The Denver Nuggets have long been one of the NBA's most resilient franchises, and nowhere is that resilience more evident than in the clutch moments that define eras. From the days of the old McNichols Arena to the raucous Ball Arena crowds, game-winning shots have become part of the team’s DNA. These are not just points on a scoreboard; they are the crystallization of heart, skill, and an unyielding will to win. While the Nuggets have never had a shortage of regular-season heroics, some of the most indelible moments came when the stakes were highest—playoffs, overtime thrillers, and matchups that decided playoff seeding. This deep dive explores the most iconic game-winners in Nuggets history, the players who delivered them, and what made each shot legendary.

Early Era Game-Winners: Setting the Stage

Before the modern era of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets built their reputation on speed, athleticism, and scoring. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the team was known for high-octane offenses led by players like Alex English, Fat Lever, and Michael Adams. While these teams often fell short in the playoffs, they produced memorable regular-season buzzer-beaters that established the franchise’s clutch tradition.

Alex English’s Signature Clutch Gene

Alex English, the Nuggets’ all-time leading scorer (for many years), had a knack for hitting tough jumpers in crunch time. One of his most famous game-winners came on December 8, 1985, against the Houston Rockets. With the score tied and seconds left, English caught a pass near the free-throw line, pump-faked, and drained a 15-footer as the buzzer sounded. The shot not only secured a 121–119 victory but also showcased English’s fundamentally sound scoring ability. That moment helped the Nuggets build momentum toward a 47-35 season and a playoff run.

Lafayette “Fat” Lever’s Heroics

Fat Lever was never the most flashy player, but his basketball IQ and clutch play were unmatched. In a 1987 regular-season game against the Dallas Mavericks, Lever grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed free throw, quickly stepped back, and hit a 12-footer to win the game 110–108. The shot was a textbook example of leverage and positioning. Today, that moment is often cited by long-time Nuggets fans as one of the most underrated game-winners in team history.

The Carmelo Anthony Era: Superstar Clutch

When the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony third overall in 2003, they immediately gained a scorer built for the clutch. Anthony’s combination of size, strength, and a deadly mid-range jumper made him one of the NBA’s most feared isolation scorers in end-of-game situations. During his eight seasons in Denver, Anthony hit several game-winners that became iconic.

Carmelo Anthony vs. Dallas Mavericks (2006)

In a 2006 regular-season matchup, the Nuggets were trailing by one point with 3.2 seconds left. Carmelo caught the inbound pass near the top of the key, jab-stepped past his defender, and rose for a 20-foot jumper that swished through as time expired. The shot gave Denver a 115–114 win and is often replayed on highlight reels. It also demonstrated Anthony’s ability to create his own shot under extreme pressure. NBA.com ranked it among the top 10 game-winners of that season.

Playoff Clutch: 2009 Western Conference Semifinals

While Carmelo had many regular-season dramatics, his biggest playoff game-winner as a Nugget came in Game 3 of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks. With the series tied 1-1, the Nuggets needed a win on the road. Anthony scored 32 points, but it was his step-back jumper with 1.5 seconds left that sealed a 106–104 victory. The shot silenced the Dallas crowd and gave Denver a 2-1 series lead, which they eventually turned into a 4-1 series win. It remains one of the most clutch moments in the Carmelo Anthony era.

Chauncey Billups: Mr. Big Shot Arrives

When Chauncey Billups returned to Denver in 2008, he brought a championship pedigree and a nickname earned in Detroit: “Mr. Big Shot.” Billups had a reputation for making smart decisions and hitting big shots, and he added several memorable moments to Nuggets lore.

Game-Winner vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2009 Regular Season)

In a January 2009 game against the defending champion Lakers, Billups hit a 27-foot three-pointer with 3.2 seconds left to snatch a 125–124 victory. The shot was set up by a brilliant pass from Carmelo Anthony, but Billups’s quick release and perfect form were the highlights. This win was significant because it showed the Nuggets could beat elite teams in close games—a confidence booster that carried into the playoffs.

