The 5 Most Jaw-Dropping NBA Plays of 2025 That Broke the Internet
May 6, 2025 | by [email protected]
In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, certain moments transcend the ordinary and etch themselves into the collective memory of fans worldwide. The 2024-25 NBA season delivered spectacular highlight-reel plays that sent social media into a frenzy, generating hundreds of millions of views and endless debates about which moves were truly the most impressive. From gravity-defying layups to buzzer-beating heaves, this season showcased athletic brilliance that pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible on a basketball court. Let’s dive into the five most electrifying NBA plays of the 2024-25 season that had fans hitting the replay button over and over again.
1. Ja Morant’s Twin 360 Acrobatic Layups: Basketball Artistry at Its Finest
When it comes to viral basketball moments in 2025, nothing comes close to what Ja Morant delivered on November 4, 2024. The Memphis Grizzlies star shattered all previous social media records with two mind-bending acrobatic layups in a single game against the Brooklyn Nets, generating an astounding 286 million views across NBA platforms6.
Breaking Down the Basketball Ballet
What made these twin displays of aerial wizardry so special wasn’t just their difficulty-it was the artistic flair with which Morant executed them. On both occasions, he completed full 360-degree rotations in mid-air while switching the ball between hands, defying both gravity and conventional basketball mechanics.
The first layup came in the second quarter, with Morant spinning completely around a defender before finishing with his left hand. But it was the second layup that truly cemented this as an all-time moment-he added a fake dunk element before transitioning into the rotation, leaving defenders and fans alike bewildered at what they’d just witnessed.
The most remarkable aspect? These weren’t empty highlight plays-they were functional basketball moves that helped Morant evade defenders and create scoring angles that simply shouldn’t exist.
“These layups weren’t just highlights; they were signature moments that redefined what’s possible on a basketball court,” basketball analyst Jeff Johnson noted after the game. “We’re watching a player who combines the creative finishing of Kyrie Irving with the explosive athleticism of a young Derrick Rose.”
Despite the Grizzlies losing the game 106-104, Morant’s twin masterpieces created a cultural moment that transcended the game’s outcome, proving once again that in today’s NBA, individual brilliance can sometimes outshine team results in the public consciousness.
2. Stephen Curry’s Behind-the-Back Wizardry Against the Suns
Coming in at second place with 136 million views, less than half of Morant’s record-setter, was Stephen Curry’s mesmerizing display of ballhandling brilliance against the Phoenix Suns on December 286. The Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s most captivating players even in his 16th season.
Anatomy of Curry’s Sleight of Hand
The play began innocuously enough with Curry navigating a high screen. What happened next showcased the improvisation that makes Curry a basketball magician. As a defender moved to cut off his driving lane, Curry executed a lightning-quick behind-the-back crossover that left his opponent lunging at air, before finishing with a contorted layup that kissed perfectly off the glass.
What makes Curry’s move stand apart from similar crossovers is the economy of motion-no wasted movements, no unnecessary flourishes. Just pure basketball efficiency executed at superhuman speed.
“Curry doesn’t just break ankles; he breaks basketball physics,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr after the game. “That move would be impossible for 99.9% of human beings, but for Steph, it’s just another Tuesday.”
This highlight contributed to Curry’s impressive 2.56 billion total views across NBA social platforms during the 2024-25 season, second only to LeBron James’ 3.23 billion6. At 37 years old, Curry continues to demonstrate that precision and skill can be every bit as electrifying as raw athleticism.
3. Josh Giddey’s Half-Court Game-Winner That Silenced Chicago
Dramatic moments often generate the most emotional responses from fans, and Josh Giddey’s half-court heave delivered exactly that kind of heart-stopping excitement. With 70 million views6, this buzzer-beater for the Chicago Bulls lands third on our list of most electrifying plays.
The Moment of Basketball Magic
The scenario itself reads like a Hollywood script: down by two points with under three seconds remaining, Giddey received an inbound pass near half-court with no time to advance the ball. Defenders converged, leaving him with only one option-a desperate heave from nearly 50 feet away.
The ball’s trajectory, a high-arching rainbow, seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before splashing through the net as time expired, turning what would have been a disappointing loss into an exhilarating victory that sent the United Center into absolute pandemonium.
“I just let it fly and hoped for the best,” Giddey explained in the post-game interview. “Sometimes you need a little luck in this game. When it left my hand, honestly, it felt good-but I was as surprised as anyone when it went in.”
What makes this game-winning shot particularly noteworthy is how it contributed to Chicago’s midseason resurgence. After starting the season with a disappointing record, Giddey’s miracle helped spark a 12-3 run that pushed the Bulls back into playoff contention.
The statistical improbability of such shots-NBA players convert roughly 2% of half-court attempts-adds to the magic of the moment. Basketball is a game of percentages, but sometimes the most memorable plays are those that defy probability entirely.
4. LeBron James’ Left-Handed Poster Dunk at Age 40
Coming in fourth with 61 million views was a reminder that age is just a number for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. LeBron James, in his 22nd season and at 40 years old, delivered a posterizing left-handed dunk that showcased his remarkable longevity and continuing athletic prowess6.
