April 9, 2008
By Matt Steinmetz
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com





With the NBA regular season down to a handful of games for each team, it's already crunch time. From now through mid-June, we're going to see it all: game-winning shots, crucial defensive stops, raucous crowds and probably some nice coaching adjustments along the way.

But who really plays big down the stretch? This is the first in a series on these categories:


You're in good hands with Manu late in the game. (Getty Images)
• Somebody has to create his own shot: Whose number do you call?

• You need a defensive stop: Who's the best man for the job?

• Who's the best at creating a shot for a teammate at the end of the game?

• Which arena/fans provide the biggest home-court advantage?

• What are the most memorable game winners in playoff history?

Today, it's who can get you the big bucket. Here's the situation: You're down with six seconds remaining, you're on the road in a hostile environment, and you're inbounding at halfcourt. Who do you want to take the potential game winner? Here's one guy's list:

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers: There is no player in the league better at "getting his own shot" than Bryant. Whether it be a 3-pointer under duress or a drive into a congested lane, Bryant always seems to find a way to get off a shot on his terms.

He has the rare ability to rise up from beyond the 3-point line and elevate over a defender without having to put the ball on the floor or gather himself.

Simply put, Bryant is a basketball assassin, and there are few, if any, players in the league more competitive. That unwillingness to lose makes Bryant one of the most dangerous players in NBA history with a game on the line.

The other issue regarding Bryant in a late-game situation is his ability to draw fouls. It's virtually impossible to hound Bryant on a critical possession because you can't afford to send him to the line -- where he is almost automatic.

As tough as it is to watch Bryant get a good look from 20 feet out to win the game, it is far better than sending him to the line for a pair.

Poll
Who do you want taking your team's last shot?
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Manu Ginobili
Tracy McGrady
Carmelo Anthony




2. LeBron James, Cleveland: There was a time earlier in James' career when he was criticized for not taking the big shot. Some suggested he was too deferential down the stretch and not selfish enough.

That is no longer the case. James' big-shot résumé continues to grow, and he'll likely add to it this postseason. James, like Bryant, has the ability to get a good long-distance look despite a draped-on defender. He also can get into the lane on a drive.

But James is not quite as skilled as Bryant (not yet, anyway), so as a defender you can afford to guard him aggressively -- or at least more aggressively than you would guard Bryant. James is also not the foul shooter Bryant is, so if you foul James with a couple of seconds on the clock you just might coax a free throw miss out of him.

But beware. James is stronger than Bryant, so if you try to foul James he very well might end up with a three-point-play opportunity.

3. Tracy McGrady, Houston: The Rockets' sleepy star doesn't do it as excitingly as Bryant or James, but he remains a dagger waiting to happen.

McGrady goes about crunch time in a low-key manner. He doesn't have the presence of a Bryant or James, but he has made plenty of big shots in his career.

McGrady is a player who doesn't mind a physical defender and will use that contact to create space for his natural, unblockable fadeaway. McGrady has never reached the second round of the playoffs. But late in a one-possession game, those who know better fear McGrady.

4. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: When you think of Ginobili, you think of fearlessness. Ginobili is fearless when it comes to taking a big shot, and he's fearless when it comes to trying to make something happen.

He is an unpredictable offensive player with a mean streak, which makes him confounding to deal with.

5. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: Anthony is entering the superstar realm. No question about it. When the Nuggets really need a bucket -- I mean, really need a bucket -- they don't go to Allen Iverson. They go to Anthony.

The beauty of Anthony is that he keeps it simple. If you can find a way to get him the ball on the wing from, say, 18 to 20 feet out, he is virtually unguardable.

You lay off him, he'll knock down the jumper. You play too close to him, he'll go around you.

He has the enviable combination of deadly shooter and excellent finisher. At the very least, Anthony is going to get you a nice look to win the game.