Sean Elliott’s Memorial Day Miracle Happened 24 Years Ago Today

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On Memorial Day in 1999, Sean Elliott hit a game-winning three-pointer to give the San Antonio Spurs a 86-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The shot is known as the “Memorial Day Miracle.”

The Spurs were trailing by two points when Elliott received the ball on the wing. He almost lost his balance and tip-toed over the sideline and then fired a three-pointer over the outstretched arm of Rasheed Wallace. The shot swished through the net, and the Spurs erupted in celebration.

The Memorial Day Miracle was a huge moment for the Spurs, who went on to win the Western Conference Finals and the NBA championship that year. It was also a personal triumph for Elliott, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease earlier in the season.