The 50 Greatest Ankle-Breakers in NBA History in GIFs

NBA players are near the center of America's sports-obsessed culture. Their athleticism attracts endless amounts of attention from sports fanatics, while their celebrity makes them a conversation topic even during the offseason. They aren't just giants in a physical sense, but also a metaphorical one. Stars like LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Shaquille O'Neal aren't just good at their craft; they're part of lore.

Perhaps that's why it's always interesting to see these figures get broken down by a fraction of a second with twitches and quick misdirections. If facials are the main course, then well-executed crossovers are the dessert because you're always hitting that replay button. Every basketball fan will laud the sight of a fake that sends a star crumbling to the hardwood. Fundamentals be damned!

Andre Iguodala proved this for the umpteenth time last night. Even though his Golden State Warriors lost to the Denver Nuggets—and even though he only managed to score six points on 2-for-6 shooting from the field—Iggy has everyone talking today thanks to the sick double-crossover that he pulled off, which sent Nuggets forward Quincy Miller falling to the floor like a ton of bricks. It was one of the best crossovers we've seen during the 2013-14 NBA season and will definitely get added to Iggy's career highlights list.

In honor of it, take a moment to gawk at the fallen and frozen bodies and marvel at the ball-handling prowess that's displayed in our list of The 50 Greatest Ankle-Breakers in NBA History in GIFs. Welcome to the club, Iggy.

50. Stephon Marbury

Victim: Yao Ming
Date: 2/19/2003

This is a set up. It just has to be. There's no way a 7'4" Yao Ming should have to face a cocked-and-loaded Marbury at the top of the key. Plus, did you think Starbury was going to have any mercy on the poor guy? There's no compassion in this man; only the will to kill and Vaseline.

49. Kevin Durant

Victim: Sasha Pavlovic
Date: 11/3/2012

Durant did say that having to carry the team without Russell Westbrook during OKC's 2013 playoff run was kind of like playing street ball. But he's been doing the street ball schtick for a while now. This domination of Sasha Pavlovic looks like it could fit in an And1 Mixtape. We could picture it now. Kevin Durant stares down Pavlovic and suddenly blue graphics come on the screen. Then Durantula's And1 moniker appears: Kevin Durant a.k.a. Du Du on Fools. #itcouldhappen

48. Tyreke Evans

Victim: Ron Artest (Metta World Peace)
Date: 3/26/2010

Jarrett Jack did drop Metta World Peace this year, but to World Peace's defense, he was coming back from knee surgery. But what's the excuse here? Got caught in the spin cycle?

47. Shaquille O'Neal

Victim: Jerome James
Date: May 2001

Imagine you're consoling your teammate after he gets crossed up by the likes of Shaquille O'Neal. He's understandably upset; he fears he'll get ragged on for years because of the absurdity of getting got by Big Diesel and having that be one of the only highlights of his career. As he's telling you his worries, you pretend that you're checking your cellphone to avoid that awkward moment of honesty where you may have to tell him he might actually be right. Your phone is dead though, so you just opt to lie. "Things will look up," you say. "You're definitely getting a five-year/$30 million contract in your future."

Then you steadily stop returning his texts, you sit at the opposite end of the locker room during pre-game prep talks, and you generally start to become distant. It's not that you don't like the dude anymore, it's just that you simply can't see yourself fucking with anybody who gets caught so easily by someone so large. You later go on to quit the sport in a fit of disillusionment because of the ridiculousness of the teammate actually getting a five-year/$30 million contract.

46. Kyrie Irving

Victim: Jason Kidd
Date: 12/15/2012

Think this was the moment J-Kidd knew it was time to hang 'em up? Irving probably would've still did this if Kidd was 10 years younger. Don't front. Kyrie is a bad boy.

45. Kobe Bryant

Victim: Shawn Marion
Date: May 2007

The Suns always looked like NBA Finals contenders in the mid-'00s. But like Shawn Marion in this clip, their poor defense often led to their downfall. Who knew a broken ankle could be so symbolic?

44. Delonte West

Victim: Caron Butler
Date: 12/5/2012

You always wonder what's going through a team's head as their watching their teammate get torched. The other four Clippers had a clear view of the catastrophe here. One of them must be thinking, "Shake it off, fam," while the other half was probably relieved at the fact that it wasn't them.

