NBA GIFs of the Week for April 24 Part 1

While the first round the 2015 playoffs has not been as competitive as us fans would have liked, there still have been a plethora of phenomenal plays. Here are the top 25. Part 2 includes the top 13.

The Rankings

25. Full Court Shots in Practice


Practice? We talkin' bout practice?
Yes, yes we are. I'm cheating a little since this isn't during a game.
LeBron from Downtown


Next, Dwight Howard

Then, Meyers Leonard



26. Josh Smith Save to Brewer


J-Smoove with a big save right into the shooting pocket of Corey Brewer who drains the 3.


27. Shaun Livingston No Look


Livingston threading the needle with the sweet no-look pass.


28. Curry No Look


Curry knows he has Barnes open under the basket but takes a dribble to divert Anthony Davis away from the rim and then drops a no-look dime. Pretty play from Steph.



29. Blake Griffin Alleyoop



All Jamal Crawford had to was throw it somewhere, anywhere near the rim. These alley-oops are routine for Blake. Just another day at the office.


30. Lob City Hustle and Ballmer Reaction


A very heady play by Blake Griffin to re-establish himself in bounds before touching the ball after the Chris Paul save. And then the Clippers getting it to CP quickly who blows by Boris Diaw. Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer is going nuts!


31. Jimmy Butler Hanging Block


The hangtime is insane. I know it's slow motion, but the ability to almost float in the air and then come down and smother Kris Middleton's shot is something else.


32. Blake Drive and Dunk


From that triple threat position, Blake is so lethal because he can utilize his speed against slower defenders to get to the rim. And Aron Baynes is a slow defender.


33. John Wall Block Ends First Quarter


Get that weak stuff outta here.


34. Kyrie Irving Handles



Uncle Drew with the killer crossover.


35. Jerryd Bayless Game-Winner


Great play from Jason Kidd here. Using Kris Middleton as a decoy lulled D. Rose to sleep and then the pass from Jared Dudley was on the money. Great win for Milwaukee but with that being said, can the Bucks win another game in this series? I don't think so. Bulls in 5.


36. Taj Gibson Dunk


Tajjjjj rocks the rim!


37. Jimmy Butler Drive and Dunk


I'm not sure who is more fired up, Jimmy Butler himself or Joakim Noah. That's a grown man move.

Check out Part 2 for the rest of the rankings. http://hardwoodvision.blogspot.com/2015/04/nba-gifs-of-week-for-april-24-part-2.html

NBA GIFs of the Week for April 24 Part 2

If you haven't checked out part 1, here it is. http://hardwoodvision.blogspot.com/2015/04/nba-gifs-of-week-for-april-24.html The Rankings (Continued)

1. Kevin Love Reverse Alleyoop


Is that Kevin Love or J.R. Smith?


2. Blake Griffin Shimmy


Boris Diaw was getting ready to take a charge but that in and out dribble jukes him out of his shoes.


3. Jimmy Butler Reverse Alleyoop


Butler is going full speed and then contorts his body to catch the pass and finish the reverse dunk. Not an easy play. Butler is special player who makes special plays.


4. Vintage Derrick Rose


This is the Derrick Rose before all those injuries that fans loved to watch. Rose is not back to his old self just yet, but flashes like this and the superstar performance he had in that Game 3 hint that he may return to pre-injury D. Rose soon.


5. John Wall Hangs for the Block


The hangtime.


6. LeBron Sprint and Tomahawk


He explodes out of the block and doesn't even need to dribble before he soars to the rim. LeBron is the closest thing to a freight train in the NBA.


7. Stephen Curry's Clutch 3 Forces OT


Another Angle

What a way to cap the fourth quarter comeback from Curry. And he got fouled! As you already know, Golden State would win Game 3 in OT.


8. Kawhi Skies for Alleyoop


When Danny Green threw the pass I thought Kawhi had no chance of finishing. Even Blake Griffin was about to jump and realized he had no chance. Then Kawhi flies in out of nowhere uses his claw for the slam. Oh, and he's getting a max contract this summer.


9. LeBron Windmill


Just a kid from Akron.


10. Blake Spin Cycle and Flush


Blake definitely has the best handles in the league for a power forward. He hits the Spurs with the spin dribble and then unleashes his fury on the rim and Aron Baynes once again.


11. LeBron Stuffs Evan Turner


You tried, Evan Turner. You tried.


12. CP Laser to Blake Poster


This has to be the top play because of the no-look one-handed bullet pass perfectly in stride to Blake Griffin. And then the dunk speaks for itself. For all those people who forgot Blake could dunk on people, here is your reminder.

NBA GIFs of the Week for April 18

The Rankings
10. Andrew Bogut Saves it to Steph for 3


There's some luck involved here but Steph grabs the ball out of the air like a free safety making an interception. Then he calmly drains the 3. Even off the dribble, he's automatic.


