The Shot (Duke–Kentucky)

"The Shot" commonly refers to the game-winning jump shot made by Duke University basketball player Christian Laettner against the University of Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament East Regional final. Played on March 28, 1992, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the game was a highly anticipated matchup between the defending national champion Duke Blue Devils, led by Laettner, Grant Hill, and Bobby Hurley, and the upstart Kentucky Wildcats, a young team that had unexpectedly advanced deep into the tournament.

With 2.1 seconds remaining in overtime and the score tied 103-103, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called a timeout. During the timeout, the now-famous play was designed: Grant Hill would inbound the ball from the Duke baseline to Laettner, who was positioned at the opposite free-throw line.

Hill's pass traveled nearly the entire length of the court, landing perfectly in Laettner's hands. Laettner, after catching the pass, turned, dribbled once, and shot the ball over Kentucky's defender, Travis Ford. The buzzer sounded as the ball swished through the net, giving Duke a 104-103 victory and sending them to the Final Four.

The play is considered one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history due to the high stakes, the dramatic finish, the perfect execution, and the intense rivalry between the two programs. It is frequently replayed and discussed, cementing Laettner's legacy and contributing to the lore of the NCAA tournament.