43. Derrick Rose

Victim: Tyreke Evans
Date: 11/27/2010

Derrick Rose's freakish talent isn't the only reason we're busting his balls for his absence. We're a society that appreciates the sight of souls crumbling to the ground because of his finesse and speed. For example, Tyreke thinks he has Rose, but a quick cut forces him to his knees so fast it looks like he's about to sing his praises in church. He's in church, except in this one instead of seeing a priest, ray of light, or what-have-you, he sees D. Rose's behind. Hopefully the Church of Rose gets more members this season.

42. Eric Gordon

Victim: Stephen Curry
Date: 10/29/2010

This is as close as an actual broken ankle as you're going to get on the list. Yeah, Curry did graze Blake Griffin's foot to roll that ankle. But at the same time, it was Gordon who had him going that direction in the first place. It's slightly like what happened to Manny Pacquiao. He didn't just fall to the canvas; Juan Manuel Marquez's fist sent him there.

41. Brandon Jennings

Victim: Stephen Curry
Date: 11/13/2010

Steph Curry is getting more acclaim than Brandon Jennings these days, and he deserves it. Jennings is stuck with a chronically average team, but hopefully he can sleep at night knowing he once made Curry almost walk out his shoes. Curry can have the most three-pointers made in a season record; Jennings took his heart.

40. Chris Paul

Victim: Anthony Carter
Date: 1/28/2008

The whole thing plays out like some Sesame Street skit. "Hey kids! How many times did Anthony Carter get crossed? One...two...three times!! Ah, ah, ah."

39. TJ Ford

Victim: Mike James
Date: 12/27/2006

Oh crap, did Mike James suddenly lose all bodily function? That wasn't a crossover. That was black magic.

38. Jason Williams

Victim: Gary Payton
Date: 2/17/1999

Sometimes when you see a Hall of Famer get caught like this, you're inclined to think, "It's OK. He's human." Except if it's in cases when you get caught with a basic crossover like this. Basic moves aren't normally known to cause temporary paralysis. Or maybe we're not giving Jason Williams enough credit for his fast-twitch wizardry here.

37. Speedy Claxton

Victim: Nenad Krstic
Date: 2/6/2006

Rumor has it that Speedy Claxton crossed the initial vowel right out of Nenad Krstic's last name. No official word if that's true or not, but from the looks of this clip it might be.

36. Michael Jordan

Victim: Vince Carter
Date: 3/4/2003

In one of the few highlights of his stint with the Wizards, Michael Jordan sat down a near-his-prime Vince Carter as he hit a jumper. Yeah, he did get got by The Greatest, but Mike was almost 40 at the time. MJ or not, that's not a good look.

35. Nate Robinson

Victim: Jose Calderon
Date: 12/2/2006

A quick change of direction from Nate Robinson reduces Jose Calderon into a smoldering European mess. He got up as if he knew he was going to need some Icy Hot afterward. Not for those sore ankles, but for his dignity.

34. Norris Cole

Victim: Paul George
Date: 1/4/2012

Paul George may have looked down after he got up from this to double check if someone wasn't moving that hardwood from under his feet. Then he may have pinched himself to make sure he didn't simply dream that he was getting his ass grassed like that. Nope, he got his heart taken fair and square.

33. Russell Westbrook

Victim: Luke Ridnour
Date: 12/27/2011

This is the type of violation that happens to that sixth grader who clearly doesn't have an athletic bone in his body, but gets on the court just to prove he's down. Except he's far past his prepubescent phase, and instead of lunch room shit talk, his failure lives on in YouTube infamy.

32. Hedo Turkoglu

Victim: Mbaha Moute
Date: 3/27/2009

The beauty of a successful crossover can be entertaining if the victim looks like he's moving in slow motion (even if it's in real time) or if he falls with a sudden "THOOMP!" This one was the latter, and Turkoglu must've been extremely satisfied with that consequent wet jumper.

31. Steve Francis

Victim: Troy Hudson
Date: 3/23/1999

This perfectly excuted crossover is a treat to witness, just like every other one on this list. But the pleasure gives way to an endlessly debatable question: Which looks worse? Troy Hudson's ankle after Steve Francis is through with them or Francis' face in 2013?

30. Kobe Bryant

Victim: Fred Jones
Date: 1/9/2006

The Black Mamba bit Jones with that venom with this move. The best moment is when Bryant looks down on him as if to say, "Damn, I didn't kill you did I?" It's understandable, because in the words of Ghostface he actually was lying there like a "newborn fuckin' baby, god."