Defying Father Time Once Again
The play developed on a fast break, with James receiving an outlet pass from teammate D’Angelo Russell after a defensive stop. With only one defender between himself and the basket, James accelerated, took two powerful dribbles, and launched himself toward the rim.
What happened next defied conventional wisdom about athletic aging-James shifted the ball from his right to left hand in mid-air to avoid the defender’s contest, before hammering home a thunderous dunk that sent the Crypto.com Arena into a frenzy5.
“LeBron leaked out, they didn’t see him, here he is down court,” the play-by-play announcer exclaimed as the moment unfolded5. The dramatic finish demonstrated why James continued to lead the NBA in social media engagement with over 3.23 billion views during the 2024-25 season6.
The dunk took on additional significance given the context of James’ career-a player who has continually evolved his game to remain elite well past the point where most of his contemporaries had retired. This highlight dunk served as a powerful statement that arguably the most scrutinized athlete of his generation still had plenty left in the tank.
“People have been waiting for me to fall off for about 15 years now,” James remarked with a smile in his post-game interview. “I’m just grateful to still be able to play the game I love at this level.”
5. Nikola Jokić’s Full-Court Heave: Basketball IQ on Display
Rounding out our top five with 37 million views was Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić’s improbable full-court shot6. While perhaps lacking the athletic spectacle of other entries on this list, this play showcased the basketball intelligence and touch that make the Serbian big man one of the sport’s most unique talents.
The Shot That Defied Probability
The setup was simple enough-with time expiring in the third quarter, Jokić grabbed a rebound and, rather than holding for a more conventional attempt, immediately launched a one-handed pass-style shot toward the opposite basket from behind his own free-throw line.
The ball traveled the entire length of the court in a perfect arc before swishing through the net, leaving spectators and commentators alike in disbelief. The shot covered approximately 85 feet, making it one of the longest successful field goals in NBA history.
“Jokić makes the full-court heave,” read the official play description, but this understated phrasing hardly captures the improbability of such a shot6. Coming from a 7-footer known more for his passing and footwork than shooting range, the moment perfectly encapsulated Jokić’s unconventional brilliance.
This highlight came during a season where Jokić was showcasing historically dominant form. In a May 5th game against Oklahoma City, he delivered an astonishing 42-point, 22-rebound, six-assist performance that left Thunder defenders visibly frustrated3.
“He’s simply astonishing and, right now, unstoppable,” noted one analyst after watching Jokić’s playoff performance against the Thunder3. “His performance was on another level once again.”
What makes this full-court shot particularly special is how it represents Jokić’s unique approach to basketball-one that prioritizes creativity, touch, and basketball intelligence over conventional athleticism. It’s a different kind of spectacular than a poster dunk, but no less impressive to true students of the game.
The Social Media Impact: How These Plays Dominated the Digital Landscape
The 2024-25 NBA season saw unprecedented levels of social media engagement, with these five plays combining for nearly 600 million views. To put this in perspective, the gap between Morant’s layups (286M) and Curry’s crossover (136M) was greater than the view count for the third, fourth, and fifth most popular plays combined.
Breaking Down the Viewership
The dominance of certain players in generating viral content reflects their unique appeal to basketball fans and casual viewers alike. The season’s most-viewed players across all content (not just single plays) shows a clear hierarchy:
- LeBron James: 3.23 billion views
- Stephen Curry: 2.56 billion views
- Luka Dončić: 1.82 billion views
What’s particularly notable is how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tripled his view count from the previous season, reaching 1.06 billion views6. This dramatic increase reflects his emergence as both an MVP candidate and cultural figure during the Thunder’s remarkable 68-win season.
The Playoff Picture: From Regular Season Highlights to Postseason Drama
As the 2025 NBA Playoffs have progressed, we’ve seen a different kind of highlight emerge-the clutch playoff moment. Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets has become a postseason hero, hitting his second game-winner of the 2025 playoffs to help Denver steal Game 1 on the road in Oklahoma City3.
“A dunk that beat the buzzer by a split second. A 3-pointer that stripped the aura of invincibility from the top seed in the West,” described the NBA.com report of Gordon’s clutch playoff heroics3.
These playoff moments may not generate the same immediate viral numbers as regular season highlights, but they carry greater weight in basketball history, potentially defining players’ legacies and championship journeys.
Basketball Poetry in Motion: What These Plays Tell Us About Today’s NBA
What makes the 2024-25 season’s top plays particularly fascinating is how they showcase the evolving nature of basketball. While the NBA has always featured athletic marvels, today’s game combines physical gifts with unprecedented skill levels and creative expression.
The Evolution of Basketball Aesthetics
Ja Morant’s 360 layups represent a kind of basketball poetry that wasn’t commonly seen in previous eras. Players today aren’t just concerned with scoring efficiently-they’re developing signature styles that blend functionality with artistic expression.
This evolution has been driven by social media and the global nature of today’s NBA audience. A spectacular play can reach millions within minutes, influencing young players around the world who will attempt to replicate and then innovate upon these moves.
