VIDEO: Top 5 memorable moments of Robert Horry's career
As Robert Horry turns 45 on Tuesday, it's worth looking back at the forward's unique NBA career.
Horry's regular-season averages of seven points, 4.8 rebounds, and a 42.5 field-goal percentage over 16 seasons are nothing to write home about. While his career playoff averages are only slightly better than that, the fundamental aspect of Horry's longevity was his clutch gene.
That's why he earned the nickname "Big Shot Rob" and became a key component in seven NBA championships with three franchises. Horry's one of only nine players to have won seven championships or more, and he's the only one who didn't play on the Boston Celtics teams of the 1960s.
Here are five memorable moments from Horry's career.
5. Throws towel at Danny Ainge
Horry was a member of the Phoenix Suns for five months, though that's mostly forgotten now. His tenure with the team ended when he disagreed with a play call and angrily threw a towel at coach Danny Ainge's head during a timeout (difficult to find video of because it happened in 1997).
The incident prompted his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would win three NBA titles.
4. Game 3, 2001 NBA Finals
In many ways, Horry was the original stretch-four. Most 6-foot-9 power forwards of his era didn't shoot the three, but his was lethal when the heat was on. This one sealed Game 3 of the 2001 finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, a series the Lakers would go on to win in five games.
3. Game 3, 1995 NBA Finals
Horry started his career with the Houston Rockets and was a vital part of their back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. In Game 3 of the '95 finals against Shaquille O'Neal's Orlando Magic, Horry had 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists - and put the game away with a late trey.
2. Game 5, 2005 NBA Finals
The Detroit Pistons of the early 2000s were known for their tough defense. They blundered brutally here, though, allowing the inbounder Horry to remain wide open on the arc. By this point in his career, he was money in the bank in those situations, and his three handed the San Antonio Spurs the Game 5 victory. They'd go on to win the series in seven.
1. Game 4, 2002 Western Conference finals
Horry had a great game overall - 18 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists - but this performance will be remembered for one of the greatest buzzer-beaters of all time. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Sacramento Kings in seven games.