The Most Clutch Player In Each NBA Franchise’s History

Clutch moments define legacies in the NBA. Certain players have etched their names into history by delivering when it mattered most, especially with the game on the line. Beyond just buzzer-beaters, clutch players come through in the most difficult moments, and their track records are solidified. 

In this article, we identify the most clutch player in each NBA franchise’s history. From iconic figures like Michael Jordan and Jerry West to unsung heroes who rose to the occasion, this list celebrates those who consistently performed under pressure. 

Atlanta Hawks: Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins was celebrated for his scoring prowess and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His legendary performance in Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics, where he scored 47 points in a narrow 118–116 loss, remains one of the most iconic moments in Hawks history. Wilkins’ consistent ability to rise to the occasion solidifies his status as the most clutch player in franchise history.

Honorable Mention: Trae Young

Boston Celtics: Larry Bird

Larry Bird’s reputation as a clutch performer is well-earned, and the highlights will prove that. His confidence and composure under pressure were instrumental in the Celtics’ success during the 1980s, including three NBA championships. It also adds to his legacy that Bird would tell you what he would do and then proceed to accomplish it in the next play, meaning his clutch plays were as demoralizing as they get.

Honorable Mention: Paul Pierce

Brooklyn Nets: Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd’s tenure with the Nets was marked by his ability to perform in high-stakes situations, and that is proven because he carried the team to two NBA Finals appearances. His game-winning plays and leadership during close contests showcased his clutch capabilities, and he often did it with passing and defense more than scoring.

Honorable Mention: Joe Johnson

Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker’s eight years with the Hornets were defined by his knack for hitting crucial shots, and we can’t deny how good he was offensively, slightly more than Larry Johnson (five seasons completed). His scoring ability and poise under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the franchise’s most esteemed offensive players, since he posted 19.8 PPG over his career with the team.

Honorable Mention: Larry Johnson

Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s clutch performances are legendary, with countless game-winning shots and dominant displays in critical games. His six NBA championships and elite-level performances in the biggest stages solidify his status as the most clutch player in NBA history, let alone Bulls history. How many stars can say that they have game-winners in the NBA Finals? Jordan’s game-winner against Byron Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals is one of the most iconic clutch plays in the history of American sports. 

Honorable Mention: Derrick Rose

Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James

LeBron James’ tenure with the Cavaliers featured numerous clutch moments, including his iconic block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which eventually led to Kyrie Irving’s game-winning shot. The King was often criticized for his over-willingness to pass instead of taking the final shot, but we can’t deny how great he was for the Cavs. We have to say that LeBron was probably more clutch in his second stint with the team than he was in the first stint. 

Honorable Mention: Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki’s performance during the 2011 NBA Playoffs, particularly his game-winning shots and composure under pressure, exemplifies his clutch credentials. His role in leading the Mavericks to their first championship cements his legacy as the franchise’s most clutch player. There were countless moments where Dirk was clutch, but his playoff run in 2011 will be highlighted because it was simply ridiculous what he did. 

Honorable Mention: Luka Doncic 

Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic has consistently delivered in clutch situations, with his playmaking and scoring abilities shining during critical moments. His performances in recent playoff runs have been instrumental in the Nuggets’ success, evidenced by his incredible run in the 2023 Playoffs, which led to the franchise’s first NBA championship. 

Honorable Mention: Carmelo Anthony

Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas

Even ahead of “Mr. Big Shot,” Chauncey Billups, Isiah Thomas earned his reputation by hitting crucial shots and leading the Pistons during their back-to-back NBA Titles in 1988 and 1989. His leadership and clutch performances, whether it was playmaking or scoring, were undeniably great. 

Honorable Mention: Chauncey Billups

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry’s ability to hit long-range shots under pressure has redefined clutch performance in the modern NBA. His pivotal plays during the Warriors’ four championship runs have solidified his status as the team’s most clutch player and easily the greatest shooter we have ever seen. It also helps his legacy that Curry is getting better in the clutch with age. 

Honorable Mention: Klay Thompson

Houston Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon’s dominance during the Rockets’ back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 showcased his clutch abilities. His defensive prowess and timely scoring were crucial in securing victories during high-stakes games, and there weren’t many players who deserve respect for two NBA titles than the legendary center. Amazingly, Hakeem was known to hurt you with offense and defense consistently, and there often wasn’t an answer for him. 

Honorable Mention: Calvin Murphy

Indiana Pacers: Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller’s clutch performances, particularly against the New York Knicks, are etched in NBA history. His ability to score rapidly in critical moments made him a feared opponent and the most clutch player in Pacers history. Don’t bring up Miller to Knicks fans because all they will remember is the “choke signal”. 

Honorable Mention: Paul George

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul

During his time with the Clippers, Chris Paul was known for his leadership and clutch playmaking. His ability to control the game’s tempo and deliver in tight situations was instrumental in the team’s success during his tenure, and none stands out more than his ridiculous game-winner over Tim Duncan in Game 7. It is also very interesting that CP3 is the most clutch player for two different franchises, as well. 

Honorable Mention: Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s numerous game-winning shots and fearless approach in high-pressure situations define his clutch legacy. His performances in critical games have left an indelible mark on the Lakers’ storied history, and there might not be a player outside of Michael Jordan who is more synonymous with the word “clutch”. In case you forgot, just check out the highlights. 

