After watching these 5 people, you will understand that the core of the game is not data, but control.

When an NBA game reaches a critical moment, it is not only about scoring ability, but also who can stabilize the rhythm and who can control the speed and direction of offense and defense conversion. This type of player may not be the brightest scoring point in the game, but every round, every time, every pass will bring the entire team back on track. They are not data brushes, but tactical centers that truly control the situation and affect the direction of the game.

Fifth place: Andre Iguodala

Career data: 11.3 points / 4.9 rebounds / 4.2 assists / 46.3% from the shooting percentage

Honors: 4 championships / 1 FMVP / Blocking opponents at multiple critical moments

Iguodala does not rely on data to create a sense of presence, but on a sense of presence at critical moments. In the 2015 finals, his defense directly changed the direction of the series, and the chain reaction led the Warriors to reverse the championship. He can retake the situation by passing, defending, and reasonable movement when the rhythm of the game begins to get out of control. He is a cold-handling expert at the turning point of tacticality.

4th place: Chris Paul

Career data: 17.5 points / 9.4 assists / 2.1 steals / 47.1% from the field percentage

Honors: 12 All-Stars / 5 assists king / The rhythm engine of multiple teams

Paul's field control ability does not depend on physical talent, but on reading games. He can use pick-and-roll to constantly dismantle the defense line, and he can also pull back the rhythm of a mid-range shot when the game rhythm is messy. He is the type of organizer who can score even if he slows down the pace. In the Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, and Suns, every time you get to a detachment, you can stabilize the game style. He is a rhythm engineer.

3rd place: Tim Duncan

Career stats: 19.0 points / 10.8 rebounds / 50.6% from the field

Honors: 5 championships / 2 MVPs / 3 FMVPs / Defensive masters Although Duncan is an inside player, his control of the rhythm of the game is almost perfect. His offensive rounds are almost wasteful, his low-post back play is steady, and his defense falls very quickly every time he is on the verge of position. The Spurs have achieved a slow-paced and efficient tactical system with him. He is one of the few players in the NBA who can win by "holding up the game". He does not rely on a wave of trouble, but rather does not make mistakes to drag down his opponent.

Second place: LeBron James

Career data: 27.1 points / 7.5 rebounds / 7.4 assists / 50.5% from the field

Honors: 4 MVPs / 4 championships / Historical scoring champion

James' game control ability runs through his entire career. He can switch modes at any time: fast break propulsion, half-time ball control, transmission organization, defensive support, and omnipotence is his confidence in controlling the field. He doesn't necessarily shoot every goal, but he knows how to play every goal. He made his teammates comfortable playing and allowed his opponent to follow his rhythm. He didn't beat fast, but he beat "as he did".

No. 1: Magic Johnson

Career data: 19.5 points / 11.2 assists / 7.2 rebounds / 52% from the field

Honors: 5 championships / 3 MVPs / One of the historical assist kings

The Magician is not only a passer master, but also the ultimate trader of rhythm. He can make a game like a fast-paced show, and he can also suddenly stop the opponent from losing the offensive rhythm. He was in the Lakers' era of "Showtime" and the game ran exactly at his beat. His field control ability is not just rhythm adjustment, but completely dominates the logic of the scene advancement. Without him, the whole game was played by two teams; with him, the whole game was like he was directing.