The Shot: Michael Jordan's iconic buzzer-beater eliminates Cavs in 1989 NBA playoffs | ESPN Archives

On May 7th, 1989, Michael Jordan delivered a legendary moment in NBA history to fend off elimination and clinch the Chicago Bulls' first-round series vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. Down by one with three seconds remaining, MJ buried a foul-line jumper, known as "The Shot," over Craig Ehlo to end the best-of-five series and propel the Bulls into the second round of the 1989 NBA playoffs.

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[CharlesDickens]

I'm only 207 but that shot still gives me chills.

[trollofantthevariable]

The jump afterwards was so iconic. Dude had focus that was unbelievable. Like his eyes could zoom in and he'd almost be in a whole other place with it.

[juventus]

“We’re going to New York baby” sent chills down my spine

[jiujitsu]

I remember watching this when I was 9 years old. All the kids in the neighborhood ran in the street and we were hugging each other

[jaytee]

I remember reading a story about this and before the game, MJ went to see the 3 sportwriters who said they will be eliminated by the Cavs. One said they will be eliminated in 3 games, the other said in 4 games while the other in 5 games. He pointed to the one who said 3 games and said "I already took care of you" then points to the one who said 4 games " Took care of you as well" then to the one that said 5 games " I'm taking care of you tonight". And yup, he backed it up. We will never see another one like him in our lifetime.

[Mektek]

People don't realize the Bulls were the under dogs. That Cavs team was nice.

[raykehr]

That iconic jump after he made the shot.

[bullseyeo]

The hang time was also incredible.
Everything was beautiful about that shot.

[leetraviusmckay]

MJ is forever the goat no questions asked

[lainiwakura]

Most iconic NBA moment in my lifetime. Jordan leaping in the air while Ehlo collapses in the background, after leaving everything on the court. Perfect illustration of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

[JesseOsher]

I met MJ that day. It was a Sunday. I am a HUGE Cavs fan, but didn’t matter because MJ was larger than life. The team was staying at the Marriott, I was in 4th grade. My Grandparents came in to visit and were staying at the same hotel. We waited for MJ for hours I remember. Finally he walked out and my Mom said “you know my son is late for his friends Birthday party because we were waiting for you.” MJ just smiled and said “sorry I made him late.” We went home and watched The Shot on TV. A bittersweet day.

[ricegoat]

That was "The Shot" that started his NBA playoff legacies and he never looked back The Greatest Clutch Performer In NBA Playoff History.

[bwink]

So he scored 30 in the 2nd half with 2 game winning shots, one at the buzzer, for the entire series...a series tied at 2 games a piece.
Another day at the office for the GOAT.

[LH_Mike_]

Look how Ehlo hit the floor after that shot.. MJ will rip yo heart out yo chest

[prexdyk]

I miss this era of basketball, the golden age of the NBA

[cheapkickspinas]

At that moment when MJ just float in the air for that last shot.

Mezmerizing...

[gregsomebody]

The real GOAT. Everyone else is just vying for second.

[remyakai]

Kid has some potential, might be MVP one day

[LiTTLeDizZyUriNe]

I feel like basketball doesn’t hit the same like it did back then

[maheshub]

Best player that can never be replaced!!! No one can do what he did