The Most Surprising Clutch NBA Playoff Performances of All Time

From Brian Scalabrine to Nate Robinson.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Everyone expects the star players to decide NBA playoff series'. And why not? That is what they get paid to do, and that’s why they’re stars. Stars occasionally falter, though, or at the very least have quite average performances. When it happens, lesser-known players seize upon this opportunity to put their own stamp on NBA history before retreating back into the comfort of relative obscurity.

While huge, championship-making playoff games may be more synonymous with Michael Jordan, we can’t forget guys like John Paxson, Vinnie Johnson, or Kenny Smith. They, too, had their moments of heroism that helped their teams win championships, even if these moments of glory were merely flashes of greatness in otherwise pedestrian careers. In honor of these short-lived victories, let’s celebrate the Most Surprising Clutch NBA Playoff Performances of All Time.

RELATED: The Worst NBA Playoff Performances by Great Players
RELATED: GIF Gallery: Overly Excited NBA Benchwarmers

20. Jason Terry

Not Available Interstitial

19. Cedric Maxwell

Not Available Interstitial

18. Andrew Toney

Not Available Interstitial

17. Sean Elliott

Not Available Interstitial

16. Vinnie Johnson

Not Available Interstitial

15. Robert Horry

Not Available Interstitial

14. Derek Fisher

Not Available Interstitial

13. Rik Smits

Not Available Interstitial

12. Kenny Smith

Not Available Interstitial

11. Sleepy Floyd

Not Available Interstitial

10. Mario Elie

Not Available Interstitial

9. Nate Robinson

Not Available Interstitial

8. Leon Powe

Not Available Interstitial

7. Ron Artest

Not Available Interstitial

6. JJ Barea

Not Available Interstitial

5. Gar Heard

Not Available Interstitial

4. Goran Dragic

Not Available Interstitial

3. Steve Kerr

Not Available Interstitial

2. Brian Scalabrine

Not Available Interstitial

1. John Paxson

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Sports