Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has come a long way from being the subject of Los Angeles Lakers fans’ ire to hitting big shots in the NBA Finals.

Long ridiculed for his shooting woes, Caldwell-Pope proved his worth to the Lakers by scoring 15 points as they beat the Heat in Game 4 and moved one win away from the coveted title.

The Heat were within striking distance, 88-90, with 3 minutes left before Caldwell-Pope sank a three-pointer and a layup in successive fashion to give the Lakers a seven-point lead en route to a 102-96 win.

Also finishing with 5 assists, Caldwell-Pope tallied a plus-minus of +8, tied with Rajon Rondo and just behind Anthony Davis, who recorded +17.

“He is a confident young man. He has been a huge part of our success this year for what he does on both ends of the floor,” said Lakers head coach Frank Vogel of Caldwell-Pope.

“KCP down the stretch, big guts to take the shots that he took and it was a huge 5 points obviously.”

Caldwell-Pope did not exactly start the season on the right foot after failing to score a field goal in his first two games for the Lakers despite playing nearly 50 minutes combined.

Missed three-pointers and blown layups had Lakers fans questioning why the team kept Caldwell-Pope around, especially since it is already his third year with the storied franchise.

But Caldwell-Pope has become one of the Lakers’ key role players, averaging 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in the Finals.

“Just staying with the game,” Caldwell-Pope said when asked about his mindset of riding the highs and lows of his career. “You’re not going to knock down every shot you shoot, but just staying with that flow.”

“I try not to worry about it if I’m not getting shots or not. I know they are going to eventually come. Just trying to stay within myself.”

LeBron James, who assisted Caldwell-Pope in those two clutch baskets, said he trusted the Lakers guard to rise to the occasion.

“At the end of the day, if you’re on floor in crunch time, then I believe in you. If he is on the floor with me, I believe he can make plays, and tonight was a case in point for KCP,” James said.

“He is on the stage ready, he works on his craft.” – Rappler.com