“The NBA is arguably the most social media-friendly league in professional sports,” explains sports media analyst Maria Rodriguez. “Players understand that a single highlight can define their brand as much as their statistical production.”
The Democratization of Highlights
Another fascinating aspect of the 2024-25 highlight landscape is the diversity of players represented. The top five plays feature a point guard (Morant), a shooter (Curry), a forward (Giddey), a veteran superstar (James), and a center (Jokić).
This variety demonstrates how the modern NBA allows for different body types, playing styles, and skill sets to create memorable moments. Unlike previous eras where highlight reels were dominated by a particular type of play or player, today’s NBA celebrates diversity of expression.
Breaking Down What Makes a Truly Viral NBA Moment in 2025
When analyzing why certain plays generate hundreds of millions of views while others-even impressive ones-fall short, several key factors emerge:
- Technical difficulty: Plays that showcase skills beyond what seems humanly possible
- Timing and context: Game-winners and clutch moments naturally draw more attention
- Player popularity: Established stars generate more initial views, creating a snowball effect
- Aesthetic appeal: There’s an undeniable artistic element to the most-shared highlights
- Novelty factor: Plays we haven’t seen before tend to generate more fascination
Morant’s layups checked all these boxes-they featured extreme technical difficulty, came from a popular player, had tremendous aesthetic appeal, and showcased something basketball fans had never seen executed twice in the same game.
Conclusion: Basketball as Both Sport and Spectacle
The 2024-25 NBA season’s most electrifying plays remind us that basketball exists at the intersection of athletic competition and performance art. While the ultimate goal remains winning games and championships, these individual moments of brilliance create cultural touchpoints that transcend the sport itself.
What’s particularly fascinating is how different types of spectacular plays resonate with audiences. From Morant’s aerial acrobatics to Jokić’s basketball IQ, from Curry’s handling wizardry to James’ age-defying power, these diverse expressions of basketball excellence collectively showcase the rich tapestry of skills that make the modern NBA so compelling.
As we look toward future seasons, one thing is certain-players will continue to push the boundaries of what we believe possible on a basketball court, creating new moments that capture our imagination and remind us why sports have such a powerful hold on our cultural consciousness.
Top 5 Most-Viewed NBA Plays (2024-25 Season)
| Rank | Play | Player | Views | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two acrobatic layups | Ja Morant | 286M | Nov 4, 2024 |
| 2 | Behind-the-back finish | Stephen Curry | 136M | Dec 28, 2024 |
| 3 | Half-court game-winner | Josh Giddey | 70M | 2024-25 season |
| 4 | Left-handed dunk | LeBron James | 61M | 2024-25 season |
| 5 | Full-court heave | Nikola Jokić | 37M | 2024-25 season |
Most-Viewed NBA Players (2024-25 Season)
| Rank | Player | Team | Total Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | Lakers | 3.23B |
| 2 | Stephen Curry | Warriors | 2.56B |
| 3 | Luka Dončić | Lakers | 1.82B |
| 4-7 | Various players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Various | Over 1B each |
FAQs About the Most Electrifying NBA Plays of 2025
Why did Ja Morant’s layups generate so many more views than other highlights?
Morant’s twin 360 layups represented something basketball fans had never seen before-not one but two acrobatic finishes in the same game that combined full rotations with hand switches. The degree of difficulty, aesthetic beauty, and the fact that they came from a player returning from both suspension and injury created a perfect storm for viral content. The novelty factor can’t be overstated-even longtime basketball fans were seeing something unprecedented.
How do the 2024-25 season highlights compare to previous NBA seasons?
The 2024-25 season saw record engagement across NBA social platforms. Compared to the 2023-24 season where the most viral play (Victor Wembanyama’s dunk over Derrick White) generated 153 million views, Morant’s 286 million represents a significant increase. This suggests both growing global interest in NBA content and the evolving sophistication of basketball highlights as both athletic and artistic expressions.
Do these highlight plays typically come in winning efforts?
Interestingly, not always. Morant’s record-setting layups came in a losing effort against the Nets (106-104), demonstrating how individual moments can sometimes transcend game outcomes in terms of cultural impact. While game-winners like Giddey’s half-court shot naturally carry additional drama due to their impact on the result, pure athletic or skill displays can generate massive engagement regardless of the game’s outcome.
How do playoff highlights compare to regular season plays in terms of viewership?
Regular season highlights typically generate higher immediate view counts due to their often more spectacular nature and the NBA’s larger regular season audience. However, playoff moments like Aaron Gordon’s game-winners carry greater historical significance and tend to have more staying power in basketball lore. The regular season often showcases individual brilliance, while the playoffs highlight clutch performances in high-stakes situations.
What factors outside of the plays themselves contribute to viral NBA moments?
Several external factors can amplify a play’s reach: player storylines (like Morant’s comeback), team performance context, market size (though Morant proves small-market players can dominate social media), timing (primetime games generate more initial viewers), broadcast team reactions, and how quickly the NBA’s official accounts promote the content. The initial surge of views often creates a snowball effect as algorithms push trending content to more users.
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