9. John Wall Chasedown Block


While it's not a typical chasedown block like we would see from someone like LeBron, you got to give Wall credit for hustling back after committing the turnover. And then he swats it away with authority!


8. JaKarr Sampson Put-Back Jam


You probably won't forget a name like JaKarr in the first place. Nonetheless, Mr. Sampson ensured that Jerryd Bayless will never forget it with this put-back jam. Jerryd Bayless, take a seat, son.


7. LeBron Steal and Sick Pass


He comes out of nowhere for the steal and then Dat Pass!


6. Andre Miller Half-Court Alley-oop to Derrick Williams


This play gave me flashes of Andre Miller alley-oops to Javale McGee and Kenneth Faried in Denver here. Throughout his career, he's made tremendous passes like this one. It also doesn't hurt to have D-Will on the receiving end either. That's right Jordan Clarkson, turn away, and turn away quickly.


5. Celtics Slam and Game-Winner vs Raptors

Brad Stevens's plays out of the timeout never fail to disappoint. Even if this wasn't by design, Marcus Smart still gets a clear path to the basket and ABUSES the rim. He owes an apology to the hoop. Maybe deliver some flowers too.


Jae Crowder = Clutch. Celtics GM Danny Ainge must be thinking, "I thought we were supposed to be tanking."


4. The Greak Freak in Philly


His arms are almost as long as his last name. He seemingly has to move back in mid-air so he can fully extend his arm and throw it down. Fear the Freak.


You got to love that stare-down. No one on the corner got swagger like Giannis.

3. Bryce Cotton Alleyoop
When teams like the Jazz have nothing to play for except for lottery balls, they start playing guys I've never heard of. For example, Bryce Cotton. Yet even though I didn't know he was in the league before this play, it's clear he definitely has NBA-level athleticism.

He just picked it out of the sky. Absurd.


2. Andrew Wiggins Posterizes Omer Asik
Wiggins is a human highlight reel with his freakish athleticism. Anytime he gets a little space with an opening towards the basket, he is looking to attack with force. As is evident on this play.

Even though he didn't convert it, this could have been the poster of the season. But Wiggins was able to finish another attempt.


No regard for human life. Omer Asik is going to need some therapy for the PTSD he is suffering.


1. Celtics Impressive Display vs Cavaliers
Yes, I do realize the Cavs were resting many of their key players. Still, the Celtics made some tremendous plays. First, Tyler Zeller.


Matthew Delladova realizes his mistake to move towards Zeller much too late. By the time he turns away, Zeller is already airborne and printing his poster. Next, Kelly Olynyk.

Who knew a white man named Kelly could do something like this? But for real, Olynyk's got some ups. Finally, Isaiah Thomas.

He got everyone confused with the wicked Rondoesque ball fake. Isaiah, you fancy, huh.




Honorable Mentions
Dunks
Dirk Dunk Sighting
Paul George's First Dunk Since Return From Injury
Jeff Taylor Calm 270
Anthony Davis Ridiculous One Handed Alleyoop Finish
Reggie Jackson Poster

Buzzer Beaters and Clutch Plays
Paul George 3rd Quarter Bank Cheese
Paul George Clutch vs Wiz
Jarret Jack Shot Clock Cheese
John Wall 1st Quarter Block
Greiviz Vazquez Clutch 3
Quincy Pondexter 3rd Quarter Trey
Aaron Brooks 3rd Quarter Bank Cheese

Random
Beal Waves to Fouled Out Lowry
Randy Wittman Whiteboard Struggle
Chicago Bulls Ball Movement
John Wall Behind the Back Pass
Damian Lillard Reverse
Dwyane Wade Euro Step
Hassan Whiteside Stuff
Stephen Curry Reverse Layup vs Anthony Davis

NBA GIFs of the Week for April 11

The Rankings

10. Curry's 3's vs Trail Blazers

Stephen Curry breaks his own record for triples in a single NBA season.

That quick release.

Why not make it 45 on the night?

9. Duncan Denies Rockets

Timmy makes the clean game-winning block on the Beard in a pivotal game in determining playoff positioning. Also, it probably ended any remaining chances of Harden winning MVP.

8. Chris Paul Embarrasses Carlos Boozer


This is what happens when Carlos Boozer attempts to play defense.


7. Dwight Buycks Ankle Breaker

I know what you're thinking. WHO IS DWIGHT BUYCKS? I have no idea...but he's got handles. Maybe this will convince the Lakers to sign him to another 10-day contract.


6. Wolves in Los Angeles

First, the Slam Dunk Champ Zach Lavine with the authoritative double pump dunk.

Then, Wiggins with the stealthy poster. I think everyone was expecting a little push shot after the spin but Wiggins serves up a complete facial.

And finally another poster! Ryan Kelly and Jordan Clarkson should know better. The ROY favorite is one of the most athletic players in the league.

