Phil Jackson was at a loss for words after Robert Horry's most famous shot: 'I didn't draw it up like that, so don't ask me'

Originally posted on Basketball Network | By Brian Yalung | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 7:35 PM ET

Robert Horry made a name for himself because of his clutch gene, as he was sinking big shots left and right during his 16-year NBA career. Some of them came at critical stages, particularly the playoffs.

"Big Shot Rob" spent 7 years donning the "Purple and Gold" and had countless moments of deciding games with his clutch shotmaking. One game-winning shot Horry is famous for, even today, was during Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers were in a bind at that time, trailing the Sacramento Kings 2-1. LA was playing so lethargic that they trailed by as much as 24 points, and it appeared that they were on their way to another loss.

But for a team that had the likes of Horry, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, It would be foolish to count the Lakers out. Los Angeles clawed their way back into that contest, managing to overhaul the huge deficit in the nick of time.

In the dying seconds, the Kings held a two-point lead, 99-97. Bryant and O'Neal had chances to tie the game, but Vlade Divac's defensive effort foiled both tries. Somehow, the loose ball got to Horry, who was able to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

Jackson takes no credit

Phil Jackson somehow willed the Lakers to continue playing until the very end. However, the "Zen Master" was left at a loss for words, admitting Horry's game-winning trey was something he would not take credit for.

"That's a victory from the jaws of defeat," Jackson said via UPI. "That was an incredible finish. And I didn't draw it up like that, so don't ask me."

That win allowed the Lakers to level the series at 2-2. The Kings did not make it easy for the Lakers, who had to win Games 6 and 7 to advance to the NBA Finals that season.

A shot to remember

To this day, Horry admits that his game-winning three-pointer remains one of the memorable moments of his career. But as far as that play is concerned, the Alabama product points out that it was a play that they ran all the time.

"If you watch the play from the beginning, it wasn't run right," Horry stated. "Usually Kobe, if my man goes with Kobe, he's kicking it back to me, so that's why I was still at the three. And I'm waiting and waiting and waiting," he added.

That win saved the Lakers who could have been in a 1-3 hole against the Kings. Sacramento won Game 5 of that series, something that could have denied LA the three-peat. Hence, it is hardly surprising to hear Horry treasured that moment, an effort to reward him with his fifth NBA ring at the time.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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