Revisiting the most-viewed plays of the 2023-24 NBA season

Anthony Pasciolla

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Revisiting the most-viewed plays of the 2023-24 NBA season image

The 2023-24 NBA regular season wrapped up on Sunday and the league released the most-viewed plays of the year. Let's revisit the highlights that generated the most views across social media.

1. The Mavericks convert a steal into a thrilling alley-oop at the other end (250 million views)

The play came in the third quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz on March 21. Jazz guard Keyonte George lost the ball, resulting in a diving steal from Luka Doncic, who pushed the ball up to backcourt partner Kyrie Irving. Irving threw the lob over 7-footer Walker Kessler for a dramatic high-flying dunk by forward Derrick Jones Jr. This was not the Mavericks’ only exciting alley-oop of the season, as Irving threw down a one-handed jam off a lob from Doncic.

2. Victor Wembanyama elevates past Derrick White for an impressive dunk (247 million views)

Coming in as a close second was an exhilarating slam by Victor Wembanyama against the Boston Celtics on December 31. Wemby began his jump roughly one step in from the free-throw line, gliding to the basket. With his 7-foot-4 frame, the highlight barely showed him leaving the ground. Not to mention, White seemingly avoided the contact to prevent an embarrassing play for him. Wembanyama concluded his stellar rookie season as the only first-year player in NBA history to record more than 1,500 points, 250 blocks and 100 made 3-pointers.

3. Anthony Edwards throws it off the backboard to himself (140 million views)

One of the league’s top high-fliers, Anthony Edwards decided to improvise against the Memphis Grizzlies, turning to a self-lob that worked to perfection. He faked his defender into jumping and took advantage of the opportunity. Edwards finished his fourth season averaging 25.9 points and 5.4 rebounds on 46.1% shooting, as the Wolves landed as the West’s No. 3 seed.

4. Stephen Curry puts his handles on full display en route to a contested finish at the rim (128 million views)

The Golden State Warriors superstar is undoubtedly the greatest 3-point shooter of all-time, but his most-watched play showcased a different part of his skill set. Stephen Curry lost the ball near half-court, but regained his dribble off a tip by the Grizzlies defender. He then proceeded to use a combination of between-the-legs, behind-the-backs and crossovers to force the defender off balance. He finished the play with a high-arching layup through traffic in the paint.

5. Stephen Curry catches Austin Reaves in the air, nailing a step-back 3-pointer (96 million views)

The future Hall-of-Famer makes another appearance, which should not come as a surprise considering Curry is one of the most electrifying players of all-time. In a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Curry got Austin Reaves up in the air with a shot fake before taking an attack dribble into a step-back 3-pointer. It’s safe to say one of Reaves’ least favorite assignments is guarding Curry, describing it as “honestly hell” on the "All the Smoke" podcast in 2023. Curry another dominant season, but the Warriors are battling for a spot in the NBA playoffs as the No. 10 seed.

Anthony Pasciolla

Anthony Pasciolla Photo

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who contributes to The Sporting News. He writes about the NBA and NFL, primarily focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles. He also writes for Fan Nation’s Inside the Heat and Illini Now. He can be reached at [email protected] or followed on X @anthonypasci.