Top 10 clutchest NBA players 2020-21

There is no greater experience as a basketball fan than watching a close game come down to the wire. In a really tight game, where a single shot can be the difference, that’s where the true winners separate themselves. Whether they are pulling up from deep, stepping back in the midrange, or driving to the bucket for 2 points or a foul, clutch players get it done. This list will dig into which players have been the most clutch in the NBA this season.

Criteria Of Clutch

“Clutchness” is a slippery term to define. We all know what it looks like: buzzer-beaters, making free throws on the road, stepping up to the moment rather than shrinking to the shadows. But how to measure it for a whole season?

For this list, we will be looking at the scoring numbers for players in different clutch situations. We’ll look at the fourth quarter, clutch, and a stat of my own invention, Super Clutch. First, as defined by the NBA, “Clutch Time” is the final 5 minutes of a game where a team leads or trails by 5 points or fewer. Through a combination of looking at the volume of production in the clutch and pairing that with efficiency, we’ll figure out who the top dogs at the end of games are. Furthermore, we’ll be taking a look at player’s production in crunch time using standard box scores and some advanced statistics to break down the deadliest closers in the NBA.

The stats we’ll be looking at will be players’ averages from the fourth quarter as well as their statistics in “clutch time.” To better understand the raw numbers, we will examine advanced shooting statistics from NBA.com and Stathead.com via Basketball-Reference. Using data from these indices, we will also have “super clutch” stats. “Super clutch” is defined as the final 2 minutes of a game, and the player is taking shots to tie or take the lead. This should indicate which players perform best in a tight game, and their team needs a critical basket. When creating this list, I looked at players who had taken a minimum of 5 shots in these situations to eliminate players with small sample sizes.

Finally, while statistics can help draw conclusions, basketball games are won and lost on the court. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter what the percentages are; you just need a player to go get a basket. With that in mind, here are the 10 players who I think were the most clutch players in the NBA, based on this season.

Honorable Mentions & Close to Clutch

As with any NBA list, there will be players that don’t make the list who are phenomenal. Also, it is important to note that this isn’t the “best players” in the NBA. It’s which NBA players played best in clutch situations this season.

The reasons for these players not making the list vary. The most common reasons for notable players missing the list were low efficiency in clutch situations or lack of volume for the numbers to be reliable. Without further ado, here are the honorable mentions accompanied by their clutch stats:

LeBron James

Kevin Durant

At the outset of this list, I thought Kevin Durant would absolutely be in the top 10. After digging into his numbers this season, I couldn’t put him on. Similar to LeBron, Durant suffers from not having a lot of games to pull statistics from. Durant played only 18 games with clutch minutes, the fewest games of anyone who makes an appearance on this list. On top of that, he’s 1 of 7 on shots to tie or take the lead in the last 2-minutes.

Chris Paul

Chris Paul was another player I expected to have on the list, and needed to weed him out as I compared his stats to the players who have made the list. While the fact that Phoenix has gone 23-12 in games with clutch minutes is impressive, this list is focusing more on scoring in the clutch, not assists or hustle plays. In the closest of games, in the tightest scenarios, Paul shot 3 of 12 and 0 percent from three-point territory.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns almost made the list based on his clutch numbers alone. Shooting 60 percent from three is absurd. Unfortunately for Towns, these numbers don’t hold up when he’s taking shots to take the lead or tie. Additionally, like many big men, Towns isn’t handling the ball for the Timberwolves down the stretch. Usually this is reserved for DeAngelo Russell and Anthony Edwards.

Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal suffers from the opposite problem that most of the honorable mentions do. His sample size is too big, making it harder to reconcile the inefficiencies. Beal has taken the most super clutch shots of anyone in the NBA not named Russell Westbrook. Beal has the most super clutch misses of anyone in the league and shoots 33 percent. Unfortunately there was only room on the list for one Wizard.

While each of these players did have impressive fourth-quarter stats, their efficiency dipped in the “super clutch.” This drop isn’t too surprising considering that the level of difficulty on the shots is higher in the final 2 minutes, but the 10 players who are on this list have found ways to come up clutch and maintain that efficiency. And here we go.

