In a statistical analysis of “clutch shooting” by the numbers, Kobe came in much further down the list than quite a few players who we would not consider “clutch”. Vince Thomas’ quote:
"Ask yourself this: If Shawn Marion — ranked 31 spots ahead of Kobe on the “clutch situation” list — would have taken that 3-pointer against the Kings, would Paul Westphal have had the same nonchalant, resigned, arms folded, “I-know-this-is-going-in, so-I’ll-just-look-down-and-check-to-make-sure-he’s-in-bounds-and-behind-the-3-point-line” posture? Doubt that, too."
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how spoiled we are to have a Kobe in our lineup. Can you imagine the predicament we’d be in if someone else had to take the 3 buzzer-beaters Kobe has amazingly hit already this season? I think it’s safe to say we’d have 3 more losses.