Man, when it comes to clutch performances in the NBA, there are a few names that just have to be at the top of the list. You probably know who I’m about to mention because these players have made a habit of hitting insane clutch shots with time running out. Let’s talk about Damian Lillard, for example. Dame Time is a real thing, you know? If you ever questioned whether or not he comes through in the clutch, just watch his buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs. He nailed a 37-footer to send the Thunder packing. That’s not just luck, that’s insane skill and confidence in high-pressure moments.
And who could forget LeBron James? This guy has been doing it for almost two decades now. He’s not just about those epic buzzer-beaters either. According to NBA stats, he has one of the highest clutch-time field goal percentages over the last ten years, often shooting above 50% in those last five minutes of a close game. People sometimes question LeBron’s clutch gene, but the numbers, the actual data, tell a different story. Remember his iconic block against Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals? That was a clutch defensive play that led to Cleveland’s first NBA championship.
Now, let’s switch gears a little bit and talk about modern analytics. Players like Stephen Curry have redefined what it means to be clutch. Curry’s range, which extends way beyond the three-point line, puts immense pressure on defenses during critical moments. His effective field goal percentage (eFG%) in clutch scenarios often surpasses 60%, making him one of the most efficient shooters in the league’s history. You can’t ignore those stats, man. It’s no surprise Golden State won multiple championships with Curry hitting those big-time shots.
Don’t sleep on Kawhi Leonard either. The guy hit one of the most memorable shots in recent history during Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. With the game tied and just seconds left, Kawhi hit a fadeaway jumper from the corner that bounced four times on the rim before dropping in. That shot alone is legendary, but what makes Kawhi special is his calm demeanor in those high-pressure moments. His clutch-time stats back it up, too, often showcasing a high true shooting percentage despite intense defensive pressure.
One player coming up strong in clutch conversations nowadays is Luka Dončić. The young star has already hit several game-winners in his short career. Look at his playoff performance; in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, Dončić hit a step-back three at the buzzer to beat the Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round series. His player efficiency rating (PER) in clutch moments is off the charts, sitting over 30 in those situations, which is just mind-blowing for a player his age.
Then, there’s Kyrie Irving. Do I even need to mention his game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals? That shot ended a 52-year championship drought for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Clutch performances don’t get much bigger than that. Irving’s ability to create his own shot and his remarkable ball-handling skills make him one of the best in late-game situations. His clutch-time usage rate is often extremely high, meaning teams trust him to take the most important shots, and he generally delivers.
If we’re talking clutch, we can’t ignore Kevin Durant. Few players can get a shot off as easily as KD, thanks to his 7-foot frame and silky-smooth shooting. Durant’s game-tying three in Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals over LeBron James was cold-blooded. He has a knack for performing under pressure, which is reflected in his high win shares in clutch situations. The numbers don’t lie; Durant is as clutch as they come.
Another lethal clutch shooter is Paul George. Known for his smooth, efficient shooting and defensive prowess, PG has had his fair share of clutch moments. One that stands out is his game-winner against the Houston Rockets in the 2021 regular season. With just a second left on the clock, George hit a contested three-pointer to seal the win for the Clippers. His true shooting percentage in clutch scenarios is often north of 55%, a testament to his reliability in crunch time.
It’s fascinating how these players continuously perform under the most pressure-filled moments. We can’t forget about Jimmy Butler either, especially after his performance in the 2020 NBA Finals. With his team’s backs against the wall, Butler put up multiple triple-doubles to force the series into six games against a heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers team. Butler’s leadership and clutch-time performance earned him a reputation as one of the league’s toughest competitors.
Lastly, let’s give a nod to some of the younger guys who show promise. Jayson Tatum has already hit a few clutch shots for the Boston Celtics, including a buzzer-beater against the Milwaukee Bucks in December 2020. His development in clutch situations is worth watching, as he’s only getting better. His points per game in clutch moments have steadily increased, reflecting his growing confidence and ability to deliver when it matters most.
If you’re a fan of NBA clutch performances, you should definitely check out arena plus for more in-depth analyses and player rankings. It’s always exciting to see who will step up when the game is on the line.