Skip to Content

What is a Money Shot in Basketball?

What is a Money Shot in Basketball?

In basketball, there are a variety of terms used to describe different shots, defensive maneuvers, and when a foul is incurred.  One of the more famous sayings is the money shot.  But what is a money shot in basketball and what are some of the most famous money shots in the game?

While the slang term money shot may be not safe for work, the basketball term simply refers to one of two distinct shots.  The first being a shot from well beyond the three-point arc, typically towards the opposing side of the court.  This is considered a money shot due to the difficulty in making the shot and the low probability of the shot being made.

The second definition is more confined and refers to a shot, typically by a spectator at the game, from the half-court line.  This shot attempt is usually done during half-time and may have a monetary reward included if the individual makes the shot.

Due to the difficulty of the shot and the monetary reward attached to it, the half-time shot by a spectator at the game can be called a money shot.

You may also be interested in our list of the best halftime contest ideas!

Best Money Shots by a Spectator

LeBron James Hugs Miami Heat Fan

Perhaps one of the most famous money shots by an NBA fan at a game.  In 2013, in front of the Miami Heat arena and players, Michael Drysch nails a half-court shot to win $75,000.  As the crowd and players go wild, none other than Lebron James comes over to Michael, tackling him with excitement over the made shot.  Definitely one of the best money shots in NBA history and a great video to watch.

Bryan College Student Wins $10,000

Another great money shot moment, although not in an NBA arena, is this clip.  A Bryan College student, Gustavo Angel Tamayo, is given 30-seconds to make four shots in a row.  One from beneath the rim, the next from the free-throw line, followed by aa three-point shot, and then a half-court shot.  Amazingly, Gustavo barely makes each shot and hits the half-court shot as the buzzer goes off, winning himself $10,000 towards tuition.

Lakers Fan Wins $235,000

In 2010, one lucky Laker’s fan was given the opportunity to take a shot from half-court during half-time to win $235,000.  With poise, grace, and a perfect shot follow through, the fan hits the shot and wins himself the money.

Dallas Mavericks Fan Wins a Sony 4K TV

In 2017, one lucky Dallas Mavericks fan was given the opportunity to win a Sony 4K television with a half-court shot.  Wearing a shirt depicting the Maverick great Dirk Nowitzki, the fan hits the shot with ease as the entire arena erupts in applause and cheers.

University of Virginia Student Wins $19,000

This University of Virginia student, Gabriel Simmons, sinks the half-court shot during half-time at a basketball game, winning himself $19,000.  This clip also shows great half-court shots made by fans and spectators alike at the University of Virginia games.

Warriors Fan Wins a New BMW

In 2013, one lucky fan at Oracle Arena was given the opportunity to win a BMW i3 by hitting a half-court shot.  He does so in one fluid motion, nailing the shot and winning himself the car.

MSU Student Wins $11,111

For the chance to win $11,111, an MSU student, Joe Thompson hits a full court shot, one-handed to bring it home.

OKC Fan Wins $20,000

For the chance to win $20,000, one fan at an Oklahoma City Thunder game made a half-court shot.  Although the fan seemed hesitant and nervous at the start, he sinks the shot and goes home a much happier man that night.

OSU Fan Wins $100

With just 45-seconds on the clock, a young fan, Trevor, nails the layup, free-throw, three-point shot, and half-court shot to win himself $100 at an Oklahoma State University game.

Best Money Shots by an NBA Player

Jae Crowder Nails the Full Court Shot

One of the crazier shots we’ve seen in the NBA, Jae Crowder attempts to inbound the ball with a baseball pass towards the opposing side of the court.  The ball, however, hits the backboard and goes in.  Unfortunately, since Jae was out-of-bounds the shot did not count.

Craziest NBA Trickshots

A compilation of some crazy and insane shots mad, and counted, during an NBA game.  This compilation features such NBA greats as Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young, to name a few.

Top 60 NBA Clutch Plays of the Past Decade

Perhaps no greater playlist for a compilation of the best money and clutch shots in NBA history then from the NBA itself.  This compilation features 60-shots that either won the game or were so difficult to make that only a truly skilled and able player was able to make it.