10. Joel Embiid

Our first member of the list is none other than the Philadelphia 76er’s big man Joel Embiid. In the closing time this year, Embiid has been dependable, putting up 7.1 points per 4th quarter. While Tobias Harris often is entrusted with late-game shots, Embiid has been deadly when he has the ball.

In clutch time, there are a variety of ways Embiid can now beat a defense. In clutch minutes, Embiid averages 4th most free throws per game of all players who have played more than 5 games with clutch minutes. Embiid can dominate at the rim and has become a better face-up player. His midrange game is much improved, and he’s shown a willingness to take and make big shots, even all the way out on the perimeter.

Shooting 5/9 on attempts to tie or take the lead, Embiid showed that he could maintain his efficiency during the final two minutes, even if he’s not the primary ball-handler in these situations. Finally, while he might not have the volume of attempts others on this list do, his efficiency is impressive enough to get him in the mix for most clutch NBA players.

9.Russell Westbrook

I know, I know. It seems impossible that Westbrook could be on this list. However, if you think of clutch players raising their game when the shots are the biggest, Westbrook has put up impressive numbers. In the final two minutes of games, he led the league in attempts (27) and makes (13) on shots to tie or take the lead. Additionally, his field goal and three-point shooting percentage also rose during his clutch minutes.

Even with a large volume of attempts, Westbrook is still able to convert clutch baskets at an efficient rate. Many of these come in the paint. Now in his 13th year, Westbrook has mastered the ability to charge to the rim and finish through contact, even when the defenders are ready for him. A nightmare in transition, Westbrook is still able to find fast-break opportunities even with the game on the line.

To top it off, Westbrook is still capable of knocking in a clutch three. His biggest shot of the year was three to take the lead against Brooklyn back in January. This shot epitomizes Westbrook in the clutch. You might be scared when he shoots it, but Westbrook doesn’t get spooked by the big moment.

What separates the guys above Westbrook on this list is their ability to create or make tough shots without relying on going to the rim to get a majority of their clutch baskets. Also, Westbrook’s streaky jumper can be a double-edged sword. Despite his flaws, Westbrook remains one of the most clutch NBA players.

8. Luka Doncic

Don’t let the stats fool you; there’s a reason they call it Luka magic. While he may only average 2.5 points per game in the clutch this season, Doncic is a player that revels in taking the biggest shots of the game. Though he’s only 22, Doncic is as confident as they come when it comes to taking big shots.

Watching Luka reminds me of James Harden with his array of herky-jerk euro-steps, step-backs, and side-steps in isolation sets. With his stop-and-go play style, he’s tremendous at playing at his own pace to get space for the shots he wants. For example, watch how Doncic works around until he gets a matchup he can abuse. Once the switch happens, he picks apart Theis and hits a stepback. Then watch him do it again, for the game-winner:

This a player who has limitless confidence when it comes down to the clutch. It’s these moments where you can see the potential that Doncic has to be one of the great players of this generation. He’s fearless and hyper competitive. Pair that with a hatred of losing, and you have one of the most fun players to watch at the end of a tight game.

Also if you don’t think there’s a hint of magic about him, what do you call this shot?

7. Stephen Curry

The only surprise about Steph Curry on this list is that he isn’t higher. It turns out being the greatest three-point shooter of all time can come in handy in clutch situations. The 2-time MVP is a lethal offensive threat no matter when he’s out there.

With a handle that’s tighter than the pants you wore pre-pandemic, Curry can create space on the perimeter and when driving to the hoop. Additionally, in the last five minutes of games within 5 points, Curry shot 16/38 from three. That’s good for second in the league in clutch threes taken and made.

Off the dribble, Curry gets these shots in a variety of ways. Stepping back, pulling up around screens, or getting jiggy with the Curry Slide. Furthermore, Curry is deadly off the ball. When he’s not initiating the offense, he’s always moving. This makes him a threat to score, as he runs around screens and constantly relocates, trying to shake his defenders. Sometimes this can get annoying for defenders, something Jamal Murray knows a little bit about.

🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/MArFwZlYGq

— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) May 19, 2021

Regardless of how much time is on the clock, Steph Curry is an absolute assassin with the basketball in his hands. While he may be 3/10 in the Super Clutch, it’s just as likely he’ll follow up a big miss with a big make. He’s just that good.

6. Nikola Jokic

Before we get to the top-5 of our list, we’ve got to talk about the presumptive MVP of the NBA this season. Nikola Jokic does everything for the Nuggets, including closing out games. In Super Clutch situations, Jokic is tied for field goals made with 10, behind Westbrook’s 13. Moreover, his 50% shooting in these situations is the best of anyone who has taken at least 12 shots in such scenarios.

Even without Jamal Murray to help take some of the pressure off, Jokic finds ways to get baskets late in the game. Jokic has a deep bag of tricks with a whole array of moves that he deploys on defenders. In the paint, he can go to a wide range of floaters, hook shots and post moves. On the perimeter, he can knock down threes and hit contested jumpers in the midrange.

While Jokic rightfully gets a lot of credit as a facilitator, he has been refining his scoring as a number one option for the past two seasons. And just like any of the great scorers, he’s got a signature move. While it may not be as velvety as a Harden step-back or as graceful as a Kevin Durant pull-up, there’s no denying the effectiveness of his signature Dirk-Esque fade; the Sombor Shuffle.

For a player of his size and stature, the footwork and touch to be able to hit the Shuffle consistently is incredible. With this just being one of the tricks in his arsenal, it’s easy to see why Jokic hits so many shots down the stretch of close games. It stands to reason that the future MVP would be on this list.

5. James Harden

And so we arrive at the top-5. Believe it or not, James Harden is the only Net on this list. Despite the injuries that limited his time on the court, the stats that he put up when he was healthy are undeniable. Of all players in the NBA to attempt at least 10 shots in super clutch situations, Harden shot the best in the NBA at 60 percent from the field.

In the fourth quarter, Harden averages 3rd most points per game with 7.4 points. However, it’s the variety of ways that Harden can attack you that makes him so devastating. After years of being the isolation king in Houston, Harden has an astonishing depth of moves he can go to when he’s in one-on-one situations. Harden’s step-back is his patented move, but he is also lethal with his floater or leveraging his strength to get tough finishes at the rim.

The spacing of Brooklyn’s offense allows Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden to play one-on-one against defenses even at the end of games. Because of the lack of double teams, end-of-game possessions usually result in good looks for one of those three guys. It just so happens that James Harden has been the most clutch this season when he is getting those touches.

Oh, and one more thing, don’t think that Harden’s efficiency comes from spot-ups and kick-outs when defenses take away Kyrie or KD. All 6 of Harden’s field goals made in the super clutch are unassisted. When Harden is hitting these shots, he’s creating them himself.

4. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan was one of the most difficult players to rank on this list. Looking at his stats in the 4th quarter, he ranked 29th in the NBA in points per game, which doesn’t scream clutch. However, when you look at his stats in clutch time, there is a massive jump.

Of all NBA players who have played more than 5 games with clutch minutes, DeRozan’s 3.9 points per game in the clutch ranks 4th in the league. Additionally, an absurd 39 of DeRozan’s 86 4th quarter shots made this season came in the clutch. In other words, when Derozan is scoring in the 4th quarter, it’s usually when San Antonio is looking for an important basket.

Something that works against DeRozan in these situations is his aversion to the three-ball. With DeRozan only shooting 25 percent on triples this season, the defense knows that DeRozan isn’t going to kill them from three. While this may make him more predictable, it doesn’t matter if DeRozan is predictable if he can’t be stopped.

DeRozan is fantastic at getting to his spots and converting once he gets there. Often this means that DeRozan is getting into the midrange for pull-ups and fade-aways, but he’s also a tenacious driver and great at drawing contact for free throws. In the super clutch, DeRozan is 8/20. None of those made baskets are assisted.

