Speaking on ‘The Crossover’ podcast with Howard Beck, NBA legend Robert Horry shared his take on the most clutch player in basketball. Instead of giving the nod to Kobe, Jordan, Durant, or LeBron, he named Damian Lillard as the top guy, lauding his track record of hitting big shots in huge moments:
“Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Steph Curry and this guy right here is probably No. 1: Damian Lillard,” Horry said. “And people are going to say, ‘Damian Lillard? He hasn’t won anything.’ But Damian Lillard has hit more — he has hit a clutch shot versus every team in the NBA.”
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Dame, 31, may not be on the same level as some of his peers, but nobody is better at hitting those clutch shots than him. He has hit multiple series-ending baskets in his career, including his famous and well-known buzzer-beater over Paul George in 2019.
Whether it’s his confidence or the reliability of his long-distance shot, Dame always steps up when his team needs him the most and it’s why Portland has enjoyed prosperity for years. He is definitely the most clutch player in basketball:
Without a doubt, Damian Lillard is the most clutch player in the NBA. His deep range shooting is his key asset and he shot an excellent 40.1% from deep last season. Lillard’s offensive ability might be the best in the NBA at the point guard position, and he strikes fear in the hearts of opponents. His clutch game-winner against the Houston Rockets in Game 6 in 2014, and also the shot that sent Russell Westbrook and the Thunder home in 2019 are examples of what Dame Time can feel like.
But after an injury-riddled season, the Blazers finished 13th with a 27-55 record. Along the way, they traded several key players, including CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, and Robert Covington. It will be up to GM Joe Cronin to make adjustments this summer, but Lillard’s health and play over the next few years will determine how successful the franchise is.
The only thing we know for sure is that Dame will answer the call and step up, just like he has for his entire career.
