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via Getty

via Getty

The NBA has seen a lot of classic Finals matchups. Whether it is Steph CurryLebron James, Bird-Magic, or Russell-Wilt, history is guaranteed on the grandest stage. An equally long list might exist for the ‘almost matchups.’ At the top of the list? Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets vs Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Two of the greatest to grace the floor, drafted back to back in the 1983 draft, the comparisons are obvious. While Jordan retired, Hakeem’s Rockets took control, winning the 1994 and 95 titles. With the matchup remaining an unanswered question, it was Rockets legend, Robert Horry, that made headlines today.

Big Shot Bob calls out Michael Jordan

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Horry, talking about those Rockets teams detailed their completeness. Further, he talked about his fit with the team as they needed a 3, “They needed a 3, I was a 3. I can play off of Dream[Hakeem Olajuwon]. If you ducked Dream and he wasn’t blocking the shot, I was blocking the shot.”

Further, Horry talked about the strong supporting cast of the team, “You had Vernon, one of the best perimeter defenders in the game…it was just a great fit. And then we got the bench pieces, then we got Mario Ellie and Sam Casell the following year, you know, so that put us over the top.”

One of the more controversial moments came later though, as Horry indulged in the age-old question. Who would have won if the two teams were to face off?

According to Big Shot Bob, the Rockets. He gave two primary reasons for the same. First, he detailed Phil Jackson’s reluctance to send a double team. Referring to his time with the Lakers, Horry recalled, “2004 season when we playing San Antonio and I had to guard Tim. Time gave me 36 a night. I’m begging for man y’all give me a f*cking double team…and Phil was like one man won’t beat us.”?

Second, was Vernon Maxwell. “Look at the way Vernon played. I’m telling you…watch Vernon play. Vernon would give you 30 to 40. One of the craziest athletes you would ever see play this game but because of his craziness, being Mad Max, people don’t talk about it, how good he was.”

Horry makes a bold claim

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In his interview on the All The Smoke podcast, Horry made waves for another comment. While an accomplished player himself, Horry played with some of the greatest big men of all time. Enjoying stints with Shaq, Duncan, and Hakeem, Horry got a close-up look at some of the game’s greatest.

When asked to choose between the three, Bob went with The Dream. Speaking on his greatness, Horry said, “To me, what he put together. Defensive Player of The Year, and MVP in one season. All-time leading shot blocker…And so I think with his body of work, he’s just incredible.”?

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A strong mind for the game, as visible when explaining Kobe Bryant’s game-winner attempt, and one of the few men who can have something over Michael Jordan, Horry has certainly earned his place and voice in the NBA landscape. What do you think about his two claims?

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