2009 Playoffs: Game 3 Against New Orleans Hornets

During the first round of the 2009 playoffs, Billups delivered a dagger in Game 3. With the Nuggets leading the series 2-0, they found themselves tied with the Hornets in the final minute. Billups calmly drained a pull-up jumper from 18 feet to give Denver a 96–94 lead, and they held on for the win. That game effectively ended the series, as the Nuggets swept the Hornets in four games. Billups’s ability to perform in pressure situations was crucial to Denver’s deep playoff run in 2009.

Nikola Jokić: The Modern Maestro

Since emerging as one of the NBA’s best players, Nikola Jokić has authored numerous game-winning moments. His unique combination of size, passing, and soft touch makes him a nightmare for defenses in crunch time. Jokić’s game-winners often come in creative ways—floaters, step-back threes, or crafty finishes around the rim.

Buzzer-Beater vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2020 Regular Season)

In a March 2020 game before the pandemic shutdown, Jokić hit a 35-foot three-pointer over Ivica Zubac to beat the Clippers 114–111. The shot came after a sequence where the Nuggets had to inbound with only 5.5 seconds left. Jokić caught the ball beyond the arc, took one dribble to set his feet, and launched a shot that barely cleared Zubac’s outstretched hand. It was a stunning display of range and confidence. ESPN called it “the best performance of his career to that point.”

2021 Playoffs: Game 4 Against Portland Trail Blazers

During the first round of the 2021 playoffs, Jokić delivered a masterpiece in Game 4. With the series tied 1-1, the Nuggets found themselves tied at 109 with 4.3 seconds left. Jokić caught the ball near the free-throw line, backed down his defender, and faded over Robert Covington for a 14-foot jumper that dropped through the net. The buzzer-beater gave Denver a 2-1 series lead. It was a perfect example of Jokić’s footwork and touch under pressure.

The Iconic Bank Shot Against the Oklahoma City Thunder (2023)

In a late-season 2023 game against the Thunder, Jokić hit a highly improbable bank shot from the top of the key while fading away from the basket. The shot banked in off the glass as time expired, giving the Nuggets a 116–115 win and helping them secure vital seeding. The moment was especially notable because it involved Jokić using the backboard in a way rarely seen on buzzer-beaters. The Athletic analyzed the shot as one of the most technically difficult game-winners of the season.

Jamal Murray: The Playoff Riser

Jamal Murray has built a reputation as a player who elevates his game in the postseason. While his game-winners may not be as numerous as Jokić’s, the ones he has made often come in the most critical situations.

2020 Bubble: Game 5 vs. Utah Jazz

In the 2020 bubble playoffs, Murray scored 42 points in a breakout performance against the Jazz. However, it was his game-winning floater with 6.5 seconds left in Game 5 that allowed the Nuggets to avoid elimination. The shot capped a 35 fourth-quarter comeback and kept Denver’s season alive. Murray’s ability to score from all three levels—and his fearlessness in the clutch—were on full display.

Game 2 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2023 Western Conference Finals)

During the 2023 playoffs, Murray hit a memorable game-winning jumper in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. With the score tied at 119 and 14 seconds left, Murray dribbled across half-court, crossed over, and rose for a 15-foot pull-up over LeBron James. The shot gave Denver a 2-0 series lead, which proved insurmountable for the Lakers. Murray’s shot was a defining moment in the Nuggets’ first NBA championship run.

Other Notable Game-Winning Shots in Nuggets History

Beyond the superstars, several other players have contributed memorable clutch moments. These shots may have come in regular-season games or lower-stakes situations, but they remain etched in the memories of Nuggets faithful.

