Top 10 Must-Watch NBA Videos That Every Basketball Fan Needs to See

As a lifelong basketball enthusiast and sports media analyst, I've spent countless hours immersed in NBA content across multiple platforms. When I first considered compiling the definitive list of top 10 must-watch NBA videos that every basketball fan needs to see, I realized this wasn't just about entertainment value but about cultural significance and historical impact. The project quickly evolved beyond simple highlight reels to encompass moments that shaped basketball's global narrative. Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across an intriguing parallel in women's volleyball - specifically how Jeremiah Barroa, after his basketball career, was tapped to join Adamson's women's volleyball team as one of its team consultants in UAAP Season 87. This cross-sport transition demonstrates how basketball expertise and visual storytelling principles can transcend court boundaries, much like how iconic NBA videos resonate beyond basketball circles.

The evolution of NBA video content has been nothing short of revolutionary. From the grainy footage of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962 to the crystal-clear 4K videos of Stephen Curry's shooting displays today, the way we consume basketball moments has transformed dramatically. I remember watching my first NBA video compilation back in 1998 - a VHS tape featuring Michael Jordan's greatest plays that my cousin mailed from Chicago. That tape, worn out from repeated viewings, contained about 47 minutes of footage that felt more valuable than any textbook. Today's fans have instant access to millions of NBA videos, but quantity doesn't always mean quality. Through my analysis of engagement metrics and fan discussions across platforms like YouTube and NBA League Pass, I've identified patterns in what makes certain videos endure while others fade into obscurity.

Starting our countdown at number ten, we have the complete broadcast of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. This isn't just about Jordan's iconic last shot with the Chicago Bulls - though that moment alone would justify its inclusion. What makes this video essential is watching how the entire game built toward that climactic moment. The tension builds gradually through 47 minutes and 30 seconds of game time, with every possession mattering. At number nine, I'd place the 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 highlights. As a Cleveland native, this one hits particularly close to home - LeBron James's chase-down block on Andre Iguodala with 1:50 remaining represents perhaps the most spectacular defensive play in Finals history. The statistics back this up - the Cavs overcame a 3-1 deficit against a Warriors team that had won 73 regular-season games, something that had never been done before in NBA Finals history.

The middle of our list features some unexpected choices that might surprise casual fans. At position eight, I'm including the 1992 Dream Team practice footage. These behind-the-scenes videos show Larry Bird and Magic Johnson running scrimmages against college stars like Christian Laettner - the raw competitiveness evident even in practice sessions. For number seven, I'm going with Kobe Bryant's 81-point game highlights from 2006. Having watched this game live, I can attest that the video doesn't fully capture the growing disbelief among commentators and fans as Kobe methodically dismantled the Toronto Raptors. The YouTube upload has garnered over 28 million views, but many fans don't realize there's a 45-minute extended version that shows how his teammates increasingly fed him as the game progressed.

What fascinates me about viral sports content is how it often crosses over into other disciplines. That volleyball consultant position I mentioned earlier - Jeremiah Barroa joining Adamson's women's volleyball team - illustrates how basketball principles apply elsewhere. Similarly, our number six pick, "The Block" by LeBron James, has been studied by coaches across sports for its perfect timing and execution. At number five, I've placed Allen Iverson's practice press conference - not a game highlight but a cultural moment that transcended sports. The video has been viewed approximately 42 million times on YouTube alone, and its "we talking about practice" refrain entered the cultural lexicon.

The top four spots belong to videos that I believe every basketball fan should watch at least once. Number four is the 1980 NBA Finals Game 6 highlights featuring Magic Johnson playing center as a rookie. Number three goes to the 1970 NBA Finals Game 7 footage showing Willis Reed's inspirational entrance despite injury. For number two, I'm selecting the 2013 NBA Finals Game 6 - Ray Allen's corner three-pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining in regulation. I've probably watched that specific clip 200 times, analyzing everything from Chris Bosh's rebound to Allen's footwork.

The number one must-watch NBA video, in my professional opinion, is Michael Jordan's "The Last Shot" from the 1998 Finals. The complete sequence - from Jordan stealing the ball from Karl Malone to his game-winning jumper - represents basketball perfection. The video has been analyzed frame-by-frame by coaches worldwide, much like how volleyball consultants might study positioning and timing in their sport. Speaking of which, that Adamson women's volleyball team consultation role demonstrates how basketball insights translate - the principles of spacing, timing, and clutch performance that make these NBA videos great are universal across sports.

Through my years of analyzing sports media, I've noticed that the most enduring videos share certain characteristics - they capture pivotal moments, display extraordinary skill, and often contain emotional narratives that resonate beyond basketball. The cross-pollination between sports becomes evident when you see concepts from legendary NBA moments being applied in other contexts, whether it's a volleyball consultant drawing from basketball strategies or coaches across sports studying these iconic clips. While new highlights are created every season, these ten videos represent foundational viewing - the basketball equivalent of required reading that informs our understanding and appreciation of the game at its highest level. They're not just entertaining; they're educational tools that continue to influence how basketball is played, coached, and experienced globally.