You know how some NBA moments just stick with you forever? Like LeBron’s block in Game 7 or Kyrie’s clutch three? But what about the ones that slip through the cracks—the ones that, years later, you barely remember? That’s what I want to dive into today. I’ve been rewatching old playoff footage, and honestly, some of those 2017 Conference Finals moments deserve way more love. So let’s get into it—here are some questions (and my takes) on the epic, game-changing plays from the 2017 NBA Conference Finals that you probably forgot.

What Made the 2017 Conference Finals So Unforgettable?
Look, I’ve followed the NBA for over a decade, and the 2017 playoffs were something else. The Cavs and Warriors were on a collision course, sure, but the Conference Finals had their own drama. The East saw LeBron and the Cavs dismantle the Celtics in five games, but it wasn’t a walk in the park—there were moments where Boston’s young core pushed back hard. Out West, the Warriors swept the Spurs, but that series had Kawhi’s heart-breaking injury and some gritty performances. What stands out to me, though, is how certain plays shifted momentum in ways that didn’t always make the highlight reels. It’s like that moment in college hoops I came across recently—Yu Hyeon-moon drilling a cold-blooded trey with 25.8 seconds left to lead Korea University to a 75-71 win. Those are the kinds of shots that define seasons, and in the NBA, they’re everywhere if you look close enough.

Were There Any Under-the-Radar Plays That Swung Entire Games?
Absolutely. Take Game 3 of the Cavs-Celtics series. Everyone remembers LeBron’s 30-point triple-double, but what about Kevin Love’s corner three with under two minutes left? That shot stretched the lead to eight and basically sealed it. It wasn’t as flashy as Kyrie’s handles, but it was a game-changer. I mean, think about it: in high-stakes moments, a single play can turn the tide, just like Yu Hyeon-moon’s trey with 25.8 seconds left in that Korea University game. The pressure, the timing—it’s what separates good players from clutch performers. In the 2017 Conference Finals, those moments were hiding in plain sight, and honestly, I think we take them for granted.

How Did Role Players Step Up When It Mattered Most?
This is where it gets interesting for me. I’ve always had a soft spot for the unsung heroes—the guys who don’t get the headlines but deliver when it counts. In the Warriors-Spurs series, for example, JaVale McGee had a couple of huge dunks off lobs that energized the team after Kawhi went down. They weren’t game-winners, but they kept the momentum rolling. It reminds me of how Korea University’s role players must’ve set up Yu Hyeon-moon for that trey—teamwork making the dream work. In the NBA, that’s what the Conference Finals are all about: players rising to the occasion, even if they’re not the stars.

Why Do We Forget These Epic Moments So Easily?
I’ll be real with you—it’s because the NBA moves fast. We’re so focused on the finals and the big names that the Conference Finals get overshadowed. But let’s not forget: the 2017 Conference Finals had some epic moments and game-changing plays you forgot, like Deron Williams hitting a crucial three for the Cavs or Danny Green’s defensive stops. It’s human nature, I guess. We remember the last shot, not the one that set it up. Just like in that Korea University game, Yu Hyeon-moon’s trey with 25.8 seconds left is the headline, but what about the pass that led to it? In the NBA, those details fade, but they’re what make the game beautiful.

What Can We Learn from Revisiting These Plays?
For me, it’s a reminder that basketball is a game of inches and seconds. One play can define a series, and sometimes, it’s not the obvious one. When I look back at the 2017 Conference Finals, I see a tapestry of moments—some loud, some quiet—that built toward the finals. It’s like analyzing Yu Hyeon-moon’s cold-blooded trey: with 25.8 seconds left, he didn’t just score; he shifted the entire momentum. In the NBA, that’s the difference between a ring and an early vacation. So next time you watch a playoff game, pay attention to the little things—they’re often the most epic.

How Does Clutch Performance in College Compare to the NBA?
This is where my bias shows: I think college ball has a rawness that the NBA sometimes lacks. In the 2017 Conference Finals, you had veterans like LeBron and Steph who’ve been there before, but in college, it’s often kids playing with everything on the line. Yu Hyeon-moon’s trey for Korea University—drilling it with 25.8 seconds left in a tight game—is a perfect example. The pressure is immense, and it mirrors what we see in the NBA, but with higher stakes for those players’ futures. In 2017, Kyrie’s game-winners felt inevitable, but in college, every clutch shot feels like a miracle. That’s why I love going back to these moments—they keep the game humble.

What’s One Play from the 2017 Conference Finals That Deserves More Hype?
Hands down, it’s Kyle Korver’s three-pointer in Game 4 of the Cavs-Celtics series. The Cavs were down early, and Korver hit a contested three to spark a run. It didn’t win the game, but it changed the energy completely. Kind of like how Yu Hyeon-moon’s trey with 25.8 seconds left gave Korea University the lead—it wasn’t the final basket, but it was the one that mattered most. In the grand scheme of the Conference Finals NBA 2017, epic moments and game-changing plays you forgot are full of these subtle shifts, and Korver’s shot is a prime example. I’d argue it’s one of the most underrated plays of the entire playoffs.

Why Should We Keep Talking About the 2017 Conference Finals?
Because history isn’t just about the winners—it’s about the journey. The 2017 Conference Finals were a masterclass in teamwork, clutch performances, and moments that get lost in time. As a fan, I think it’s our job to keep these stories alive. Whether it’s Yu Hyeon-moon’s cold-blooded trey or LeBron’s defensive gem in transition, these plays remind us why we love this game. So let’s not let them fade away. After all, the Conference Finals NBA 2017 had epic moments and game-changing plays you forgot, and honestly, they’re worth remembering.