  • Kenny Smith’s Buzzer-Beater (1990): In a tight game against the Boston Celtics, Kenny Smith hit a 25-foot three at the buzzer to give the Nuggets a shocking 124–121 win. It was Smith’s rookie season, and the shot announced his arrival as a clutch player.
  • Nick Van Exel’s Game-Winner (2000): Van Exel, known for his flair, hit a step-back three with 1.2 seconds left to beat the Golden State Warriors 96–94. The shot was part of a 30-point performance.
  • Ty Lawson’s Overtime Tip-In (2012): In a double-overtime thriller against the Chicago Bulls, Lawson tipped in a missed shot as time expired in the second OT to give Denver a 120–118 win. It was a rare buzzer-beating tip-in.
  • Will Barton’s Runner (2016): Barton hit a driving runner in the lane with 0.2 seconds left to beat the Golden State Warriors 109–108. The shot ended the Warriors’ 11-game winning streak.
  • Monte Morris’s Dagger (2019): In a playoff play-in game against the Timberwolves, Morris hit a 16-footer with 2.1 seconds left to give Denver a 120–119 win and a playoff berth.

Anatomy of a Memorable Game-Winner

What separates a run-of-the-mill buzzer-beater from a truly legendary shot? Several factors come into play:

Timing and Stakes

The most memorable game-winners happen when the margin for error is smallest—playoff elimination games, rivalry matchups, or games with significant playoff seeding implications. The 2020 Jokić buzzer-beater against the Clippers, for example, had massive implications for Western Conference positioning. Shots that determine a series outcome, like Murray’s Game 2 winner in the 2023 WCF, carry extra weight.

Degree of Difficulty

Shots that are heavily contested, fadeaway jumpers, deep threes, or those requiring unusual body control tend to be remembered longer. Jokić’s bank shot against the Thunder combined a fadeaway with a difficult angle. Similarly, Carmelo’s step-back against Dallas required precise footwork. High difficulty amplifies the wow factor and makes the shot seem almost miraculous.

The Celebration

A great game-winner is often followed by an iconic celebration. Jokić’s simple fist pump, Carmelo’s stare into the crowd, or Billups’s calm walk to the bench all become part of the lore. The celebration humanizes the player and creates an emotional connection with fans. Some celebrations, like Van Exel’s finger wag, become signature moves.

Narrative and Legacy

Game-winners that fit within a larger narrative—like a player’s redemption arc, a team’s rise to championship contention, or a historic rivalry—are more likely to be remembered. For instance, Murray’s 2023 game-winner against the Lakers was part of the Nuggets’ eventual championship run, cementing his status as a big-game player. Similarly, Iverson’s 2005 playoff shot against the Spurs (mentioned in the original article) was a high point for a short-lived Nuggets team that pushed the defending champs to the brink.

The Science of Clutch: What Research Says

While fans may think of game-winners as moments of luck or sheer athleticism, there is a growing body of research on clutch performance. Psychologists and sports scientists have identified that players who perform well under pressure often have a specific mental makeup: they focus on the process rather than the outcome, they have high self-confidence, and they have practiced those exact scenarios countless times. The Nuggets’ stars have famously logged extra hours in the gym before and after practice, simulating end-of-game situations. Sports Psychology Insider notes that visualization routines and breathing techniques are common among elite clutch performers. Jokić, for example, has often stated that he does not feel nervous in late-game situations because he has visualized every possible outcome.

Conclusion: An Ever-Growing Legacy

The Denver Nuggets’ history of game-winning shots is a testament to the franchise’s depth of talent and competitive fire. From Alex English’s mid-range jumpers to Nikola Jokić’s modern-day heroics, each shot tells a story of perseverance, skill, and a refusal to lose. As the Nuggets continue to contend for NBA championships, the list of unforgettable buzzer-beaters will only grow. Fans can look forward to more icy-veined performances from the current core, while historians will forever relive the moments that defined an organization. Whether it’s a playoff dagger or a regular-season thriller, these shots remind us why we love basketball: because in the final seconds, anything can happen—and the Nuggets have proven they can seize that moment better than most. The next great game-winner is likely just around the corner, waiting to be written into the team’s already rich lore.