts. Chauncey Billups banked in a 3 from half-court at the buzzer to tie the game at 88. Detroit lost in 3OT, but won the series in 7 and proceeded to defeat the Lakers 4–1 in the NBA Finals.
  • In Game 4 of the 2006 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant made a buzzer beater to defeat Phoenix 99–98 and give the Lakers a 3–1 series lead. The Phoenix Suns, however, won the series in seven games and are the 8th team to overcome a 3–1 series deficit.
  • In Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James took the inbounds pass and hit a 3 at the buzzer to give the Cavaliers a 96–95 victory over the Orlando Magic. This buzzer beater caused the Cavs to tie the series against the Orlando Magic.
  • In Game 5 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals, after Kobe Bryant air-balled a 3, Ron Artest hit the put-back at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 103–101 win over the Phoenix Suns to give the Lakers a 3–2 series lead. The Lakers won the series 4–2 and went on to win their 2nd straight title.
  • In Game 1 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals, with the Heat down 102–101 in overtime against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James made a driving lay-up as time expired in OT to give the Heat a 103–102 win over the Pacers.
  • In Game 3 of the 2014 Western Conference First Round, Vince Carter hit a 3 from the left corner at the buzzer, giving the Mavericks a 109–108 victory and a 2–1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. However, Dallas would lose in 7 games to the eventual NBA champion Spurs.
  • In Game 6 of the 2014 Western Conference First Round, with the Portland Trail Blazers down 98–96 with 9 tenths left, Damian Lillard hit a buzzer beating 3 off the inbounds pass to beat the Houston Rockets 99–98 and win the series 4–2.
  • In Game 3 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Derrick Rose banked in a 3 at the buzzer to give the Chicago Bulls a 99–96 win against the Cavaliers and take a 2–1 series lead.
  • In Game 4 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Semifinals, LeBron James hit a corner 2 at the buzzer to give the Cavaliers an 86–84 win against the Bulls and tie the series at two, while Cavaliers coach David Blatt was being held back from trying to call a timeout. Cleveland had none at the time, and the technical foul would have given Chicago a free throw and possession.
  • In Game 3 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Paul Pierce banked in a step-back 21-footer (6.5 m) at the buzzer to give the Washington Wizards a 103–101 win against the Atlanta Hawks and take a 2–1 series lead.
  • In Game 1 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to tie it at 90. Toronto eventually lost to the Heat 102–96 in OT.
  • In Game 5 of the 2018 Eastern Conference First Round, LeBron James hit a game winner at the buzzer to give the Cavaliers a 98–95 win against the Pacers and take a 3–2 series lead.[37]
  • In Game 3 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Semifinals, LeBron James hit a floater at the buzzer to defeat the Raptors 105–103 and take a 3–0 series lead.[38]
  • In Game 5 of the 2019 Western Conference First Round, Damian Lillard hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer from 36 feet and Paul George's outstretched arm to beat the Thunder 118–115 and win the series 4–1.[39]
  • In Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Kawhi Leonard's last-second shot bounced off the rim four times before falling to give the Raptors a 92–90 victory over the 76ers to advance to the Eastern Conference finals; the Toronto Raptors then went on to win the 2019 NBA Finals.
  • In Game 4 of the 2020 Western Conference First Round, Luka Dončić hit a 28-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Mavericks, 135–133 over the Clippers.
  • In Game 2 of the 2020 Western Conference Finals, with the Lakers trailing 103–102 to the Nuggets, Anthony Davis hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds to win the game, 105–103, and give the Lakers a 2–0 series lead.
  • In Game 2 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals, with the Suns trailing 103–102, Deandre Ayton puts up 24 points, alongside a buzzer-beating, game-winning alley-oop dunk, and 14 rebounds, to beat the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • In Game 1 of the 2022 Eastern Conference First Round, the Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115–114 with Jayson Tatum's buzzer-beating layup.
  • In Game 6 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, with Celtics trailing 103-102 and 3 seconds remaining, Derrick White inbounded to Marcus Smart, whose three-point shot with 2 seconds to go bounced off the basket, but then, with 0.1 seconds remaining, White grabbed the rebound and tipped the ball in to give Celtics the 104-103 win and force the deciding Game 7 against the Miami Heat.[40]
  • In Game 2 of the 2024 Western Conference First Round, Jamal Murray hit a buzzer-beating jumper over Anthony Davis, completing the Nuggets' 20-point comeback over the Lakers and giving his team a 2–0 series lead. Murray would later score another game winner in Game 5 to eliminate the Lakers for good, making him the only player to score two game winners in the same playoff series.
  • In Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference First Round, Aaron Gordon pulled-off a buzzer beating slam dunk, with assist by Nikola Jokić to lead Denver Nuggets to a 101–99 win over Los Angeles Clippers, and tie the series at 2. This was the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk in NBA playoffs history.[41]
  • In Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton hit a buzzer beater from the three-point line at the end of the 4th quarter for the Indiana Pacers against the New York Knicks. The ball hit the back of the rim, bounced high up in the air, and then fell through the hoop to tie the game at 125–125. The shot was initially thought to be a game-winning three-pointer, but replay showed that Haliburton's right foot was on the line, making the shot game-tying instead of game-winning. The Pacers went on to win the game in overtime. This was one of Haliburton's four game winners in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Olympics and Europe