29. Nate Robinson

Victim: Steve Blake
Date: 2/1/2008

Did Steve Blake think he was going to be successful here? Nah, cue the soundtrack.

28. Vince Carter

Victim: Rip Hamilton
Date: 11/30/2005

We knew Vince Carter had some handles, but making Hamilton fall face down is just over the top. Rip acted like he got tripped on the play, but a close inspection shows the only person who tripped Rip Hamilton was Rip Hamilton.

27. Andre Iguodala

Victim: Quincy Miller
Date: 4/10/2014

Something tells us that, as time goes on, our memories of this crossover will grow fonder and it will inch its way up the list. The way that Iggy rocked the Nuggets forward to sleep here and then set him crashing down onto the court was just—ugh!—filthy. The Warriors star isn't a guy who's typically known for crossing dudes up. But after seeing this, we think he should try it out a little more often.

26. Nate Robinson

Victim: Reggie Jackson
Date: 1/26/2012

For Robinson, simply breaking ankles is too simple; he wants to break down your whole body. Within seconds, Robinson turns Reggie Jackson from a respectable NBA player to a discombobulated Pinocchio. His legs couldn't decide which way to go, so they just split.

25. John Wall

Victim: Ish Smith
Date: 1/14/2013

To be fair, Ish Smith drew first blood against John Wall. He swatted one of Wall's shots earlier in the game. Wall just had to devastate Smith to get him back, and he did so in flashy fashion. Smith's left leg flew so fast it looked like an imaginary cane had yanked it for some reason. Wall must've had divine intervention on his side for this quest of revenge.

24. Beno Udrih

Victim: Kobe Bryant
Date: 10/12/2008

So Kobe Bryant and a Slovenian player named Beno Udrih meet up on the court. One of them gets to the basket while the other gets his ass put on the ground. Which one is which? The answer may shock you.

23. Stephen Curry

Victim: George Hill
Date: 2/26/2013

George Hill thought, "I don't need no damn ankles. I'll play defense sitting down if I have to." You don't have a heart if you don't find this level of determination inspiring.

22. Tim Hardaway

Victim: Ron Harper
Date: 5/1/1996

It's a dope crossover, but if Hardaway tries to rub it in Harper's face years later, he could say "I probably could lock you down now if I didn't have these rings weighing me down." The ultimate burn.

21. Baron Davis

Victim: Mateen Cleaves
Date: 2/10/2001

The Rookie Challenge is supposed to be a chance for the upcoming stars to shine. Of course, someone usually has to get shitted on for that to happen. It's not a setup, it's simple cause and effect, with the effect being Mateen Cleaves on the floor.

20. Michael Jordan

Victim: Bryon Russell
Date: Unknown

Poor Bryon. Michael Jordan used to own him every time he used to come and guard him. Hell, the most famous moment of his career is him getting dominated by Jordan. This instance isn't even close to being as well-known as that moment, but still...damn.

19. Derrick Rose

Victim: Andre Miller
Date: 12/1/2008

Having an old man game sounds like a decent deal at first. It suggests a huge advantage that can only be earned off accumulating years of experience. It also implies durability, class, and a higher state of intelligence than most of the youngbloods who play the game. It's too bad that shit didn't work against Derrick Rose.

18. Jamal Crawford

Victim: Ray Allen
Date: 11/26/2008

Playing in the NBA would be anybody's dream job, but one of its pitfalls is that you're contractually obligated to stay on court unless you're subbed out or ejected. Ray hoped to go home after getting dismantled by Crawford.

17. Deron Williams

Victim: Toney Douglas
Date: 3/29/2010

As bad as the Knicks were over the past decade, you have to imagine the collective sighs of their fans when Williams got Douglas like that. It was like playing peek-a-boo with a baby, except you'd expect a fully grown man to see through it.

16. Jameer Nelson

Victim: Paul Pierce
Date: 11/26/2012

There's 49 other entries on this list, but none of them include a literally broken ankle. But if you look closely at Paul Pierce's ankle, there's a legit chance he could at least sprained it. Never before has he looked so...old. Like you just want to give him a warm quilt and some applesauce afterward.

15. Jamal Crawford

Victim: Wesley Matthews
Date: 1/26/2013

Getting crossed twice in one sequence like that is just unacceptable. Wesley Matthews looked like he caught amnesia after Jamal Crawford was through with him like it was some sort of flu bug. Where's the Showtime at the Apollo sandman when you need him?

