LeBron James might have had two of the biggest meltdowns of any superstar in the NBA Finals of 2011 and 2014 in his resume, but he is still one of the most clutch players to ever play the game of basketball.
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From Mr. Clutch, Jerry West, in the 60s and 70s to Damian Lillard in recent times, NBA has seen a lot of guards being their team’s go-to guy during clutch moments in the game. But only a few forwards or big men get there.
However, Nick Wright thinks The King is there and only Michael Jordan and The Logo are there with him. Not even Kobe Bryant.
Only Jerry West and Michael Jordan are up there with LeBron James in ‘the most clutch’ situations, according to Nick Wright
In the latest First Things First show, FS1 analyst Nick Wright again brought up his “most clutch” conversation after LeBron James’ Lakers beat the Grizzlies in Game 4 to take an insurmountable lead in the first round of the 2023 Playoffs.
Talking about how it started in Game 5 of his first-ever Playoffs series in 2005, Wright brought the stats showing all other MVPs in the league have shot a combined 6-off-45 in under 1 second remaining in the game to tie or take the lead.
Not only James has attempted those shots more than any other player since 1999, he has converted over 58% of them to tie or win the game for his teams.
“There’s only 3 guys in NBA history that can be in the ‘most clutch’ conversation: West, Jordan & LeBron,” Wright said on First Things First.
FGA to Tie/Take Lead in 4Q/OT w/ 1 or fewer Seconds Left (in playoffs since 1999):
LeBron: 7-for-12 (58.3%)
Every Other MVP over span: 6-for-45 (13.3%)“There’s only 3 guys in NBA history that can be in the ‘most clutch’ conversation: West, Jordan & LeBron.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/EAaUDe6Ms5
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 25, 2023
Incredible.
This revelation would not sit well with Skip Bayless’ narrative
We just saw one FS1 analyst’s take about James being the most clutch. Remember the other that thinks the 19x All-Star shies away from big moments.
We might never know why the veteran analyst, Skip Bayless, claims that James fears ‘the moment’ because he passes the ball often in late-game situations.
Even Kobe, who was famous for rather taking a bad shot, than passing the ball, was 2-off-6 when shooting with under 1-second remaining. Six fewer attempts than James in the same length of career.
It’s time for the 71-year-old to retire this narrative of his. For good this time.