[edit]
  • In the 1972 Olympic Finals, Alexander Belov of the Soviet Union scored a last-second basket after catching a full-court desperation launch by a teammate. As time expired, Belov hit a layup that won the game 51–50 against the U.S. team.[42]
  • In the second round of the 1997 Eurobasket, in a high-strung game between FR Yugoslavia and Croatia (the first one after the breakup of SFR Yugoslavia and the ensuing Yugoslav wars), Aleksandar Đorđević won the game for Yugoslavia 64–62 with a coast-to-coast three-pointer. The same player won the 1992 Euroleague title for Partizan Belgrade in strikingly similar fashion (albeit with 2 seconds left on the clock).
  • (Euroleague) On April 7, 2004, Maccabi Tel Aviv was trailing Žalgiris at home, on the decisive round-robin match to determine which team advances to the Final Four tournament, held later that month on Maccabi's home court in Tel Aviv. Maccabi's failure to advance would mean utter disaster, as team officials battled all season long against Euroleague attempts to relocate the tournament due to ensuing Al-Aqsa Intifada and similar UEFA ban on football (soccer) matches hosted in Israel. With 2 seconds remaining and Maccabi trailing by 3, Derrick Sharp caught a long pass from Gur Shelef, turned to the basket and fired a game-tying fade-away three-pointer, forcing overtime. Maccabi won that game, advanced to the Final Four and became Euroleague Champion, winning the final game against Skipper Bologna by the all-time record score of 118–74.[43]
  • On August 15, 2004, in the preliminary round at the 2004 Summer Olympics, after a run of Alejandro Montecchia, Manu Ginóbili received the ball trailing 82–81 against Serbia and Montenegro with 7 tenths of a second left. He made the shot while falling sideways after it hit the board. Argentina then would win the gold medal.
  • In an exhibition match between the US and Germany during the run-up to the 2004 Summer Olympics, a less than stellar Team USA was saved by Allen Iverson (then of the Philadelphia 76ers), who hit a half-court shot to keep the game from going into overtime.
  • On April 25, 2010, in the title game of the 2009–10 ABA League, Partizan Belgrade topped Cibona Zagreb in overtime in Arena Zagreb, thanks to an off-the-glass three-pointer by Dušan Kecman from half-court at the buzzer, bringing the celebration of Cibona players and staff (who already invaded the floor as Bojan Bogdanović hit a corner three-pointer for Cibona with just 6 tenths left on the clock) to an abrupt end. Partizan thus won its fourth consecutive Adriatic League title. The final score was 75–74.[44]
  • On January 24, 2014, in a Top 16 Euroleague game between Anadolu Efes and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Efes was trailing by two points when Keith Langford from Milan had another free throw attempt (after hitting the first one) with three seconds left on the game clock. He then probably missed the second free throw on purpose so that Anadolu Efes cannot take another timeout. Zoran Planinić from Anadolu Efes then grabbed the rebound, took one dribble and threw the ball from within their own three point line to the basket of Milan. He made it and no time remained on the game clock; the final score was 61–60.[45]
  • On April 25, 2014, in the semifinal game of the 2013–14 ABA League Final Four, between Partizan Belgrade and Cedevita Zagreb, Cedevita was trailing with 1 point and possession less. Milenko Tepić of Partizan missed the three-point shot with 6 seconds left, Nolan Smith of Cedevita grabbed the ball, ran to the other side of the court with his defenders not guarding him, and hit a running three-point buzzer beater from 30 feet (9 m). The final score was 81–79. The significance of that shot is even more than just a victory, if it is known that it secured a direct spot in the 2014–15 Euroleague season for Cedevita, while leaving Partizan out of the Euroleague for the first time after 14 years, and the first time since ULEB takeover of the competition in 2000.[46][47]
  • On September 16, 2018, Greece national basketball team qualified to the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup after a thrilling win with a buzzer beater made by Kostas Papanikolaou after a Nick Calathes assist in Tbilisi over Georgia 86–85.[48]

Asia

[edit]

PBA

[edit]

MPBL

[edit]
  • In the winner-take-all championship game of the 2021 MPBL Invitational, Philip Manalang of the Basilan Jumbo Plastic, hits the championship-winning 3-point shot at the buzzer against the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards to win the 2 million peso prize with the score of 83–80 in overtime.[51]

In other sports

[edit]

The term is sometimes applied to analogous achievements in other sports.

Ice hockey

[edit]

In ice hockey, a buzzer beater is a goal that is scored just before the clock expires in a period. Unlike in basketball, the puck must completely cross the goal line with 0.1 seconds or more remaining on the clock in order for the goal to count; if the period expires (the exact moment when the green goal light comes on at 0.0 seconds) before the puck completely crosses the goal line, the goal is disallowed.

Football

[edit]
Further information: Hail Mary pass
See also: Icing the kicker

In Australian rules football there are kicks after the siren, where a mark or free kick awarded just before the end of a quarter may be kicked as the final action of that period. In Gaelic football play is extended to allow for the kick of a free kick or puck awarded prior to the end of a half.[52]

In gridiron football, a touchdown after time expires or a field goal (or, much more rarely, a successful fair catch kick in American football or an open-field single point in Canadian) kicked as time expires can be described as a "buzzer beater," though no actual buzzers are used in that sport. More generally, in all codes, if a play (whether or not involving a kick) is in progress at the time the clock expires, play continues until the ball is dead. (In American football, the snap on the buzzer-beating play must take place before the clock expired, except if the defense commits a foul on the last play, in which case an untimed down is added. In Canadian football, a play can and must be executed even if the clock expires after the previous play but before the snap.) Several important games have been decided on the outcome of buzzer beaters, such as Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII, both of which were decided on successful kicks by Adam Vinatieri; in contrast, Scott Norwood's infamous missed kick in Super Bowl XXV decided that game in favor of the opposing New York Giants. A related concept in football is the Hail Mary pass.

