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Let’s revisit The Horry Scale: it evaluates a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) across different dimensions: the level of challenge, the game’s context (was the team tied or trailing?), significance (is it a playoff match or an ordinary November game?), and the reaction that followed. Finally, we assign an overall score from 1 to 5 Robert Horrys, in honor of the last-second hero himself.
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In a thrilling matchup with 42 lead changes, Mikal Bridges delivered a decisive moment in overtime, finishing a 33-point performance with a game-winning three-pointer as time expired, leading the New York Knicks to a 114-113 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The lead-up to Bridges’ three-pointer had an unexpected twist that heightened the excitement. With just 7.2 seconds left and the Knicks ahead by a point, Josh Hart was simply required to inbound the ball and wait for a teammate to draw a foul, allowing New York to increase their lead to two or three points.
However, Hart made an uncommon mistake by moving several steps prior to the inbounds pass, a violation unless it follows a score. This mistake returned possession to the Blazers, who swiftly retook the lead with Deni Avdija’s three-point play.
GAME SITUATION: With only 3.4 seconds remaining in overtime and the Knicks down by two, Hart caught the inbound pass and quickly passed it to Bridges. Taking one dribble, Bridges elevated from near the arc. Even with Blazers rookie big man Donovan Clingan challenging his shot, Bridges managed to release it cleanly.
DIFFICULTY: Having arguably played his best game since joining the Knicks in the offseason, Bridges was brimming with confidence as he took his shot with just 1.5 seconds left. He wasn’t surprised when the ball found the net. “Yeah, it looked good,” Bridges responded when asked if he believed the shot would go in.
CELEBRATION: Bridges’ momentum carried him to the opposite side of the court, where he broke into a bobblehead dance, joined shortly after by the entire Knicks team, while the Moda Center fell silent. The contrast between the Knicks’ and Blazers’ broadcasts of the moment was striking.
MIKAL BRIDGES FROM THE TOP OF THE KEY. BULLSEYE 🎯🎯
CLUTCH TRIPLE TO SECURE THE WIN FOR NEW YORK!! #TissotBuzzerBeater #YourTimeDefinesYourGreatness pic.twitter.com/KkiwXSrx76
— NBA (@NBA) March 13, 2025
GRADE: With Jalen Brunson still out, Bridges stepped up for the Knicks, who had recently lost three of their last four games. It was a clutch shot and an essential victory. This marked the Knicks’ first game-winning buzzer-beater since RJ Barrett made a similar shot in 2022, earning a rare double bang from announcer Mike Breen. We’ll rate it at 3.5 Horrys.
