Robert Horry
The ultimate clutch shooter who helped anchor Houston's back-to-back title dynasty in the mid-90s.
Robert Horry was selected 11th overall in the 1992 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets as a small forward. He spent his first four seasons with the Rockets, helping them win the NBA championship in 1994 and 1995. During his years with the Rockets, Horry initially wore number 25, but switched to number 5 for the 1993-94 season onward.
- Role
- Small forward
- Affiliation
- Houston Rockets (1992–1996)
- Championships with Rockets
- 2 (1994, 1995)
- NBA Career Championships
- 7
- Nickname
- Big Shot Rob
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Horry began to build his 'Big Shot' reputation in the 1995 playoffs. First, he hit a game-winning jumper with 6.5 seconds left in Game 1 of the 1995 Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Then, he hit a three to put Houston up 104–100 with 14.1 seconds left in a 106–103 win in Game 3 of the 1995 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. The Rockets went on to win Game 4 and their second championship. Horry later said that out of his seven championship victories, this was the one he was the most proud of because the Rockets were the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
In Their Own Story
In Game 7 of the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals against the Seattle SuperSonics, Horry hit a jump shot with the shot clock expiring and 33 seconds left in regulation to put the Rockets up 93–91. The Rockets lost in overtime and lost the series. In February 1994, he and Matt Bullard were traded to the Detroit Pistons for Sean Elliott, but Elliott failed a physical because of kidney problems, so the trade was rescinded. Horry said that the trade falling through probably saved his career.
Reader's Guide
Robert Horry's time with the Rockets coincided with their two most celebrated championship runs in franchise history. In the 1993-94 season, Horry was a key contributor as the Rockets defeated the New York Knicks. His ability to space the floor allowed Hakeem Olajuwon to dominate the paint, leading Houston to their first title since the 1980s. The following year, 1994-95, saw the Rockets become the sixth seed in the Western Conference and win back-to-back titles. Horry's clutch performances were instrumental in overcoming tough opponents like the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic. Horry holds specific records for being one of only a few players to have won seven championships with three different franchises, though his two rings with Houston remain central to his identity as a Rocket.
Did You Know?
- In November 1993, Horry was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Sean Elliott, but the trade was rescinded because Elliott failed a physical due to kidney problems.
- Horry hit a game-winning jumper with 6.5 seconds left in Game 1 of the 1995 Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
- Horry said that out of his seven championship victories, the 1995 title with the Rockets was the one he was most proud of because they were the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
- Horry wore number 25 only from 1992-1993, then switched to number 5 for the 1993-94 season onward.