In rugby union the game does not end until the ball goes dead after time has expired – therefore if a side trailing by less than one score can maintain possession and keep the ball in play they have a chance of victory. A rule change in 2017[53] amended the rules so that if a penalty is awarded the ball can be kicked out and a line-out taken, even if time has elapsed. The rules in rugby league also allow for play after time has elapsed; however, a tackle will also end the game, meaning that significant extensions are less likely.

Lacrosse

[edit]

Starting with the 2018 season, the National Federation of State High School Associations rules for high school boys' field lacrosse in the United States allow for buzzer-beaters.[54] A goal counts if the shot was released before the official's whistle signaling the end of play for any period of the game, even if it goes in after having previously contacted part of the goal or a defensive player (post-whistle shots that contact an offensive player in any way before entering the goal, however, do not count). The opposing team may request a stick check after buzzer-beaters, unless it comes at the end of the game and does not result in overtime, since the rules consider the game over at that point.[55]

US Lacrosse similarly changed the youth rules the same season to allow buzzer-beaters.[56] However, the National Collegiate Athletic Association rules for men's lacrosse still require that any shot enter the goal before the whistle to score.[57]

Handball

[edit]

Similar to in ice hockey, goals in regular handball gameplay only count if they cross the goal line before time runs out. The exception is if a free throw or a seven-metre throw is called while the clock runs out. Should a goal be scored in such a scenario, and the shooting player has kept one of their legs (Can be either one, but they cannot switch the leg partway through) on the ground during the shot,[58] the goal counts.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Buzzer beater

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A buzzer beater is a in successfully made just as the game clock expires to end a period or the full contest, typically resulting in a win or tie for the scoring team and leaving no time remaining for the opponent to respond. The term derives from the audible or horn that signals the conclusion of playing time in games, emphasizing the precision required for the shot to count under official rules. These dramatic plays have been integral to the sport since its professional inception, with the first recorded buzzer beater in NBA history occurring on April 8, 1950, during Game 1 of the , when Bob Harrison of the Lakers sank a 40-foot jump shot at the to secure a 68-66 victory over the Syracuse Nationals. Buzzer beaters epitomize the high-stakes excitement of , often immortalizing players and altering playoff outcomes, as seen in iconic moments like Michael Jordan's series-clinching jumper over in the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round or Kawhi Leonard's bounce-rim Game 7 winner in the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Legends such as Jordan lead all players with nine career game-winning buzzer beaters, followed by , Joe Johnson, and with eight each (as of October 2025), many of which came in postseason elimination scenarios. Across NBA and BAA history, more than 850 such shots have been documented (as of 2025), underscoring their rarity and impact despite advancements in rules and game pacing. Though the phrase "buzzer beater" is predominantly linked to due to its timed quarters and halves, analogous last-second heroics appear in other clock-driven sports like and soccer, where they similarly captivate audiences but lack the exact terminology. In , these moments not only define individual legacies but also fuel the sport's cultural lore, inspiring highlights like the NBA's Buzzer Beaters series.

Definition and Context

Definition

A buzzer beater refers to a shot in that is successfully made just as, or immediately before, the game clock expires at the end of a period or the full game, often resulting in a or tie for the scoring team. This term is most commonly associated with , where the shot must be released before the buzzer sounds but can enter the basket after the clock hits zero for it to count. The phrase "buzzer beater" originates from the audible signal of the or horn that marks the end of playing time in timed , with the first known use of the term dating to 1965. It evokes the precise timing required for the to be in flight or arc as the sound erupts, heightening the play's suspense. Buzzer beaters can be categorized into game-winning varieties, which secure a by altering the final score in favor of the shooter's team, and non-game-winning ones, such as those that tie the game or simply score points in a losing effort without changing the outcome. Game-winning buzzer beaters are particularly celebrated for their impact, while tying shots extend play into . These moments are defined by intense dramatic tension, combining the sharp auditory cue of the with the visual spectacle of the ball's hanging in the air, often from long distances, as spectators and players await the outcome amid collective anticipation. The term extends briefly to other timed like and , where similar last-second goals or plays occur.

