The NBA Finals begin on Thursday, bringing back an annual tradition of transcendant performances, dramatic twists and legacy-making clutch performances.
To hype up fans for this year's finals, ESPN commissioned the retrospective animation above. It looks back at some of the league's most iconic championship moments, including Michael Jordan's switch-hands layup from 1991, Magic Johnson's sky hook from 1987 and Willis Reed's inspiring, injury-riddled appearance from 1970.
The animation was created by artist Richard Swarbrick, whose similar animations of European soccer stars have been online hits.
Take a look at the video above, then let us know what you think in the comments.