In what is already being called the greatest game in college basketball history, Duke forward Christian Laettner delivered an unforgettable buzzer-beater to lift the Blue Devils over Kentucky, 104–103, in the East Regional Final at the Spectrum. The win sent Duke back to the Final Four and forever etched “The Shot” into basketball lore.
With 2.1 seconds remaining in overtime and the Blue Devils trailing by one, Grant Hill launched a full-court inbounds pass to Laettner at the top of the key. Surrounded by defenders, Laettner faked, turned, and calmly sank a fadeaway jumper as the buzzer sounded. The arena exploded — half in disbelief, half in euphoria.
“I knew it was good the moment it left my hand,” Laettner said postgame, coolly unfazed by the weight of his heroics. “I’ve dreamed about shots like that. Tonight, I got my chance.”
It was the perfect punctuation mark to an absolutely flawless performance. Laettner finished the night with 31 points — making all 10 of his field goals and all 10 of his free throws. He added 7 rebounds and 3 assists in what is now widely considered one of the most clutch, efficient performances in NCAA Tournament history.
The game itself was a heavyweight battle. Kentucky, under first-year head coach Rick Pitino, had resurrected its program and pushed Duke to the brink. Led by Jamal Mashburn and a scrappy group of overachievers, the Wildcats matched Duke shot for shot, surge for surge.
Duke, the defending national champions, leaned on their experience and poise. Bobby Hurley orchestrated the offense with 22 points and 10 assists, while Grant Hill filled the stat sheet and brought defensive pressure. Still, it was Laettner who answered every critical moment, including a go-ahead jumper late in regulation.
As overtime wore on, Kentucky took a 103–102 lead on Sean Woods’ running banker with 2.1 seconds left — seemingly the final blow. But Coach Mike Krzyzewski called a timeout and drew up a now-iconic play that would become part of March Madness mythology.
Grant Hill’s inbounds pass traveled the length of the court — a perfect spiral. Laettner, always composed, caught it, dribbled once, faked left, turned right, and let it fly. Swish. Ballgame.
“The moment, the pressure — that’s where Christian thrives,” Coach K said after the game. “There’s no one I’d rather have with the ball in his hands.”
The Blue Devils advanced to their fifth Final Four and would eventually go on to win the national championship, completing a rare back-to-back title run. But no moment from that tournament — or perhaps any tournament — will ever eclipse Laettner’s legendary shot.
Years from now, fans will still talk about where they were when it happened. “The Shot” wasn’t just a game-winner — it was a moment that transcended sports and cemented Christian Laettner’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever wear a Duke uniform.