Rules and Timing

In basketball, a buzzer beater is governed by precise timing rules that determine whether a shot counts based on its release relative to the game clock's expiration. The ball must leave the shooter's hand before the clock reaches 0:00 for the shot to be valid, with the period ending when the clock displays 0:00 and the ball is dead, even if the audible horn has not yet sounded. If the shot is in flight at the moment the clock expires, it remains live and counts if successful, provided it is not touched by an offensive player after the signal. The game clock operates in tenths of a second during the final minute of each period, stopping on the official's , after successful field goals in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or , or upon other interruptions like violations or timeouts. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) exhibit key differences in clock mechanics and verification processes. In the NBA, the clock stops after every successful field goal in the final minute of the first three quarters and the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, allowing for more precise end-of-period management. As of the 2025-26 season, the NBA introduced a 'heave rule' excluding missed long-range end-of-period shots from field goal percentage calculations to promote more such attempts. FIBA rules, however, keep the clock running after made baskets throughout periods except in specific cases like the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, where it stops similarly to the NBA. Both leagues require the ball to be released before the buzzer, but FIBA mandates a minimum display of 0.1 seconds on the clock for any play near the end, prohibiting shots from 0.0 unless it is a tap or dunk where the player's hands are off the ball by expiration. Instant replay is integral to both: the NBA uses it to verify shot release timing for any field goal at 0:00, including whether the ball left the hand before expiration and to correct clock malfunctions. FIBA's Instant Replay System (IRS) similarly reviews end-of-quarter shots to confirm release before the signal and can adjust for shot clock violations or fouls in the final two minutes. Compared to professional rules, the (NCAA) introduces variations in clock stopping and replay scope. NCAA rules stop the clock after successful field goals only when 59.9 seconds or less remain in the second half or any period, unlike the NBA's broader application in the of the first three and the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or . For buzzer beaters, the NCAA limits scoring with 0.3 seconds or less to taps of passes or missed free throws, and replay is mandatory to review release timing at 0:00, including the shooter's foot position relative to the out-of-bounds line. The 0.0 display in NCAA play, illuminated by red lights behind the backboard, definitively ends the period unless replay evidence shows an earlier release. Rulings on buzzer beaters often spark controversies, particularly involving foot placement or illegal motion, which can lead to shots being disallowed even if timed correctly. A shot may be waved off if the shooter violates traveling rules by moving the pivot foot before release, such as lifting and replacing it without dribbling, as this constitutes an illegal action rendering the attempt invalid regardless of timing. Similarly, illegal dribbles—like carrying the ball or double-dribbling—near the buzzer can nullify the play if detected on review. Instant replay has overturned such calls in multiple instances; for example, in FIBA-governed games, IRS reviews have voided apparent buzzer beaters when footage revealed the shooter's pivot foot slid after pickup, confirming a traveling violation before release. In the NBA, replay has similarly reversed initial counts, such as disallowing a shot after verifying an illegal motion like palming the ball during the attempt at 0:00. NCAA reviews have led to overturned buzzer beaters due to foot placement out-of-bounds, ensuring the shooter's last contact with the floor was inbounds before the clock expired. These mechanisms prioritize accuracy, though they can extend games by seconds during high-stakes moments.

Historical Development

Origins in Sports

The concept of buzzer beaters traces its roots to the late 19th century in timed sports, where end-of-game heroics often decided outcomes despite the absence of modern audible signaling devices. In baseball, walk-off hits—decisive plays in the bottom of the ninth inning—emerged as a staple of the sport's structure following the establishment of nine-inning games in the National Association rules of 1871, allowing home teams to rally for victory on their final at-bat without overtime. Similarly, in soccer, the establishment of 90-minute matches by the late 19th century under the Football Association's laws created opportunities for last-gasp goals, with added time formalized in 1891 following an incident in a Stoke vs. Aston Villa match, as seen in early FA Cup finals where trailing teams mounted dramatic equalizers or winners in the closing minutes. These moments highlighted the tension of fixed-duration contests, predating mechanical timers but establishing the dramatic potential of final-second actions. A key cultural precursor appeared in , where bells were introduced to signal the end of rounds, fostering high-stakes finishes just before the chime. The , drafted in 1867 and first used in a major bout in 1872, formalized three-minute rounds separated by one-minute intervals, with a bell or marking the cessation of action to protect downed fighters. This innovation, replacing chaotic bare-knuckle marathons, allowed boxers to attempt comebacks in the dying seconds of a round, influencing the narrative of clutch performances in timed combat sports. The early brought technological advancements in timing devices, enabling precise end-of-period signals across American sports. Electric clocks and buzzers began appearing in arenas around 1908, starting with George A. Baird's electric scoreboard in , which displayed balls, strikes, and game time to spectators. By the , similar systems were adopted in and , where mechanical buzzers or horns alerted players to the expiration of periods, transforming subjective timekeeping into audible, instantaneous cues that amplified last-second drama. Documented buzzer-like moments proliferated in the as these devices became standard. In , last-second field goals and rushes decided several early contests, such as the 1905 Army-Navy game where a late drive nearly altered the scoreline amid emerging clock regulations. In , the National Hockey League's inaugural seasons featured thrilling conclusions, exemplified by Carson Cooper's tying goal for the against the on January 19, 1926, scored at 19:59 of the third period—just one second before the buzzer, resulting in a 3-3 tie. These instances underscored the buzzer's role in heightening suspense, paving the way for its adoption in by the .

