Clutch When It Mattered Most
Posted on December 8, 2008
The last in a series of three posts inspired by a single TrueHoop bullet, I’m back to weigh in on the question of who is “more clutch” — Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?
The overall “clutch” numbers, as defined by 82games.com, seem to indicate that LeBron edges Kobe out in this area. But here is the all-important question: Do the numbers tell the full story?
Here’s a hint: They don’t. But I know what does.
Filed Under Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Free Throw Shooting, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Statistics, assists, big games, clutch, leadership | 18 Comments
Kobe Bryant: Whatever It Takes
Posted on June 5, 2008
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Kobe Bryant has completely dominated these Playoffs.
More significantly, however, is how he has done so — in nearly every way imaginable. He has dominated the best teams in the NBA as a scorer. He has picked teams apart with his passing. He has played the role of decoy. He has taken over late in games. He has created for his teammates.
Simply put, he has done whatever was needed from him at any given moment.
Filed Under Boston Celtics, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, LeBron James, MVP, Michael Jordan, Nuggets, Playoffs, San Antonio Spurs, assists, big games, clutch, leadership | 2 Comments
MVN Lakers: They Don’t Have Kobe
Posted on May 25, 2008
I’ve posted a new Lakers article on MVN.com. Here’s a quick excerpt:
This is not the bold statement it would have been back in either the first or second round. By now, it should be clear.
The Lakers will win the championship this year.
You want a bold statement? I’ll take it one step further: It doesn’t matter who they face in the Finals.
The Real NBA Finals
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers found themselves trailing the Spurs by 20 points, with a score of 45-65, with 5:39 remaining in the third quarter. The Spurs, the defending champions, looked completely unaffected by travel complications, lack of rest, and old age. Home court advantage, it seemed, was about to be stolen away from Los Angeles.
Only one problem: the Lakers had Kobe Bryant.
Click the link below, or head on over to MVN Lakers, for the rest of my article on why Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will win the championship this year.
Filed Under Boston Celtics, Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons, East vs. West, Eastern Conference, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, MVN Lakers, Playoffs, Rasheed Wallace, San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan, big games, clutch, leadership | 2 Comments
Kobe Bryant vs. Chris Paul: An MVP Microcosm
Posted on April 13, 2008
With the 2007-08 season winding to an end, there remain but two strong candidates for the 2008 MVP Award: Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant. With the two candidates seemingly neck and neck, Friday’s game between Paul’s New Orleans Hornets and Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers promised to be one of the best, and most significant, games of the season.
It didn’t disappoint.
In a game that may have profound ramifications for the 2008 Playoffs, Chris Paul delivered a strong performance. His 17 assists are very impressive, and his effort in leading his team to not one but two come-from-behind surges and the brink of victory cannot be denied.
But Kobe Bryant’s Lakers were at some times supremely dominant, and at all times victorious. And through it all, Kobe Bryant was transcendent. And for those that felt that this game would decide between Paul and Bryant…
Filed Under Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, MVP, Statistics, Western Conference, big games, clutch, leadership | 33 Comments
Kobe Bryant: “Remember Me?”
Posted on March 5, 2008
Kobe Bryant struggled for much of the night to find his shot. But in the final six minutes of a 117-105 win over the Sacramento Kings, he delivered his message, loud and clear.
He is still the most clutch player in the world.
Much has been made of LeBron James’ clutch performances this year. And rightly so. His improvement in that area has been astounding, as he has proven, game after game, that he can handle the pressure. But amidst all the buzz about James, many have forgotten about Bryant.
They’ve forgotten that Bryant has already done what James is doing, time and time again. They’ve forgotten that he’s done it at a higher level, and on a bigger stage, than James has. And they’ve forgotten that he’s been doing it for the last decade.
Until now.
Filed Under Kobe Bryant, big games, clutch | 50 Comments