Jalen Brunson Named NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year
On Wednesday, Jalen Brunson, the guard for the New York Knicks, was honored as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, marking him as the third winner of this prestigious award. This accolade comes with the Jerry West trophy and is a recognition of players who shine in high-pressure moments during games. The award was introduced following the 2022-23 season, with the first recipient being De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. Last year, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors took home the honor.
Brunson’s achievement illustrates his remarkable ability to perform when the stakes are highest. He secured the award with an impressive 70 out of 100 first-place votes, surpassing notable players like Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets, who finished second with 26 first-place votes, and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who came in third with two votes.
What Makes Jalen Brunson ‘Clutch’?
According to the NBA, a "clutch player" is someone who steps up the most when the game is on the line. This term refers specifically to the final five minutes of a game or overtime when the score is close, within five points. Brunson has demonstrated his clutch credentials time and again, finishing second in total clutch points this season with 156 points—just one point behind Edwards, who had 157.
What sets Brunson apart, however, is his efficiency. He achieved his impressive point total in fewer clutch minutes, demonstrating a remarkable ability to make significant contributions under pressure. Brunson averaged 1.15 points per clutch minute, which was the best in the league among players with more than 13 clutch minutes. For comparison, Jokić averaged one point per minute, while Edwards trailed with 0.98 points.
Brunson’s shooting ability also shines in clutch moments. He recorded a field-goal percentage of 51.5% during these critical moments of games, which, while slightly lower than Jokić’s 56.2%, surpassed Edwards’ 46.2%. The Knicks point guard also ranked third in the league for clutch assists, with 28, just behind Jokić’s 36 and the leader, Trae Young, who had 37.
While Brunson may not have accumulated many total rebounds in clutch situations—finishing with just 11, far below Jokić’s 50 and Edwards’ 45—his scoring capability was central to the Knicks’ success. His performance played a crucial role in leading the Knicks to a solid third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, which undoubtedly swayed award voters in his favor.
This season, Brunson not only excelled in clutch moments, but he also made his second consecutive All-Star team. He concluded the regular season with impressive averages of 26 points, 7.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. His shooting statistics were strong as well, with a field-goal percentage of 48.8% and shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA playoffs continue, Brunson and the Knicks are currently locked in a competitive first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, with the series tied at 1-1. The team’s next game will take place on Thursday in Detroit, where Brunson will have another opportunity to showcase his clutch abilities on a bigger stage.
The recognition as the Clutch Player of the Year adds to Brunson’s growing legacy and highlights his importance to the Knicks’ playoff aspirations. As fans and analysts alike keep an eye on the playoffs, it’s clear that Jalen Brunson is a player to watch, especially in the moments that matter most.
