Clutch isn’t just about scoring—it’s about ice in your veins when the game is on the line. Using last 5-minute +/- stats, game-winners, and playoff performances, we rank today’s most reliable crunch-time killers.
Key Takeaways:
✅ New advanced stats (Clutch Win Probability Added)
✅ Unexpected names topping the analytics
✅ Legends vs. New School debate
NBA Clutch Players
Top 10 Clutch Players (2023-24 Season)
1. Stephen Curry
- Clutch Stats: 52% FG, +28.3 net rating (last 5 mins, score within 5)
- Signature Moment: 2023 Game 7 vs. Kings (50 points, 4 clutch threes)
2. Nikola Jokić
- Clutch Stats: 6.1 assists/48 clutch mins (best ever for a center)
- Signature Move: “Sombor Shuffle” game-winners
3. Luka Dončić
- Clutch Stats: Leads NBA in clutch points scored (189)
- Weakness: 32% FT in last 30 sec (oddly shaky)
4. Jimmy Butler
- Playoff Mode: 2023 Finals averaged 35/7/5 in clutch mins
- Reputation: “Regular Season Jimmy” vs. “Playoff Jimmy”
5. Damian Lillard
- Logo Lillard: 5 career buzzer-beaters (2nd all-time)
- 2024 Update: Still owns best clutch ORTG (128.7)
6-10:
- LeBron James (Most clutch passes ever)
- Jayson Tatum (But 38% FG in last 10 sec)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (90% FT in clutch)
- DeMar DeRozan (Mid-range assassin)
- Anthony Edwards (Rising fast)
Clutch Stats Deep Dive
| Metric | Leader | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | Jokić (58%) | Big men shouldn’t be this efficient |
| Assists | LeBron (4.2/game) | Best clutch playmaker |
| Turnovers | Curry (0.8/game) | Rarely forces bad shots |
| FT% | KD (94%) | Automatic when fouled |
Surprise Snub: Joel Embiid (shoots 39% FG in clutch despite MVP stats).
Most Overrated “Clutch” Players
- Paul George (Career: 2-15 on game-tying/winning shots)
- James Harden (4th quarter playoff FG%: 39%)
- Russell Westbrook (Worst clutch TOV% since 2015)
All-Time Clutch Kings
- Michael Jordan (9 game-winners, 6-0 in Finals)
- Kobe Bryant (30+ career game-winners)
- Dirk Nowitzki (2011: 62% FG in 4th quarters)
2024 Connection: Luka studies Dirk’s late-game footwork.
Fan Debate: Who Do You Want Taking the Last Shot?
🗳️ Vote:
- Steph
- Luka
- Jimmy Buckets
Comment your pick! #ClutchTime
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