5. Cavaliers vs Bulls


White Men Can't Jump. Well, I guess they can dunk on each other.

Once upon a time, on an afternoon in downtown Cleveland, the Cavaliers made everything at the buzzer.

Momma there goes that man!

4. Kawhi vs Warriors

Patty Mills loves it.

Kawhi using his big-ass hands.

Kawhi doing Kawhi things. The Claw picks Curry, slams it home, and gets back on D with a blank expression on his face. Class.

3. Giannis vs Knicks

Giannis with the floatation device buzzer beating bank cheeese.

He rejects Tim Hardaway Jr., takes those massive strides to go coast to coast, and then slams it home. The Greek Freak is on a mean streak.

2. KJ McDaniels Block to Block

The height McDaniels gets up on the first block amazes me every time I watch it. It's no surprise he's got a 37 inch vertical. Now the second block was on the snail known as Kyle Anderson, but the hustle to make the play is still impressive.

1. LeBron's Dunk Fest in Milwaukee

And we thought LeBron lost some of his athleticism. Vintage LBJ.

No one man should have all that power.

We are all witnesses.

It's just insane how late he starts to head to the basket and still is able to get to the rebound with ease and flush it home with both hands. Amazing.

Might as well end it with the dagger 3 to put an exclamation point on the night!

Honorable Mentions
Passes
Jordan Clarkson Behind the Back
Derrick Rose Bullet
Cavaliers Ball Movement

Dunks
Thaddeus Young
Blake Griffin Alleyoop
Elfrid Payton Putback
Jerami Grant
Archie Goodwin Poster
Ryan Kelly
Andrew Bogut Alleyoop Finish
DeAndre Jordan

Clutch and Game Winning Play
Harden 4th Quarter vs OKC
Langston Galloway Late vs Sixers
Lou Williams Clutch 3 vs Magic
Lou Clutch 3 Against Miami
Stephen Curry vs Pelicans
Steph Beats 3rd Qtr Buzzer
Oladipo GWvs Bulls
Raymond Felton GW vs Nuggets
Tim Hardaway Jr. GW vs Magic

Random
SVG with the explicit instructions
Beard and Pops share a touching moment
Kid copies Boogie's flex
Paul George's first bucket since injury
Joey Dorsey Draws Air
Ref keeps the ball in play
Mirotic Flops on the King

NBA GIFs of the Week for April 4

Honorable Mentions 
Game Winners and Clutch Plays 
Jordan Clarkson    http://streamable.com/k1ck
Chandler Parsons  http://gfycat.com/SeriousSlimyBoubou
Marcus Smart        http://streamable.com/d2ee
James Harden        http://gfycat.com/GlamorousFamousCobra
Pau Gasol              https://streamable.com/9cps

Dunks 
Al Horford     http://streamable.com/thq6
Clint Capela   http://streamable.com/8fb2

Miscellaneous 
Kyle Korver 3333's                     http://streamable.com/qmeo
Terrence Jones Rim Protection   http://streamable.com/tjvw
Reggie Jackson Circus Shot        http://streamable.com/pbtq

The Rankings

1. Jeff Green Sledgehammer
   
   Make it nasty, Jeff Green. Clear the runway for flight 32 departing from Memphis and landing on Kevin Seraphin.
   
   
   
2. Warriors vs Suns Crunch Time
   There are way too many highlights to include from this game with the back and forth of both teams. But we pick up late in the 4th with the Warriors down 2...
   
   
   
   Steph Curry with the shot boi! Even if you hate the Warriors, you got to love their fans' passion. The fan at the end looks like she is rocking a Jason Richardson jersey from back in the day. Or Draymond Green. Either way, that's a genuine, committed fan right there.
   
   But back to the game. After an Eric Bledsoe reverse layup to put the Suns back up 1, the Warriors have one last shot. And this happens.
   
   
   
   
   
   Harrison Barnes with the grown-man move for the game-winner.




3. Andrew Wiggins Dunking All Over the Jazz
   Air Canada soars over the Stifle Tower!!!
   
   Why don't you go paint a portrait of this poster, Jeremy Evans?




4. Blake Griffin's Insane Block on JerebkoJerebko thinks he's got an easy finish after getting Blake to fly by with the pump fake, but Blake somehow, some way contorts his body to swipe the shot. Cue the Mutombo finger wag.




5. The Warriors Embarrassing Lob City Mo Buckets drops the tomahawk on Big Baby. I was cringing as soon I as I saw Big Baby coming over to attempt to block it. He had no chance. Steph blew out CP's ankles and blew up Twitter. In Chris Paul's defense, he did step on Curry's foot so that's what caused him to fall. Nonetheless, Curry still got him and was smooth enough to drain the jumper. I can already see him hoisting the MVP trophy...

What GIFs did I miss? Agree with the rankings?