Chris Webber in the clutch
Here is some video evidence to show that Chris Webber, who retired this week, was, at times, a clutch player.
Here is his first game winner with Sacramento, a brilliant tip-in against the Lakers in the lockout-shortened 1999 season:
Two I-want-the-ball-at-the-end-of-the-game moments in the 2003 regular season, before Webber’s fateful injury in the playoffs:
and
And finally, see how Webber lays out Derek Fisher with a pick to free up Mike Bibby for the famous game-winner in Game 5 — the 20-footer that put the Kings up 3-2 against the Lakers in the 2002 playoffs. (I know, the Kings lost the series at home two games later.) Roll the tape:
Admittedly, Webber’s legacy is pockmarked by his shortcomings on the greatest occasions. But let’s not deny him his due for some of these momentous plays.
For two great meditations on the Webber legacy, see pieces by Sam Rubinstein and J.A. Adande.
To read about the beginning of the end of Webber's career, see this cogent column by The Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin.
— Max