Evolution in Basketball

Buzzer beaters emerged as a dramatic element in during , coinciding with the adoption of standardized clocks in competitions, which enabled precise timing of last-second shots to decide outcomes. One of the earliest noted examples occurred in play around this time, laying the groundwork for such moments in . Prior to widespread clock use, games lacked the tension of expiring time, but as formalized rules through the NCAA—beginning with its first tournament in —end-of-period heroics became possible and celebrated in amateur play. This early integration in collegiate settings laid the foundation for buzzer beaters as a hallmark of the sport's excitement. The NBA's introduction of the 24-second shot clock in 1954 revolutionized gameplay by curbing stalling tactics and accelerating the pace, which inadvertently fostered more high-stakes end-game scenarios conducive to buzzer beaters. Before the shot clock, NBA games averaged under 80 points with prolonged possessions, limiting desperate final shots; post-1954, scoring rose sharply to over 100 points per game, creating opportunities for clutch moments as teams pushed for quick resolutions. Further rule changes amplified this: the three-point line's debut in the 1979-80 season allowed for three-point swings in the closing seconds, heightening the potential drama and frequency of successful buzzer beaters. In 2002, the league implemented instant replay specifically for reviewing buzzer-beater timing, ensuring accuracy in close calls and preserving the integrity of these pivotal plays. Television coverage in the propelled buzzer beaters into cultural icons, as broadcasters like and highlighted rivalries between , , and emerging star , drawing record audiences to dramatic finishes. The 1979 NCAA Championship game's 24.1 Nielsen rating—still the highest for any basketball telecast—underscored how live TV amplified these moments, transforming isolated heroics into shared national spectacles that boosted the NBA's popularity. In the , statistical trends reflect this evolution: data shows 112 game-winning buzzer beaters (shots made with 0:00 remaining) in the alone, compared to far fewer in prior decades, driven by increased pace—from 91 possessions per game in the to over 99 today—and that promote aggressive, high-volume end-game shooting.

Notable Buzzer Beaters in Basketball

College Basketball (NCAA)

Buzzer beaters have been a defining element of NCAA , particularly in the single-elimination format of the March Madness tournament, where high-stakes pressure amplifies their drama and frequency. Since the tournament's inception, there have been 134 game-winning buzzer beaters in men's NCAA history, many occurring in pivotal tournament games that propel teams to deeper runs or championships. This format, unlike regular-season play, leaves no room for error, turning last-second shots into legendary moments that capture the amateur essence of college hoops. One of the most iconic stories came in the 1983 game, when No. 6 seed NC State, coached by , stunned No. 1 seed 54-52 on a buzzer-beating dunk by forward Lorenzo . With one second left and the score tied at 52, guard Dereck launched a desperation airball from half-court, which Charles caught and slammed home as time expired, securing NC State's first and only NCAA title in the Valvano era and cementing their run from a 17-10 regular-season record. In the 1992 , Duke's delivered a that profoundly shaped lore, turning a 103-102 deficit against into a 104-103 victory with 2.1 seconds remaining. After a full-court inbounds pass from , Laettner caught the ball at the top of the key, faked left, and drained a jumper at the buzzer, advancing No. 1 seed Duke to the and paving the way for their second consecutive . This moment not only elevated Laettner's legacy as one of the greatest players but also symbolized Duke's dynasty under coach , inspiring generations of fans and players with its clutch precision under tournament pressure. The 2016 exemplified buzzer beaters' tournament-defining impact when Villanova forward hit a corner three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat 77-74, clinching the Wildcats' second title and their first since 1985. Trailing by two with 4.7 seconds left, Villanova's inbounded to Jenkins, who caught and fired from 25 feet as the clock hit zero, capping a perfect 35-0 season for the No. 2 seed and creating one of March Madness' most replayed finishes. Recent years have continued this tradition with underdog narratives, such as in the 2023 Final Four, where No. 13 seed San Diego State, the tournament's lowest seed to reach that stage since 1986, advanced to the title game via guard Lamont Butler's midrange buzzer-beater jumper that edged Florida Atlantic 72-71. Though SDSU fell to UConn in the final, Butler's shot highlighted the Aztecs' improbable run from a first-round bid to national prominence. In 2025, mirrored this drama in the round of 32, upsetting Colorado State 72-71 on center Derik Queen's banked-in fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, a clutch play that propelled the No. 4 seed deeper into the bracket and underscored ongoing underdog magic in the single-elimination structure.

