Kyrie Irving’s legacy has always sparked debate. His clutch three-pointer over Stephen Curry in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals is remembered as one of the defining shots in NBA history, yet questions about his career remain. His résumé includes nine All-Star selections but only three All-NBA nods, with injuries often interrupting stretches of brilliance. Still, his creativity, handle, and shot-making have made him a player admired across the league.
Robert Horry, who owns seven NBA championship rings and a reputation for delivering in pressure moments, was recently asked to choose between Curry, Irving, and Tony Parker in a Game 7 scenario on his podcast Big Shot Bob. The exercise was simple: start one, bring one off the bench, and cut the last.
“Start Steph, Kyrie off the bench, Tony? Bye-bye,” Horry said. Despite playing alongside Parker for five seasons in San Antonio, he didn’t hesitate. “Even though I love Tony to death, Kyrie is the better player. Steph is the better player. It’s no disrespect, it’s just the truth. I keep it real.”
When it comes to Curry, there’s little debate. He’s widely recognized as one of the two greatest point guards the game has ever seen. The real conversation lies between Parker and Irving.
Parker’s Finals résumé is strong: four titles, a 2007 Finals MVP, and four All-NBA appearances. But his Game 7 performances tell a different story. He scored only 8 points in the 2005 Finals decider and 10 points in 2013 against Miami, where he failed to register a basket in crunch time. Irving, on the other hand, has already authored one of the most iconic Game 7 performances ever, scoring 26 points and burying the shot that swung a championship.
Durability leaned in Parker’s favor, but when the choice is narrowed to one game, Irving’s ability to create, score from anywhere, and rise to the moment gives him the edge. That’s the distinction Horry drew, and it’s a stance many around the league would back.
