The ‘Clutch’ factor is one of the biggest aspects of basketball that many consider unquantifiable. The ability to be clutch can’t always be identified with numbers, but the numbers do help you see which players are willing to step up to lead their team in close games during clutch time. Clutch time is defined as minutes when the scoring margin is within 5 points with five or fewer minutes remaining in a game.
These are the 10 players who are leading the NBA through the first two months in clutch time scoring.
1. Stephen Curry – 91 PTS, 51.0 FG%
2. Damian Lillard – 78 PTS, 46.2 FG%
3. Mikal Bridges – 66 PTS, 54.8 FG%
4. Trae Young – 65 PTS, 44.4 FG%
5. DeMar DeRozan – 58 PTS, 56.7 FG%
6. Kevin Durant – 56 PTS, 34.7 FG%
7. LeBron James – 54 PTS, 64.5 FG%
8. Tyrese Haliburton – 51 PTS, 69.6 FG%
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 50 PTS, 55.2 FG%
10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 49 PTS, 64.3 FG%
The list reveals some great trends that we have seen build over the season. Stephen Curry has been straight up carrying the Golden State Warriors, and there have been plenty of moments where he’s single-handedly carried the Warriors offensively. Unfortunately, the team doesn’t often emerge successful when Curry is off the court. His efficiency is solid, though fans will continue making ‘Curry isn’t clutch’ jokes until they see him hit a game-winning buzzer-beater.
Damian Lillard has brought Dame Time to Milwaukee, becoming the primary clutch scorer for the Bucks, a role Khris Middleton has played in the past. Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t far behind, also featuring in the top ten of this list.
Kevin Durant has had an insane offensive workload for the Suns amidst both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal missing time. His inefficiency in the clutch is a result of him having to chuck shots all through clutch time. He’s also a -20 in clutch, the only player in the top ten with a negative clutch differential.
LeBron James featuring in the top ten has been a pleasant surprise for Laker fans, as James is excessively becoming the kind of player that’ll not be aggressive for the first three quarters before going off in the fourth. He can’t do it for 48 minutes like in his prime, but he’s been effective in the 12 minutes of the fourth, with the Lakers often falling apart when he’s off the floor.
Mikal Bridges is an interesting name in the top three, continuing to prove he can be effective as the No. 1 option on a playoff hopeful. DeMar DeRozan has been one of the best scorers in the clutch for the last few seasons, so him being on this list is not surprising. Trae Young, on the other hand, is a surprising nod for many due to his slow start to the season. However, he’s been on a tear off late and hopes to lead the Hawks back into contention.
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