Horry holds numerous Finals records, such as most steals (7) and most three-pointers in a quarter (5). Horry has a staggering seven rings with three different teams (Lakers, Rockets, and Spurs).
No player has ever caused as much sheer frustration in the opposition's fans—that much I am sure of.
C: Shaquille O'Neal (7'1", 325 lb.)
Shaq is by far the most physically imposing center to ever play. He changed the game with his size and brute strength, literally bulling his way to the basket. His clutch plays were different than the others on this list. His ability to dominate the paint made all attempts at a last second lay-up worthless.
SECOND TEAM, ALL-CLUTCH
PG: Allen Iverson (6'0", 165 lb.)
Allen Iverson is, pound for pound, the toughest player to ever play in the NBA. He led the Philadelphia 76ers in scoring, assists, and minutes as a rookie. Although never advancing far in his early years, Iverson played as much as 44 minutes a game while sustaining injuries. Iverson carried the Sixers through the playoffs, and faced the Lakers in the 2001 NBA Finals, where he averaged 35.6 points per game.
SG: Reggie Miller (6'7", 195 lb.)
Miller has always been known for two things—three-point shooting and clutch plays. Reggie Miller became well-known during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals after having a 39-point performance (including 25 in the fourth quarter) and his famous altercation with Spike Lee. Miller's career is littered with clutch performances, way too many to be named here.
SF: James Worthy (6'9", 225 lb.)
Although Worthy had great regular seasons, the playoffs and finals were where he really shined. His inspired play during the Boston-Los Angeles rivalry gave him the reputation as one of the premier players in the league.
His 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and three assists per game during the regular season warranted his selection as an All-Star, but his 22.2 points per game on 53 percent shooting in the Finals set him above the rest as a clutch player.
PF: Tim Duncan (6'11", 260 lb.)
Although his three-pointer in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs was a great clutch play, it will never be in the same league as the rest. However, Duncan is clutch in a different way than the rest of these players—his incredible mental toughness and consistency make pressure virtually non-existent to him.
C: Bill Russell (6'10", 220 lb.)
11 NBA titles—need I say more?
SNUBS
Kobe Bryant (6'6", 205 lb.)
Kobe is definitely the premier clutch player in the NBA today, but I still don't think he belongs with the rest of these legends. Once he is retired, I'm sure he'll have overtaken Reggie Miller's spot on the Second Team but not right now.
Tracy McGrady (6'8", 223 lb.)
This may come as a surprise, considering he's never been out of the first round of the playoffs, but his 13 points in 35 seconds was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed.
Doug Flutie (5'10", 180 lb.)
You can't have an article about clutch plays and not include the little guy. Here's to you, Doug!
As you can see, players who aren't even All-Stars (e.g. Horry) can make a legacy for themselve by being clutch. Do you have any suggestions for the list? Comment and we can discuss who should go down in history as the most clutch players of all time!
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