Any phenomenal athlete can astound an audience with his repertoire of tricks, and cause jaws to drop with his world-class abilities. But what a competitor does in the heat of the moment, in pressure situations…well, that’s what truly defines a legend.
From prolific superstars closing out victories in the waning moments, to unexpected veterans inspiring the crowd with one play, these athletes got the job done when it mattered most. The lanky, sweet-shooting sniper (or rather Knick Killer) always hit the big shot, and never missed his free-throw opportunities.
5. Zinedine Zidane
Don’t let his infamous headbutt meltdown fool you, Zinedine Zidane was among the best in crucial situations. Perhaps it was his two goals in France’s 3-0 win over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final or the volley he precisely hit with his weaker foot in Real Madrid’s 2–1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final that has us believing in miracles.
4. Bill Russell
While his record of 10-0 in Game 7s and his 11 rings are impressive, it was Bill Russell’s defensive effort in the 1969 NBA finals against the Lakers that enamored us. In Game 7, Russell held Wilt Chamberlain to 18 points and grabbed 21 rebounds of his own.
3. Reggie Jackson
While the moniker Mr. October certainly hints at a clutch nature, it was Reggie Jackson’s three consecutive home runs in the clinching game of the 1977 World Series that has us drooling on the keyboard. Oh and by the way, each four-bagger was slugged on the first pitch.
2. Kobe Bryant
Whether he’s referred to as a Black Mamba or an Assassin, Kobe Bryant always comes through when the purple and gold need him most.
Five rings may reek of a clutch nature, but it’s Kobe’s 16 game-winning buckets in his regular-season career in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime that have us statistically confident in his prowess.
1. Eli Manning
For those who believed his 2008 run was a fluke, Eli Manning made it quite clear this past season that he’s for real. 21 fourth-quarter comebacks, 25 game-winning drives…the guy just doesn’t crush under pressure.
He may appear stoically-awkward, but the younger Manning brother is building quite the legacy for himself following two memorable Super Bowl runs.
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