NBA

In the NBA, buzzer beaters have defined countless moments, particularly in high-stakes regular season games that influence playoff positioning and team narratives. One of the most memorable regular season examples occurred on December 9, 2004, when of the scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds to secure an 81-80 victory over the . McGrady, who finished with 33 points overall, achieved this feat through a series of steals, , and free throws, including a game-winning with 2.9 seconds remaining, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter against the defending champions. Similarly, delivered a dramatic regular season buzzer beater on April 14, 2004, against the , hitting a 3-pointer with one second left to clinch a 105-104 win and secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference; Bryant scored 37 points in the game, showcasing his clutch scoring amid a season where he averaged 24.0 points despite legal challenges. Iconic players have elevated the buzzer beater to legendary status in NBA history, with leading all-time with nine career game-winning shots at the buzzer, spanning both regular season and playoffs. Jordan's most famous came in the playoffs on May 7, 1989, a 19-foot jumper over guard in Game 5 of the first round, securing a 101-100 series-clinching win for the after trailing 3-2; he scored 44 points in that contest. Other notable Jordan efforts include a regular-season winner on April 3, 1988, against the New Jersey Nets and a playoff shot on May 7, 1997, versus the Washington Bullets. ranks second with eight career buzzer beaters, including five in the playoffs, such as his on May 5, 2018, against the in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, giving the a 105-103 victory after a review confirmed the shot beat the buzzer; James had 38 points in the game. Additional James playoff examples include a 3-pointer versus the on April 25, 2018 (Game 5 first round), and a against the on May 10, 2015 (Game 4 semifinals). In the regular season, James added a tip-in winner against the on March 26, 2025, for a 120-119 Lakers triumph. The NBA's adoption of instant replay technology since 1997 has significantly influenced buzzer beater rulings, allowing officials to verify shot timing and clock accuracy in close calls to ensure fairness. A prominent example from 2018 involved the and during their regular-season matchup on February 6, 2018, where a potential game-tying shot by the Thunder was reviewed and overturned due to clock malfunction concerns, preserving a 125-123 Warriors win; this highlighted replay's role in preventing erroneous outcomes amid the league's emphasis on precision in end-game situations. Replay reviews have become routine for shots within the final two seconds, with the NBA Last Two Minute Report often confirming or adjusting calls post-game. Post-2020, buzzer beaters have continued to punctuate high-impact games, blending regular-season drama with playoff intensity. In the 2024 playoffs, Jamal Murray's mid-range jumper on April 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the first round gave the Denver Nuggets a 101-99 victory, extending their series lead to 2-0 and underscoring Murray's playoff clutch prowess after averaging 22.8 points that postseason. Another standout was Luka Dončić's step-back 3-pointer on May 3, 2024, versus the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 semifinals, securing a 123-121 Dallas Mavericks win and advancing them to the conference finals; Dončić tallied 35 points. In high-stakes regular-season ties, Aaron Gordon's dunk on April 26, 2025, against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of the playoffs clinched a 101-99 Nuggets victory, helping maintain their Western Conference contention amid a tight playoff race. These moments reflect the enduring thrill of buzzer beaters in the modern NBA, where player skill and technology intersect to create defining professional legacies.

International Basketball

In international basketball, buzzer beaters have played pivotal roles in high-stakes competitions governed by FIBA rules, which mirror NBA shot-clock and game-clock mechanics but emphasize a 24-second possession timer and strict end-of-period timing verified by officials. These moments often highlight the global intensity of the sport, where diverse playing styles from Europe, Asia, and beyond converge in tournaments like the Olympics and FIBA World Cup. One of the most infamous buzzer beaters occurred in the 1972 Munich Olympics men's gold medal game, where the Soviet Union's Alexander Belov scored a game-winning layup with one second remaining after a controversial clock reset, securing a 51-50 victory over the United States and ending America's unbeaten Olympic streak; the U.S. team refused to accept silver medals in protest. Another iconic Olympic example came in 2004 at Athens, when Argentina's Manu Ginóbili drained a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer to defeat Serbia and Montenegro 83-82 in the quarterfinals, propelling Argentina to the gold medal match and showcasing South American flair on the world stage. In European club competitions, the exemplifies the drama of buzzer beaters amid fierce rivalries. During the 2018-19 on March 28, Anadolu Efes' hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat on the road, underscoring the league's reputation for clutch plays in intense, high-level club that draws top international talent. These instances reflect the 's emphasis on tactical depth and physicality, where such shots can shift playoff seeding or eliminate contenders. Asian leagues have produced equally memorable buzzer beaters, amplifying basketball's cultural significance in regions like the and . In the 2014 , Alaska Aces forward sank a game-winning at the buzzer to beat Talk 'N Text 100-98, capping his 25-point, 15-rebound performance and highlighting the PBA's passionate fanbase and fast-paced style. In 's CBA, the tied their 2025 playoff series against with a 104-103 buzzer-beater by Tyler Harvey in Game 2, demonstrating the league's growing competitiveness and reliance on international imports for dramatic finishes. At the FIBA World Cup, buzzer beaters underscore global diversity and national pride. In the 2006 edition, Greece's Vassilis Spanoulis nailed a 28-foot three-pointer at the buzzer to stun the 101-95 in the semifinals, propelling to the final and marking a landmark upset that celebrated European underdog spirit. Such moments illustrate how buzzer beaters and close contests foster international rivalries and cultural icons in the sport.

Buzzer Beaters in Other Sports

Ice Hockey

In ice hockey, a buzzer beater is a goal scored immediately before the buzzer signals the end of a period, adding intense drama to games in leagues like the National Hockey League (NHL) and international competitions under the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The goal is considered valid if the puck completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar prior to the official period-ending signal, such as the green light or siren, with the game clock serving as the definitive authority even if the sound device malfunctions. The rules governing these goals emphasize precise timing and review processes. In the NHL, video review conducted by the determines whether the puck entered the net before the period expired, often scrutinizing the final seconds for accuracy, including checks for off-side, , or interference that could disallow the ; teams must remain on their benches during such end-of-period reviews. The IIHF employs a comparable , where video goal judges verify the puck's crossing and timing, but with subtle differences, such as stricter rules in IIHF where an attacking player in the goal crease can disallow a regardless of interference, compared to the NHL's focus on actual impairment from contact, and no equivalent to the NHL's coach's challenge for off-side in all scenarios. Both frameworks round times in the final minute (when tenths are displayed) up to the nearest full second for official records, and goals are disallowed if scored via a distinct kicking motion, though unintentional deflections off the skate are permitted. Notable examples highlight the thrill of these moments in NHL playoffs. In Game 6 of the 2013 Western Conference Quarterfinals, Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Penner scored with 0.2 seconds remaining in the second period against the St. Louis Blues, giving his team a 2-1 lead that contributed to a 2-1 victory and series win in six games; the goal withstood video review for timing. Similarly, in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights benefited from close end-of-period scoring during their championship run. True buzzer beaters like Reilly Smith's 0.4-second game-winner in the 2025 playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers exemplify the format's potential for shootout avoidance if tied. If a game ends in a tie after regulation, both NHL and IIHF rules proceed to overtime, with playoffs extending to sudden-death periods until a goal decides the outcome, potentially leading to shootouts in regular-season NHL games but not in postseason play. Buzzer beaters are relatively rare in ice hockey, particularly in playoffs, owing to teams' emphasis on puck possession and defensive zone clears in the closing seconds to prevent such opportunities, which heightens their impact as game-changers that can force or secure victories. This scarcity amplifies the excitement in high-stakes settings, where a single well-timed can alter series trajectories, as seen in postseason contests where video reviews often extend the tension.