14. Dwyane Wade

Victim: Raja Bell
Date: 11/19/2004

Really, dude? Really? This man ended up tripping from the top of the key all the way to the baseline. This was either a really poorly done flop or Flash really crossed the dignity right out of his body.

13. Deron Williams

Victim: Jacque Vaughn
Date: 5/27/2007

If you're going to get your ankles broken, at least get them broken with some grace. It's not just the fact Vaughn gets obliterated by the guard. The man holds his right hand up while he's on the floor in an extremely desperate attempt at defense. Get your mind right, son.

12. Chris Paul

Victim: Tony Parker
Date: 1/22/2011

Even the players in the most boring of teams can get broken down in the most fantastic ways. Parker got done dirty in the play, but this is waaaayyyyy easier to live down than blowing Game 6 of the NBA Finals and losing Eva Longoria.

11. Deron Williams

Victim: Jason Terry
Date: 2/7/2009

As bad and hilarious as this slo-mo capture of Terry's discombobulation was, we have to argue that he would probably be looking at this moment with fond memories. Word to LeBron.

10. Kyrie Irving

Victim: Brandon Knight
Date: 2/16/2013

In retrospect, this sonning is particularly notable because it was the start of a series of unfortunate events for Brandon Knight. He missed a wide open layup and got truck sticked. Probably should've took Irving's suggestion and just went to sleep.

(We didn't mention DeAndre Jordan's dunk because that wasn't "unfortunate." It was tragic.)

9. Allen Iverson

Victim: Jacque Vaughn
Date: 12/10/2005

The worst part of this sequence is how Jacque Vaughn was expecting Iverson do some crazy shit and still ended up on the floor. C'mon man, you made New Jersey look bad. And since the Nets' location has changed, you made Brooklyn look bad. And since the representation is universal, the whole Tri-State area looks bad. Word to Q-Tip.

8. Dwyane Wade

Victim: Eric Snow
Date: 11/4/2006

Eric Snow claimed D. Wade pushed him, which is proabably false. Wade brought it back, Snow went the other way, and his body ejected itself from its ankles. A.I. can't save you this time, man.

7. Joe Johnson

Victim: Paul Pierce
Date: 11/29/2012

Paul Pierce got up quickly as if he was trying to play it off, but the damage was already done by the time Johnson pulled up for the jump shot. You touched earth, fam.

6. Allen Iverson

Victim: David Wesley
Date: 2000

Allen Iverson made sure this journeyman was going to journey his ass off the court without a soul. He never stopped picking on the dude.

5. Jason Kidd

Victim: Ron Harper and Scottie Pippen
Date: 11/21/1995

Michael Jordan must've been pissed when he saw this go down. Let's take it back a few years and get into the mind of His Airness:

"Who does this not-knowing-what-the-hell-is-a-360 kid think he is crossing up my teammate like they aren't the best of the best. Nah, let me drop 30 real quick on this fool. Trying to take my shine and shit."

Jordan ended up dropping at least 30 in the Bulls' two wins against Dallas that season.

4. Allen Iverson

Victim: Antonio Daniels
Date: 3/3/2006

With this level of sonning, it's a wonder A.I. doesn't have to make another child support payment.

3. Allen Iverson

Victim: Tyronn Lue
Date: 6/6/2001

Picture this: You're well on your way to an outstanding 48-point barrage in the first game of the NBA Finals, but you're not completely happy. With the way your teammates are playing this game, you still may not win. Hell, you probably won't even win the series. You're frustrated and someone needs to get got in order for you to vent.

But you're in luck. You're at the corner when a light-skinned, braided brother decides to guard you. So you hit him with the fake, the step back, and then the fadeaway jumper as the said person tumbles to the ground. The jumper is good, and while he's on the ground, he looks up at you with the newfound knowledge that he's not about that life. You then step over him to make sure he doesn't forget that he isn't.

2. Michael Jordan

Victim: Bryon Russell
Date: 6/14/1998

If you look closely, you can see that Michael Jordan may have gave Bryon Russell a firm pat on the bottom as he fell. But because we're optimistic, we'd like to think of this as the most famous crossover ever made in what should've been the greatest ending ever to a career. It's a bit sad the Jazz lost in the Finals twice because of Jordan's heroics, but to be fair, Utah had a solid shot of winning it next year since Jordan had retired.

1. Allen Iverson

Victim: Michael Jordan
Date: 3/12/1997

It isn't the fact The Answer got The Greatest. It's that Iverson got him twice. With the same move. The morale: No one is safe out here, even if you're the best.