Honorable Mention: Jerry West

Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley

Mike Conley’s steady hand and leadership during the “Grit and Grind” era were vital in close games. His ability to make smart decisions and hit key shots under pressure earned him a reputation as the team’s clutch performer, and there wasn’t a steadier player for the franchise when it came to handling the ball and making clean plays down the stretch.

Honorable Mention: Marc Gasol

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade’s heroics during the 2006 NBA Finals, where he led the Miami Heat to their first championship, exemplify his clutch credentials. His ability to take over games in critical moments was a hallmark of his career, which is why he is the greatest player in franchise history. Wade held postseason averages of 22.6 PPG over an incredible 12 runs signifies what the all-time great guard meant to the Heat. 

Honorable Mention: LeBron James

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, arguably making him the greatest player in franchise history. His 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals secured Milwaukee’s first championship in 50 years. In addition to his scoring prowess, Giannis has made pivotal defensive plays, such as his game-saving block in Game 4 of the same series.

Honorable Mention: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett’s intensity and leadership were crucial in close games during his time with the Timberwolves. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him the team’s go-to player in clutch situations, and he is still responsible for bringing the greatest moments in franchise history until today although Anthony Edwards looks to set a new standard.

Honorable Mention: Karl-Anthony Towns

New Orleans Pelicans: Chris Paul

Chris Paul’s early career with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) was marked by his clutch playmaking and leadership. His ability to control the game’s pace and make critical decisions under pressure set the tone for the franchise, and his playoff averages of 21.9 PPG and 11.1 APG with the franchise show how great he was over three playoff runs with the franchise and six seasons overall. 

Honorable Mention: Anthony Davis

New York Knicks: Willis Reed

Willis Reed’s courageous return in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals and his leadership throughout the series exemplify clutch performance. His determination and impact in critical moments have become legendary in Knicks history, because he is mainly responsible for delivering two NBA championships. 

Honorable Mention: Carmelo Anthony

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant

No surprise, Kevin Durant headlines all players for the OKC Thunder, even if he left the franchise high and dry after the 2016 season. His clutch performances helped establish the team as a formidable force in the Western Conference. If there is a player in NBA history who could create and make any shot from anywhere, it is Kevin Durant, who stands 6’11” with a perfect offensive arsenal. 

Honorable Mention: Russell Westbrook

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard’s dominance during the Magic’s 2009 Finals run included crucial plays on both ends of the court. His defensive presence and timely scoring were vital in the team’s success during that period, and his 40-point, 14-rebound closeout Game 6 performance against LeBron James and the Cavs to reach the NBA Finals was certainly epic.

Honorable Mention: Shaquille O’Neal

Philadelphia 76ers: Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson’s fearless approach and scoring ability in high-pressure situations made him the 76ers’ clutch leader. His performances, particularly during the 2001 Finals run, showcased his determination and skill, and no player gave more heart-throbbing moments (outside of Dr. J and Wilt Chamberlain) than “The Answer” did when he had the ball in critical moments. 

Honorable Mention: Julius Erving

Phoenix Suns: Paul Westphal

Paul Westphal’s impact on the Suns was profound, particularly during their 1976 playoff run. His leadership and timely scoring were instrumental in guiding Phoenix to its first NBA Finals appearance. Westphal’s ability to perform under pressure solidified his reputation as the team’s most clutch player.

Honorable Mention: Charles Barkley

Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard had become synonymous with clutch performances in Portland because “Dame Time” was a real thing. His series-winning buzzer-beaters in the 2014 and 2019 playoffs are etched in NBA history. Lillard’s fearless approach in high-pressure situations defines his legacy with the Trail Blazers, and not to mention, very few players broke up more franchises than Dame did when looking at the Paul-Geroge-led Thunder and Dwight Howard-Rockets. 

Honorable Mention: Clyde Drexler

Sacramento Kings: Chris Webber

Chris Webber’s tenure with the Kings was marked by his leadership and clutch play. He was pivotal during Sacramento’s deep playoff runs in the early 2000s. Webber’s ability to deliver in critical moments made him the franchise’s most clutch player, and he was certainly good enough to win a championship if not for the 2001 Lakers. 

Honorable Mention: Mike Bibby

San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan’s consistent excellence in high-stakes games was a cornerstone of the Spurs’ success. His performances in six NBA Finals (with five wins) showcased his calm demeanor and clutch abilities. Duncan’s reliability under pressure earned him the title of the Spurs’ most clutch player, ahead of his compatriots Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and David Robinson. 

Honorable Mention: Manu Ginobili

Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard’s single 2019 playoff run with the Toronto Raptors was legendary. His buzzer-beater against the 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals is one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. Leonard’s clutch performances were instrumental in Toronto’s first championship, and he is by far the most renowned player in franchise history when it comes to making big plays, even if he was only in Canada for one season. 

Honorable Mention: DeMar DeRozan

Utah Jazz: Karl Malone

Karl Malone’s scoring prowess was on full display during critical moments for the Utah Jazz, mainly in the Playoffs. Even if he never won a ring, his performances in the late 1990s helped Utah reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. Malone’s ability to deliver under pressure cements his status as the Jazz’s most clutch player, because he posted an impressive 24.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over his postseason career. 

Honorable Mention: John Stockton

Washington Wizards: Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas was known for his raw shooting and clutch scoring for the Wizards. His game-winners and high-scoring performances in the mid-2000s energized the franchise. Arenas’ confidence in late-game situations made him Washington’s most clutch player, and he made it look good as well with his turnaround celebrations while the shots were still in the air.

Honorable Mention: Wes Unseld