Tim Hardaway

One would’ve been within reason, had they been worried about Tim Hardaway’s mental state after he was described to be “nervous,” “anxious,” and unable to sleep before his NBA career’s biggest showdown. Yet, by the time Game Seven’s fourth quarter rolled around, all that mattered was Hardaway’s physical form: somewhere between Miami and Texas — given his trademark “UTEP Two-Step crossover — with a trip to Chicago for the 1997 East Finals on the itinerary. Offering a performance that skyrocketed his Hall of Fame credentials, Hardaway’s offensive heatwave bordered on unguardable, particularly during a third period where he scored 18 of the Miami Heat’s 22 points. Matching an audacity and fearlessness befitting of the rivalry with the New York Knicks, Hardaway worked signature dribbles and pull-ups of every variation, fueling the sixth-ever 3-1 series comeback. A verified bucket-getter with before-his-time traits, Hardaway seemingly followed the commentators’ cues regarding his “take over a ball game” abilities, particularly important given his All-Star teammate’s foul trouble struggles. Overwhelming a flustered Knicks group doomed by suspensions, Hardaway, No. 4 in 1997’s Most Valuable Player voting, elevated his form through 38 points (on 12-of-20), three rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and six triples on May 18, 1997.

Top Shot Debut