With school winding down, I find myself with more free time, which means more time to watch basketball. There has been nothing better than watching the 2011 Playoffs. There have been a lot of close games that come down to the final seconds, 
and many clutch performances. In fact, so many, that I have decided to form a roster of the players I would most want to have on my team in clutch situations.
PG- Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
Derrick Rose, who is about to be awarded the NBA’s most valuable player, is a pure animal. He has a hunger for getting to the rim, and quite frankly can do that whenever he wants. His multiple 30+ point games against the Pacers in the first round of the series is just a glimpse of how dangerous he really is. He is freakishly athletic and a serious threat at the end of games.
SG- Ray Allen (Boston Celtics)
35 years of age, and the NBA’s best shooter. Along with this he has established himself as one of the most clutch playoff performers in the history of the game, along side Michael Jordan and Robert Horry (to name a few). If you ever watch the Celtics you can see him constantly flying off screens and cashing in three after three. Just remember Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals where he torched the Lakers. He is the deadliest assassin in the NBA. Oh and by the way, he is the all-time leading three point shooter in the history of basketball.
SF- Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
The Durantula is the most efficient and prolific scorere in the NBA, especially in the clutch. Yeah that’s right…move over Kobe. He is leading all scorers in the playoffs with over 32 and has been as clutch as Jordan in his prime. Just look at Game 5 of the first round vs. the Nuggets. He is shooting nearly 70% from three, while shooting A LOT. His versatility is almost unrealistic. He can kill opponents in any way. Shooting off screens, pulling up, in-the-face jumpers, driving and finishing. Kevin Durant’s range: in the gym.
PF- Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
Dirk is just Dirk. If you know basketball, you know what I’m saying. 
He is a 7-foot forward, with an extremely high release, who can shoot as good, if not better than some of the best guards in the league. In the last five minutes of Dallas’ close games this playoffs, he shoots almost 70% from the field. Impressive? Yes. Shooting 100% from three, and the free-throw line, in the last five minutes of games, more impressive? Yes. He is comparable to Ray Allen, but has the superstar role, so he has the ball in his hands at all times.
C – Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)
If I could build a franchise from scratch starting with any big man in the league, it would be Kevin Garnett. His intensity and passion for the game is unrivaled. He is a defensive nightmare, and refuses to lose in the playoffs. He may not average 30 points per game or 15 rebounds per game, but he is one of the best big men and playoff performers we will see.
Coach- Doc Rivers (Boston Celtics)
One of the best in the game, simply knows how to win games, and win with any combination of players of all caliber. His ideals of teamwork, selflessness, and togetherness (ubuntu) have been one of the keys reasons for the Celtics’ success.
Just off the bench:
Kobe Byrant (Los Angeles Lakers), Brandon Roy (Portland Trailblazers), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)
Posted by ddobbs5 
