Imagine a world where the most iconic “what if” moments in NBA history had actually counted. What if Michael Jordan’s legendary shot over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs had been ruled as a game-winning basket in a series that stretched on? The 1990s Bulls might have faced a completely different challenge in their quest for dominance.

Picture if the infamous “The Shot” by Jordan against the Cleveland Cavaliers had been disallowed, potentially altering the trajectory of the Bulls’ dynasty and the careers of both Jordan and LeBron James. The fabric of NBA history would be woven with different threads.

Or consider the 2016 Finals where the Golden State Warriors were on the brink of a historic 73-win season but fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a dramatic seven-game series. What if Draymond Green had not been suspended for Game 5? The Warriors might have completed their perfect season, and the legacy of this Cavs team would look entirely different today. The balance of power in the NBA could have shifted permanently.

Furthermore, imagine if the “Malice at the Palace” incident had been handled differently. The resulting suspensions and team repercussions had long-lasting effects on both the Pacers and Pistons. Had that brawl never occurred, the course of both franchises’ fortunes might have changed drastically.

Every game, every play, every moment in the NBA is filled with countless possibilities. “Imagine if it counted” is not just a question of missed opportunities but a reflection on how fragile and precious these moments are in shaping the league’s history. The NBA is a league of incredible highs and agonizing lows, and these hypothetical scenarios remind us that every single moment could be the one that changes everything.