NBA Moments of the 2022-23 Season

Chris Nguyen

May 31 - 6 minutes read

LeBron James - Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

An exciting NBA season and it’s not even over

The NBA season is about to come to an end, so we think it's a good time to recap the season's best moments. From record-breaking performances to flying punches and everything in between, check out the best NBA moments made NBA news this season.

1. LeBron breaks Kareem’s all-time scoring record

At the top spot of extraordinary NBA moments, we find LeBron James breaking the all-time scoring record. The Los Angeles Lakers forward, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record of 38,387 points, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

This awe-inspiring feat occurred when he sank a fadeaway shot in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the crowd witnessed this historic moment, James extended his arms, acknowledging their presence. At 38 years old and in his 20th season, LeBron James continues to defy expectations and further strengthen his claim as the GOAT.

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2. Mac McClung wins dunk contest

Mac McClung, the G-League sensation, revitalized the Slam Dunk Contest, injecting it with excitement and jaw-dropping athleticism. With his gravity-defying dunks, McClung brought the competition back to life, captivating judges and fans alike. His electrifying performance set a new standard, leaving a lasting impression on the contest's legacy. Get ready for the dunking revolution, led by the incredible Mac McClung!

Remembering when Mac McClung saved the dunk contest pic.twitter.com/gheHymQ0c8
— RealGrapeseed (@RealGrapeseed) May 2, 2023

3. Damian Lillard’s history-making 71 points

Damian Lillard made history with a franchise and career-high 71 points, including 13 three-pointers as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets 131-114. Lillard became the eighth player in NBA history to score 70 points and the oldest player to achieve this feat at age 32. He tied Donovan Mitchell for the most points in a game this season and broke his own franchise record of 61 points. Lillard's exceptional shooting also came close to the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game.

2nd-most 3PM in a game in NBA history (13) 8th player to score 70+ PTS in a single game (71) The first player in NBA history with 70+ PTS, 5+ REB, 5+ AST and 10+ 3PM in a single game...
What a night for Damian Lillard 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8MMHxePNUu — NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2023

4. Kings finally make it to the playoffs

The Sacramento Kings have ended the NBA's longest playoff drought, making their return to the postseason after 16 years. Their achievement not only marks the end of the longest playoff absence in NBA history but also the longest active postseason drought across all major sports leagues.

Ended longest playoff drought in NBA history (2006).
Pacific division champions. Highest offensive rating in NBA history. Coach of the Year (Mike Brown). Clutch Player of the Year (De’Aaron Fox). Brought basketball back to Sacramento. What a season for the BEAM TEAM. pic.twitter.com/tlv8DN9u9Y — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 30, 2023

5. Donovan Mitchell also joined the 70+-point club

Donovan Mitchell made history with an NBA season-high and a franchise-record 71 pts. for the Cavaliers. His outstanding performance led the team to an overtime victory against the Bulls on a 21-point deficit comeback. Mitchell's game included a circus shot forcing overtime and tying the game with 58 points, setting a new Cavs record. He also added 11 assists and eight rebounds while killing it at the free-throw line, scoring 20 of 25 attempts.

71 PTS 8 REB 11 AST W
Donovan Mitchell sets a new scoring record for the Cleveland Cavaliers and becomes only the 7th player in NBA history to score 70+ points in a game. pic.twitter.com/qbOwr3sqyH — NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2023

6. Ja’s incredible dunk

Ja Morant left defenders in his dust as he skillfully weaved his way toward the basket. Pacers' Jalen Smith was caught off guard, unable to anticipate Morant's moves or provide a timely rotation. The outcome? A dunk-of-the-year contender that left everyone stunned and solidified Morant's status as a highlight reel sensation.

EVERY ANGLE OF JA MORANT'S UNBELIEVABLE DUNK OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE 😱📽️ pic.twitter.com/8u1j6ZNH3F
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2023

7. Kings’ double-overtime victory

Malik Monk's career-high 45 points and De'Aaron Fox's 42 points propelled the Sacramento Kings to a thrilling double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. With a final score of 176-175, both teams entered the scoring record books, ranking third and fourth respectively for scoring in a single game. This historic matchup showcased exceptional shot-making and impressive defensive displays from the players involved. If you like to bet on basketball, this was probably a good night for you.

The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime. De’Aaron Fox drops 42 points and 12 assists in the victory. Malik Monk puts up 45 points off the bench for the Kings. Both teams break all time highs in points. #NBA #BeamTeam #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/ZHgXPvdsCN
— Moses Femino (@moses_femino) February 25, 2023

8. Jayson Tatum’s All-Star Game performance

Jayson Tatum made history at the All-Star Game with a record-setting performance. He scored an incredible 55 points and set a new record for the most points scored in an All-Star Game. Tatum's remarkable display earned him MVP honors, solidifying his status as the standout player of the exhibition.

Jayson Tatum. Most points in an All-Star Game. NBA All-Star MVP.
He’s an NBA SUPERSTAR. pic.twitter.com/s5eIDksusj — Celtics Junkies (Fan Page) (@Celtics_Junkies) February 20, 2023

9. Shannon Sharpe’s screaming match

In a jaw-dropping moment, Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe found himself in the middle of an intense showdown between the Grizzlies and the Lakers. As the tension escalated, Sharpe, known for his unapologetic Lakers fandom, became entangled in a heated shouting match with Grizzlies players. This unexpected clash added a layer of drama, captivating fans and leaving everyone wondering what sparked the fiery exchange.

Shannon Sharpe is a big problem with NBA media lol he really only has a voice for one reason. He loves Lebron. This nigga was literally trying to fight the Grizzlies bruh lol
— 😇 (@ImNotChris06) May 25, 2023

10. Dillon Brooks disrespects LeBron James

In Game 2 of the Western Conference series, Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks showed no regard for LeBron James' status as the NBA's career scoring leader or his reputation. Brooks and James exchanged words on the court that only fed the NBA rumors. Brooks later dismissed James' age and stated that he only respects players who score 40 points. Despite Ja Morant's absence due to injury, the Grizzlies won, tying the series at 1.