When the game is on the line, and the Spurs need one shot, they give the ball to DeMar and clear out. And I don’t blame them; I just hope he’s shooting for 2.

3. Terry Rozier

At the end of games this year, few players struck more fear in opponents than Scary Terry Rozier. Rozier not only maintained his efficiency in clutch situations, but he also elevated it. As you can see in the table above, Rozier’s field goal and three-point shooting percentages get higher even as the sample narrows down to clutch attempts.

How good has he been? Well, out of NBA players with at least 20 threes attempted in the clutch, Rozier’s 48 percent is second in the league for three-point percent behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Some people he’s ahead of? Steph Curry, LeBron James, Damian Lillard. Not too shabby. On top of that, of Rozier’s 28 total makes in clutch time, 14 of them are three-pointers.

Rozier gets these looks in various ways, from catch-and-shoot opportunities to step-backs and takes on dribble hand-offs. While Rozier is one of the best clutch snipers, he has the confidence to put the ball in from anywhere. Even Michael Jordan was impressed as Rozier put away the Pistons back in March.

In the super clutch, Rozier made the most of his opportunities. Rozier hit 6 shots to tie or take the lead in the final 2 minutes of games, putting him tied for seventh in the league in field goals made in the super clutch. What’s impressive here is that he did it on the 20th most shots in the super clutch.

While it’s fair to wonder whether the percentages would go down if there were a larger sample size, we know Rozier was a killer on the possessions that he did have the ball. So, when it’s getting late in Charlotte, you should know it’s Terry Hours.

2. Jayson Tatum

And so we arrive at the curious case of Jayson Tatum. In a disappointing season for the Celtics, Tatum took major strides as a scorer and closer this year. Something that jumps out from the stats is that Tatum led the league in 4th quarter scoring. Yet, his 2.8 points per game in the clutch ranked 31st. So, why is Tatum the second most clutch of all NBA players?

Well, in addition to his high total 4th quarter scoring, Tatum has hit the second most super clutch field goals in the league. Shooting them at a clip of 10 for 21, only Westbrook had more attempts and makes. Unlike Westbrook, however, Tatum’s arsenal as a scorer lends itself to a more varied and lethal attack.

Tatum excels at changing the pace on defenders and creating space with a bevy of moves. Tatum’s bag of tricks is deeper than Saint Nic’s. Within, he’s got his side-step three, his dribble pull-up, stepbacks, and his length allows him to convert tough layups and floaters in traffic at the hoop.

This season the Celtics played 38 games in the clutch, and when it came time to decide games, the ball usually wound up in Tatum’s hands. Even on the misses, Tatum has the ability to get the shot he wants, no matter the defender. With the game on the line, Tatum has as good a shot as anyone to make it. Well, except for this last guy.

And The Most Clutch Player Is?

1. Damian Lillard

In case you hadn’t checked the clock, it’s Dame Time. At this point, Damian Lillard needs no introduction as a closer. He’s stone-cold like Steve Austin down the stretch. In a good way. We’ve seen him do it all in the past�buzzer-beaters, knocking down bad shots to end playoff series. But let’s focus on this season.

Lillard is first in the league in points per game in the clutch with 4.7. To make it more impressive, he’s the only player on this list to post 50/40/90 shooting splits in the clutch. There’s the encapsulation of Lillard as one of the most clutch NBA players. Even in the moments with the highest tension, he always seems calm and in command.

In the final minutes of a game, Lillard is the full package. He has truly unlimited range, one of the quickest steps in the game, and a knack for finishing the play, whether it’s a jump shot or at the hoop. Moreover, Lillard’s one-dribble, step to the side three, becomes a shot he goes to when he needs a late-game basket. If you watch this video of Lillard rip the heart out of the Bulls earlier this year, you’ll see a mix of it all.

This season, there were many clutch plays and clutch players, but when the chips are down, and you need someone to get you a basket, put the money on Dame D.O.L.L.A. In his 34 games that included clutch minutes, the Blazers were 22-12. This season, Lillard was like a basketball terminator sent back from the future to break opposing team’s hearts in close late games.