American Football

In , the concept of a buzzer beater adapts to the sport's structured play and precise , typically manifesting as passes—long, desperate throws into the end zone—or field goal attempts executed precisely as the game clock expires at 0:00, often in the final seconds of or . These plays thrive on the tension of the NFL's 15-minute quarters, where teams leverage timeouts and clock-stopping mechanics to set up a potential game-winner. Unlike basketball's continuous flow, football's downs system and referee spotting add layers of strategy, making these moments hinge on split-second execution under the league's timing protocols. Central to these scenarios are NFL rules governing end-of-half and end-of-game timing, including the , an automatic timeout that occurs when exactly two minutes remain on the game clock in each half, allowing to regroup without using one of their three timeouts per half. Within the final two minutes, the clock stops on incomplete passes, out-of-bounds runs, or when a team calls a timeout, but quarterbacks can also spike the ball—intentionally slamming it to the ground immediately after the snap—to halt the clock without incurring an penalty, provided it is done to conserve time and not as a delayed action. These mechanics enable offenses to preserve precious seconds for a final play, such as a 60-yard or a desperation pass, while defenses must contest without fouling to avoid extending the clock. Iconic NFL examples highlight this drama, such as the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game where, with 22 seconds left and trailing 7-6, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw's pass deflected off safety Jack Tatum's helmet, allowing fullback to catch the "" just before it hit the ground and run 42 yards for a as time expired, securing a 13-7 victory and the Steelers' first playoff win. Another controversial instance occurred in the , where a non-call on against receiver Tommylee Lewis on a third-and-10 play with 1:45 remaining prevented a potential first down or , allowing the to rally from a 23-20 deficit with a drive ending seconds later, followed by a 57-yard for a 26-23 win. In under NCAA rules, buzzer beater equivalents differ due to distinct timing structures, with four 15-minute quarters like the but no and a clock that stops after every first down (regardless of time remaining) while officials reset the chains, effectively giving offenses more opportunities to advance and set up late plays without the clock running. This can extend the effective , allowing for elaborate setups in the closing moments, as seen in the where Boise State, trailing 35-28 in against , executed a series of trick plays—including a hook-and-ladder reverse for a and a "" fake handoff for the —to force a second , then won 43-42 on a 4-yard run. These NCAA variances contrast with the 's faster-paced clock in non-two-minute situations, emphasizing strategic innovation over raw clock manipulation in college buzzer beaters.

Soccer and Other Team Sports

In soccer, often referred to as football outside , the concept of a beater translates to goals scored during added time, also known as stoppage time or injury time, which compensates for interruptions such as injuries, substitutions, or celebrations. Unlike basketball's audible , soccer employs a 's to signal the end of regulation or added time, with the ball considered in play until that moment, allowing for dramatic late strikes if the action begins before the . According to Law 7 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, the determines the duration of added time based on time lost, indicated by the fourth official, and this period can extend as necessary without a fixed maximum. A seminal example occurred in the , where Manchester United overturned a 1-0 deficit against Bayern Munich with two goals in stoppage time: equalized in the 91st minute, followed by Ole Gunnar Solskjær's winner in the 93rd, securing a 2-1 victory and completing the club's treble. More recently, in September 2025, Cal State San Bernardino's men's soccer team defeated 3-2 with a buzzer-beater from Jacob Ruiz in the final seconds, highlighting the tension of collegiate play under similar timing rules. These moments parallel basketball's buzzer beaters by capitalizing on the final whistle, though soccer's continuous flow without a amplifies unpredictability. In , buzzer beaters manifest as goals scored in the dying seconds of quarters or , governed by NCAA rules that divide men's games into four 15-minute quarters with a running clock that stops only for penalties or timeouts. Unlike soccer's open-ended added time, lacrosse incorporates an 80-second per possession since 2019, resetting under specific conditions like crossing midfield, which pressures offenses to attempt shots promptly and can lead to frantic last-second plays. A notable instance came in the 2024 NCAA tournament, where advanced to the quarterfinals with Jill Smith's goal as time expired against Notre Dame, securing a 15-14 victory. In professional leagues like the , similar dynamics apply, with the shot clock enforcing urgency in end-game scenarios. Handball features buzzer beaters through throws attempted before the final buzzer in 2x30-minute halves, where the (IHF) rules permit a if the leaves the thrower's hand prior to time expiring, even if it scores afterward, with the clock stopping for certain infractions but running continuously otherwise. The (EHF) aligns with IHF guidelines, emphasizing quick restarts to prevent time-wasting in the last 30 seconds, such as mandatory fast breaks after . At the 2016 Rio Olympics, France's delivered a iconic buzzer beater in the men's semi-final against , scoring from distance in the final second for a 29-28 win and advancing to the gold medal match. In , buzzer beaters equate to tries or conversions scored as the hooter sounds at the end of 40-minute halves, with laws allowing play to continue until the ball is dead if the move starts before time expires. A classic case is Jonah Lomu's try for against in the 2000 , crossing the line on the final play to secure a 39-35 victory before a record crowd. These instances across team sports underscore the shared thrill of end-game heroics, akin to basketball's timed finales.

