Chicago Bulls All-Star forward # 23 Michael Jordan file photos. (Photo by Tom Berg/WireImage)
With the Conference Championships in full swing, let’s take a closer look at the NBA players who have shown a propensity for clutch play when important games were on the line. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.
10. Robert Horry
SAN ANTONIO – JANUARY 14: Robert Horry #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at AT&T Center on January 14, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 89-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
They called him Big Shot Bob because he was clutch in the most critical moments. Horry is a 7-time NBA Champion.
9. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller#31, Shooting Guard for the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Central Division basketball game against the Houston Rockets on 9th November 1994 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The Rockets won the game 109 – 104. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
Miller never won a championship, but he was as clutch a shooter as there was—just ask the New York Knicks.
8. Kawhi Leonard
Dec 27, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) addresses the media in a post game press conference following a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Was the Finals MVP both times he made it there. His shot against the Sixers is the greatest shot in Raptors’ history.
7. Jerry West
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) talks with head coach Fred Schaus. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Network
His nickname was “Mr. Clutch.” His 29.1 PPG in the playoffs shows how good he really was in the critical moments.
6. Dwayne Wade
Oct 30, 2009; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) brings the ball down court against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Miami won 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Wade averaged 34.7 points in the 2006 Finals and took almost all the big shots during the Heat’s 3 NBA Championship run.
5. Stephen Curry
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on February 22, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Curry is a 4-time NBA Champion who has redefined what it means to be a long-distance shooter in the NBA.
4. Magic Johnson
Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (32). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Magic not only won 5 NBA Championships and 3 Finals MVPs, but he also played center in the pivotal Game 6 when the Lakers beat the Sixers back in 1980.
3. Larry Bird
Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) against the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
A 3-time NBA Champion and a 2-time Finals MVP, Bird played his best when the game was on the line.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant #8, Shooting Guard and Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Sacramento Kings on 12th March 2000 at the STAPLES Center arena in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 109 – 106. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Kobe’s Mamba mentality made him one of the strongest finishers in the game. His 5 NBA Championships proved that as well.
1. Michael Jordan
Unknown Date; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard (45) Michael Jordan wears jersey#45 shortly after his return from a brief retirement following playing
baseball against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gund Arena. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports
THE G.O.A.T. Jordan’s 6 NBA Championships and 6 Finals MVPs says it all.
