Talking NBA Closers

“You’re only as good as your last shot,” Suns analyst Eddie Johnson said the other night, and closing games at winning time is vital. Basketball Reference recently shared a list of players that have made shots in the final ten seconds of regulation or overtime to tie or take the lead over the last few seasons. Hall of Famer Hubie Brown says that the toughest thing to do in the NBA is to decide who your closer is, and defines the role: Does the player want the shot? Can the player make the shot? Can the player make free throws? Can the player pass out of a trap? If nothing, can the player create for himself or herself? Feel free to peruse the list to identify the closers on your squad and the opposition but as Johnson reminded us, and like the financial disclaimer -- past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.