References

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buzzer-beater
  2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/buzzer-beater
  3. https://www.complex.com/sports/a/doug-sibor/the-greatest-buzzer-beaters-in-nba-playoff-history
  4. https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/buzzer-beaters.html
  5. https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/nba/most-game-winners-in-nba-history-bm05/
  6. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/738125-top-50-craziest-buzzer-beaters-of-all-time
  7. https://www.onelook.com/?loc=olthes1&w=buzzer-beater
  8. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-5-scoring-and-timing/
  9. https://www.nba.com/news/nbas-heave-rule-will-allow-deep-end-of-quarter-shots-without-hurting-shooting-percentages
  10. https://assets.fiba.basketball/image/upload/documents-corporate-fiba-official-rules-2024-v10a.pdf
  11. https://official.nba.com/rule-no-13-instant-replay/
  12. https://assets.fiba.basketball/image/upload/documents-corporate-fiba-official-rules-2024-obri-v10a.pdf
  13. https://nbcsports.brightspotcdn.com/15/c2/e15320424538aa0c375182350c65/ncaa-2024-25-mens-rules.pdf
  14. https://sabr.org/latest/shieber-walk-off-firsts-in-baseball-history/
  15. https://www.footballhistory.org/rules.html
  16. https://www.britannica.com/sports/Marquess-of-Queensberry-rules
  17. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/24976/100-years-scoreboard-watching
  18. https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/football-without-a-game-clock
  19. https://records.nhl.com/records/skater-records/late-goals/latest-goals-regulation-period-nhl-history
  20. https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-mmr/1926/01/19/1925020058
  21. https://www.britannica.com/sports/history-of-basketball
  22. https://time.com/3542567/shot-clock-nba/
  23. https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2015/04/22/nba-shot-clock-history-basketball
  24. https://www.usab.com/news/2014/01/history-of-the-3-pointer
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/30/sports/pro-basketball-nba-will-use-replay-to-review-buzzer-shots.html
  26. https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nba-nbc-legendary-history
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1825782/2020/05/27/the-inside-stuff-how-ahmad-rashad-saved-by-the-bell-and-nbc-changed-the-nba/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWwsKv5DY50
  29. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/friv/ncaa-buzzer-beaters.html
  30. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2022-03-23/see-34-ncaa-tournament-buzzer-beaters-1977-2021
  31. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/boxscores/1992-03-28-duke.html
  32. https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400873651
  33. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401522200
  34. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401746046
  35. https://www.nba.com/watch/video/12-9-04-rockets-vs-spurs-t-mac-13-in-35
  36. https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/061720-kobe-buries-3s-to-beat-the-blazers-april-14-2004-retro-running-diary
  37. https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-career-playoff-buzzer-beaters
  38. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/americans-refuse-silver-as-ussr-steal-controversial-basketball-final
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYpe2gDjS8g
  40. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/alaska-calvin-abueva-talk-n-text-basketball-40th-season-philippine-cup-buzzer-beater-basketball
  41. http://english.news.cn/20250408/6f1559f638f847268d59e0a4fef08dfc/c.html
  42. https://www.nba.com/news/fiba-world-cup-argentina-tops-serbia
  43. https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2024-25Rules.pdf
  44. https://scoutingtherefs.com/2018/02/20953/rules-comparison-iihf-olympics-vs-nhl/
  45. https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-hail-mary-td-commanders-beat-bears-on-daniels-52-yard-td-pass-to-brown-at-buzzer
  46. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-rulebook/#rule4
  47. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-video-rulebook/intentional-grounding/
  48. https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/the-immaculate-reception-catch-of-a-lifetime/
  49. https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-crushed-after-controversial-no-call-helps-end-playoff-ru-0ap3000001012303
  50. https://refrsports.com/blog/biggest-difference-between-college-football-nfl-rules-complete-guide
  51. https://vault.si.com/vault/2007/01/29/how-did-they-pull-that-off
  52. https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/the-duration-of-the-match/
  53. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/56379--man-utd-vs-bayern-munchen/
  54. https://csusmcougars.com/news/2025/9/22/mens-soccer-ruizs-buzzer-beater-lifts-cougars-to-3-2-road-win-at-cui.aspx
  55. https://www.ncaa.com/news/lacrosse-men/article/2021-07-21/60-second-shot-clock-reset-approved-mens-college-lacrosse
  56. https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/5/12/womens-lacrosse-smiths-buzzer-beater-goal-sends--u-m-past-notre-dame-to-first-ncaa-quarterfinal-appearance
  57. https://www.eurohandball.com/en/news/en/narcisses-buzzer-beater-sees-france-reaching-olympic-final/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.