Best Celebrations in NBA History: A Look Back at the Most Epic Moments

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is known for its high-flying dunks, precision 3-point shooting, and unparalleled athleticism. But it’s not just the on-court action that makes the NBA one of the most entertaining sports leagues in the world. It’s also the celebrations.

From Michael Jordan’s iconic shrug to LeBron James’ powder toss, NBA players have always found ways to celebrate their successes on the court. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best celebrations in NBA history and what made them so memorable.

The Shrug 🤷‍♂️

In Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan had one of the greatest shooting performances of all time. He hit six 3-pointers in the first half alone and finished the game with 35 points in just 39 minutes. After hitting his sixth 3-pointer, he turned to the broadcast booth and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, I don’t know what’s going on either.

The Baby Rocking 👶🏽

In Game 5 of the 2008 NBA Finals, Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett hit a big shot that put his team up by 26 points. During the ensuing timeout, he started to rock his arms as if he were cradling a baby. When asked about the celebration after the game, Garnett said, Anything is possible!

The Discount Double Check 🧀

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is known for his Discount Double Check celebration, but it was actually inspired by NBA player Russell Westbrook. In a game against the Golden State Warriors in 2012, Westbrook hit a 3-pointer and then did a double arm flex. The celebration caught Rodgers’ eye, and he started using it himself.

The Big Balls Dance 🏀👏

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James hit a clutch 3-pointer that put his team up by four with less than a minute to go. After hitting the shot, he turned to the crowd and did his signature Big Balls Dance, which involves pretending to hold a basketball and then slapping it against his knees.

The Bow and Arrow 🏹

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is known for his sharpshooting, so it’s only fitting that he has a celebration to match. After hitting a big shot, Thompson will draw an imaginary bow and arrow and pretend to shoot it into the crowd.

The Dab 💪

The Dab celebration was popularized by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, but it made its way to the NBA thanks to Houston Rockets guard James Harden. After hitting a big shot, Harden will put his face into the crook of his elbow and hold it there for a few seconds.

The Sam Cassell Dance 🕺

Former NBA player Sam Cassell had a unique way of celebrating his successes on the court. After hitting a big shot, he would do a dance that involved hopping on one foot and shaking his arms and legs. The celebration became known as the Sam Cassell Dance.

The T-Mac Head Tap 🤜🏽

Former NBA player Tracy McGrady was known for his scoring ability, and he had a celebration to match. After hitting a big shot, he would tap the side of his head with his fist as if to say, I’m in the zone.

The Blake Griffin Kia Jump 💪🏽

In a 2011 game against the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin jumped over the hood of a Kia Optima to throw down a dunk. The dunk itself was impressive, but it was the celebration that really got people talking. Griffin pretended to wipe his feet on the hood of the car before jumping over it.

The Karl Malone Fist Pump 👊🏾

Former NBA player Karl Malone was known for his physical play and his ability to score in the post. After hitting a big shot, he would do a fist pump and then swing his arm back and forth as if he were pulling a tractor.

The JR Smith Shirtless 🤪

Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith is known for his unpredictable behavior both on and off the court. In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, he celebrated his team’s victory by taking off his shirt and running around the court.

The Shaq Shimmy 💃

Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant centers in the history of the game. After hitting a big shot, he would do a dance that involved shaking his hips and shimmying his shoulders.

The Steph Curry Point and Shoot 👉🏽🔫

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is known for his ability to make shots from anywhere on the court. After hitting a big shot, he will often point his fingers at the basket like a gun and then shoot it with his other hand.

The LeBron James Powder Toss 🌬️

LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and he has a celebration to match. Before every game, he will take a handful of chalk and toss it into the air, creating a cloud of powder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best celebration in NBA history?

There are so many great celebrations to choose from, but the shrug by Michael Jordan is probably the most iconic.

2. Who has the most memorable celebration in NBA history?

It’s hard to pick just one, but LeBron James’ powder toss is definitely up there.

3. What makes a great celebration?

A great celebration is something that’s memorable and unique to the player. It should also reflect the player’s personality and style of play.

4. What is the most creative celebration in NBA history?

The Blake Griffin Kia jump is definitely one of the most creative celebrations in NBA history.

5. Who has the most iconic celebration in NBA history?

Michael Jordan’s shrug is probably the most iconic celebration in NBA history.

6. Who has the most entertaining celebration in NBA history?

JR Smith’s shirtless celebration is definitely one of the most entertaining celebrations in NBA history.

7. What is the most traditional celebration in NBA history?

The fist pump by Karl Malone is one of the most traditional celebrations in NBA history.

8. What is the most popular celebration in NBA history?

The Dab by James Harden is probably the most popular celebration in NBA history.

9. Who has the most unique celebration in NBA history?

Sam Cassell’s dance is definitely one of the most unique celebrations in NBA history.

10. What is the most over-the-top celebration in NBA history?

JR Smith’s shirtless celebration is definitely one of the most over-the-top celebrations in NBA history.

11. Who has the most understated celebration in NBA history?

Stephen Curry’s point and shoot celebration is pretty understated compared to some of the other celebrations on this list.

12. What is the most controversial celebration in NBA history?

The Big Balls Dance by LeBron James is definitely one of the most controversial celebrations in NBA history.

13. Who has the most flamboyant celebration in NBA history?

Shaquille O’Neal’s shimmy is definitely one of the most flamboyant celebrations in NBA history.

Conclusion

The NBA has seen some incredible celebrations over the years, and these are just a few of the most memorable ones. From Michael Jordan’s shrug to LeBron James’ powder toss, these celebrations have become a part of basketball lore. Whether they’re creative, entertaining, or just plain over-the-top, these celebrations are a reminder of just how much fun the NBA can be. So the next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye out for the celebrations, because you never know when you’ll witness NBA history.

So what do you think of our list? Did we miss any celebrations? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its teams.