Anthony Edwards has officially staked his claim as the most fearless player in basketball’s biggest moments. After drilling yet another clutch dagger in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ recent win 114-109 over the Philadelphia 76ers, the rising superstar now leads the entire NBA in clutch-time points this season with 156—solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier closers.
1. Anthony Edwards – 156 points
2. Trae Young – 152 points
3. Jalen Brunson – 145 points
4. Nikola Jokic – 131 points
5. DeMar DeRozan – 125 points
6. Tyrese Maxey – 118 points
7, Stephen Curry – 108 points
8. Kevin Durant – 100 points
9. De’Aaron Fox – 100 points
10. Darius Garland – 99 points
The Timberwolves entered the 2024-25 campaign with heightened expectations, and no one has embraced that pressure more than Edwards. When the game clock hits five minutes and the score is within five points, Edwards doesn’t just show up—he dominates.
That make added to his growing legend in crunch time, pushing him past Trae Young for the most clutch points in the league this season. Young sits second with 152 clutch points, followed by Jalen Brunson (145), Nikola Jokic (131), DeMar DeRozan (125), and Tyrese Maxey (118).
These are seasoned names when it comes to fourth-quarter heroics, yet it’s Edwards—a 23-year-old in just his sixth NBA season—who’s sitting on top.
What separates Edwards isn’t just his ability to get a bucket when it matters most, it’s how he does it. While Trae Young uses the free throw line as a clutch-time lifeline, having made 74 free throws in these moments, Edwards takes and makes tough shots. Pull-ups, drives through contact, three-pointers off the bounce—he doesn’t rely on whistles or gimmicks. It’s pure, raw shot creation and alpha-level confidence.
The Timberwolves have been one of the league’s most balanced teams, boasting elite defense and improving chemistry between their young core and veteran frontcourt. But when the offense bogs down, it’s been Edwards who delivers time and again. Whether it’s scoring isolation buckets, finding teammates when double-teamed,
or simply taking over possessions late, he’s morphed into the guy you want with the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
Even among seasoned veterans like Jokic, Curry, Durant, and DeRozan—all known for their late-game exploits—Edwards has outpaced them in raw clutch scoring. That’s no small feat. Jokic, in particular, remains a master of composure, yet Edwards has 25 more clutch points than the reigning MVP. Jalen Brunson is having the best season of his career and still trails Edwards in these moments.
The Timberwolves still have playoff hurdles to clear, but the emergence of Anthony Edwards as a legitimate closer is the kind of development that changes ceilings. He doesn’t shy away from the spotlight—he hunts it. And based on what we’ve seen this season, there might not be a more terrifying player to guard when the game’s on the line than Anthony Edwards.
