When an NBA game is on the line, you want the basketball in New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson’s hands.
Brunson on Wednesday was named the NBA’s 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year after averaging a league-best 5.6 points in clutch time, which is the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.
Brunson helped the Knicks to a 17-11 record in games where clutch time applied, and he averaged 1.0 assist and shot 51.5% from the field and 84% on free throws in the clutch.
Brunson collected 70 of a possible 100 first-place votes plus 24 second-place votes and four third-place votes for 428 points. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished second with 312 points, and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was third with 47 points.
Jokic averaged 4.2 points in clutch minutes, shooting 56.2% from the field and 42.9% on 3s, but it was difficult to beat Brunson’s production, especially when his game-winning shots are factored into the equation.
“Confidence comes from your preparation,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters earlier this season. “His ability to get to the spots on the floor that he wants to get to. He’s not relying strictly on athleticism – although he’s more athletic than people realize, he’s stronger than people realize – but he changes speeds extremely well, and he’s got a great base. So when he takes a shot, his balance is terrific. … He’s not afraid. That’s probably the biggest thing. The confidence is a byproduct of his work.”