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Week 9 of the 2024 NBA season brought some truly jaw-dropping highlights. From buzzer-beaters to clutch dunks, the best players in the league were firing on all cylinders, delivering moments that will be talked about for years to come. Whether you were in the stands in Dallas, Los Angeles, or Boston, the energy in the arenas was electric. Let’s dive into the top plays of the week, featuring stars like Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James.
Play #1: Zion Williamson’s Thunderous Dunk
Kicking off the week in style, Zion Williamson delivered a dunk that left the entire Smoothie King Center in New Orleans gasping for air. With 5:30 remaining in the third quarter of the Pelicans vs. Grizzlies game, Zion took a full-speed charge to the rim, rising up to slam one over Jaren Jackson Jr. The sheer power and athleticism on display were a testament to why Williamson is one of the most dominant players in the league. The dunk had New Orleans fans on their feet, and it quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates about whether Zion is the most athletic big man in the NBA right now.
Play #2: Luka Doncic’s Clutch Buzzer-Beater
In a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks saved the day with a game-winning buzzer-beater. The Mavs were up against the Phoenix Suns, and with only 0.5 seconds remaining, Doncic received an inbounds pass from Tim Hardaway Jr. He quickly made a move to his right, launching a contested three-pointer from the top of the arc. The ball sailed through the air, hitting nothing but net as the buzzer sounded. The crowd inside the American Airlines Center erupted, and the Mavericks secured a thrilling win.
Play #3: Ja Morant’s Unstoppable Drive to the Basket
Ja Morant’s drive to the basket in the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against the Miami Heat was a thing of beauty. In the first half, Morant took a pick-and-roll from Steven Adams, shook off two defenders, and sliced through the Heat’s defense with a jaw-dropping euro-step. He finished the play with a left-handed layup that put his team ahead. The combination of his speed, agility, and finishing ability was on full display, and it became one of the most talked-about plays of the week in the Reddit NBA threads.
Play #4: Anthony Davis’ Block That Changed the Game
On a night when the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Davis made a game-altering play. With just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Jokic drove to the basket for what seemed like an easy layup. But Davis, with his impeccable timing, rose up for a monstrous block. The play not only denied the Nuggets a crucial score but also fueled the Lakers’ fast break, leading to a LeBron James dunk at the other end. Davis’ defense was the turning point, as the Lakers went on to win the game.
Play #5: Trae Young’s Perfect Alley-Oop Assist
In Atlanta, Trae Young showcased his incredible court vision in the Hawks’ matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After splitting the defense, Young lobbed a perfect alley-oop pass to John Collins, who finished with a dunk that had the crowd roaring. The chemistry between Young and Collins is undeniable, and this play served as a reminder of why the two have been so successful together. The play also sparked a viral debate on Reddit about Young’s role as one of the best playmakers in the league.
Play #6: Damian Lillard’s Half-Court Heroics
Damian Lillard made his mark in Week 9 with a jaw-dropping half-court shot in the Portland Trail Blazers’ game against the Golden State Warriors. With just under five seconds remaining in the first half, Lillard caught the ball just beyond half-court and fired a shot at the buzzer. The ball sailed through the air and dropped cleanly through the net as time expired. The Portland crowd went wild, and the clip quickly became one of the top highlights shared across Twitter and YouTube.
Play #7: Stephen Curry’s Game-Changing Three
When the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Chicago Bulls, Stephen Curry reminded everyone why he’s the greatest shooter in NBA history. With the Warriors up by just three points with 45 seconds left in the game, Curry pulled up from 30 feet—beyond his usual range—and drained a three-pointer that essentially sealed the victory for Golden State. The shot was featured on multiple highlight reels, including a breakdown on Reddit’s NBA section, where fans marveled at his ability to hit such a clutch shot under pressure.
Play #8: Jayson Tatum’s Steal and Fast-Break Finish
In a dramatic Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets game, Jayson Tatum made one of the most impactful defensive plays of the week. As the Nets were trying to mount a late-game comeback, Tatum snatched the ball away from Mikal Bridges, creating a fast break. Without hesitation, Tatum finished with a thunderous dunk at the other end, sending TD Garden into a frenzy. This steal was pivotal in shifting the momentum, and the Celtics went on to win the game.
Play #9: Kevin Durant’s Late-Game Dunk for the Suns
In a crucial game for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant showed why he is still one of the league’s most dangerous players. With under a minute remaining in a tight game against the Toronto Raptors, Durant received the ball on the fast break, took two steps, and finished with a one-handed dunk over a defender. The dunk was a statement, and Phoenix went on to secure the win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Play #10: LeBron James’ One-Handed Dunk in LA
In the final highlight of the week, LeBron James delivered a one-handed dunk that was all power. Against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron grabbed a rebound and pushed the ball down the court in transition. At the rim, he was met by two defenders, but he powered through, finishing with a ferocious one-handed dunk that sent the Staples Center crowd into a frenzy. The play, a reminder of LeBron’s continued dominance at 39, was shared extensively across social media and became a centerpiece in NBA highlight reels.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the NBA?
Week 9 of the 2024 NBA season delivered some of the best moments of the year. With players like Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James continuing to shine, the season is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether it’s a last-second three-pointer or a thunderous dunk, the NBA never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Which play from Week 9 was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out more top NBA highlights as the season progresses.
