Imagine having just 10 seconds left on the clock, your team down by one, and the ball is in bound. Who do you trust to make that shot? Kevin Durant instantly comes to mind. During the 2022-2023 season, Durant hit clutch shots with an impressive 53% shooting percentage. The sheer accuracy this man possesses under pressure has fans and analysts in awe. I've watched countless double teams try to curb his shooting, yet he still finds a way to score – that's his uncanny ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions.
And how about Damian Lillard? That guy embodies “clutch.” I've seen games where Lillard’s confident demeanor just spells doom for opponents. Take his 2019 playoff performance against OKC; Lillard shot a 37-footer at the buzzer, sending the Thunder home and securing the Blazers' advancement. That shot – and Lillard’s 50-point game – etched his name into playoff history as one of the best clutch performances ever. What staggers me even more is his consistency, with a 61% effective field goal percentage in clutch situations over his career.
Then there's LeBron James. While critics often questioned his clutch genes early in his career, James has since flipped the narrative spectacularly. Last season, he had a 64% field goal percentage in the final 5 minutes of a close game. At 38 years old, he’s defying age with his late-game execution. I mean, who can forget his triple-double performance against the Warriors in the 2016 Finals Game 7? That block on Andre Iguodala will remain etched in the annals of NBA lore.
Speaking of veterans, Chris Paul, a maestro of close-game orchestration, has always impressed me. I recall him leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, where his late-game decisions and precision were instrumental. That season, Paul boasted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 6:1 in clutch moments. It's mind-boggling to think about the control and calmness required to execute under such high stakes. His ability to manage the game tempo, especially in crunch time, exemplifies true leadership.
But what I find particularly thrilling is seeing young stars like Luka Dončić shine in these moments. Luka’s buzzer-beater against the Clippers in the 2020 playoffs, where he scored 43 points in overtime, remains a testament to his burgeoning greatness. In the last two minutes of close games this past season, Dončić has a usage rate of 47%, showing how heavily the Mavericks rely on his brilliance. No wonder fans are salivating at the potential of his career.
Another name you can’t ignore is Kyrie Irving. Anyone who watched the 2016 NBA Finals remembers Game 7 like it was yesterday. With just under a minute left, Kyrie nailed a three-pointer over Stephen Curry, solidifying the Cavaliers’ title and ending Cleveland's 52-year championship drought. His career 88% free throw shooting in clutch moments is another figure that showcases his reliability when the game's on the line. Watching Kyrie navigate through defenders with his impeccable ball-handling skills is a sight to behold.
If we’re talking about stats, we can’t leave out Kawhi Leonard. The man’s 2019 playoff run with the Raptors was filled with nail-biting moments. His series-winning shot against the 76ers in Game 7, that bounced around the rim for an eternity before dropping, is unforgettable. Leonard’s 35 points and lockdown defense that game left me speechless. With a career playoff PER of 24.7, Kawhi’s efficiency when it matters most is off the charts.
Joel Embiid has also become a clutch performer in recent seasons. Embiid’s size and skill set make him a nightmare for defenders, especially in the closing minutes. I remember his 2021-2022 season where he sunk a dagger three to beat the reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Embiid averaged 30.6 points in clutch situations this past season, a testament to his growing dominance.
Donovan Mitchell deserves mention too. His duel with Jamal Murray in the 2020 playoffs was nothing short of spectacular. Mitchell had multiple 50-point games that series, showcasing his scoring prowess and clutch capability. This past season, he had a win-share of 12.9, many of those wins coming through his fourth-quarter heroics.
But what about the new emerging stars? Jayson Tatum, for instance, has shown glimpses of his clutch potential. His game-winning buzzer-beater against the Nets in the 2021 playoffs has set the stage for what’s to come. Playing with a confidence that feels reminiscent of the greats, Tatum’s 26-year-old career is already marked by critical moments and big shots, with an impressive 50% field goal rate in clutch moments this season.
You can’t talk clutch without mentioning the quintessential Steph Curry. Curry’s 3-point shooting in late-game scenarios is legendary. Remember his game-winning 38-footer against the Thunder back in 2016? His ability to hit such shots consistently defines his 44% three-point field goal percentage in clutch moments over his career. Watching Curry come alive in the final moments is like witnessing artwork in motion, each dribble, each shot arcing with precision.
Each season brings new moments, new heroes, and an ever-growing list of achievements in clutch performances. For comprehensive coverage of all these players and their awe-inspiring moments, check out arena plus. To engage with such high-stakes drama and athletic brilliance keeps us fans glued to screens, night after night, eagerly anticipating the next big moment.