Let's be real for a second. We all know that feeling when the game clock hits five minutes, the arena gets deafeningly loud, and the score is within two possessions. That's where the pretenders disappear. It’s the "clutch" window, and since 2023, the NBA has been handing out a shiny piece of hardware called the Jerry West Trophy to the guy who basically refuses to let his team lose.
Last year, Jalen Brunson didn't just win the NBA Clutch Player of the Year; he kind of redefined what the award is about. For a minute there, everyone thought it was just a "who scored the most points in the last five minutes" trophy. But Brunson’s 2024-25 season proved the voters are looking at something deeper.
The Knicks’ captain put up an NBA-high 5.6 points per game in clutch situations. That’s insane volume. But he also shot 51.5% from the floor and over 84% from the stripe when the stakes were highest. He wasn't just hucking up shots; he was surgically dismantling defenses. It’s why he beat out heavyweights like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards.
What the Voters Are Actually Looking For
The NBA defines "clutch time" specifically: it’s any game time where the score is within five points during the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime.
It sounds simple. It isn't.
NBA head coaches are the ones who actually nominate the players. Then, a panel of 100 media members casts the votes. This is why you can’t just look at a spreadsheet and guess the winner. If you're a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently tearing it up in the 2025-26 season, you’re not just being judged on your points. You’re being judged on how those points happened.
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Did you bail out a broken play? Did you make the right pass when you were double-teamed? Honestly, the "vibes" of the performance matter almost as much as the true shooting percentage.
The Current 2025-26 Battleground
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, the race is a total mess in the best way possible. Cade Cunningham has been a monster for the Pistons. People sort of slept on Detroit for a while, but Cade’s ability to slow the game down in the final three minutes has him sitting as a co-favorite alongside SGA.
Shai is a different beast though. He currently leads the league in total clutch points. He’s got this weird, jerky rhythm that makes it impossible for defenders to stay in front of him without fouling. And we know Shai doesn't miss free throws when it matters.
Then you have Tyrese Maxey. Maxey is basically the energizer bunny of the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s currently third in total clutch points (somewhere around 95 at the last count) and his +2000 odds are starting to look like a massive steal for anyone paying attention.
Why This Award Is Different From MVP
There’s a common misconception that the NBA Clutch Player of the Year is just a "Junior MVP" award. That’s not quite right.
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Think about it this way: a player could be the MVP because they dominate for 48 minutes, but maybe they play on a team that blows everyone out. If you’re winning by 20 every night, you literally can’t win the Clutch Player of the Year award because you never play in "clutch" situations.
You sort of need to be on a team that’s good, but not too good. You need those close games to build your resume.
- Volume: You need to be the clear #1 option when the play-call breaks down.
- Efficiency: Shooting 30% in the clutch might get you points, but it won’t get you the Jerry West Trophy.
- Team Success: If you score 10 points in the clutch but your team loses every time, voters usually look elsewhere.
The Evolution of the Jerry West Trophy
It’s only been around for a few years, but the lineage is already prestigious. De'Aaron Fox took the first one home in 2023. He was "Swipa" for a reason—the guy was a lightning bolt in the fourth. Then Stephen Curry won it in 2024 because, well, he’s Steph Curry.
Brunson’s win in 2025 was a big deal because he was the first Eastern Conference player to grab it. It signaled that the "clutch" narrative wasn't just a Western Conference shootout.
Key Stats to Watch in 2026
If you're trying to figure out who's going to win this year, keep your eye on these metrics:
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- Clutch FG% vs Season FG%: Does the player get better or worse when the pressure is on?
- Usage Rate: Is the coach actually trusting them with the ball, or are they just a decoy?
- Free Throw Attempts: Getting to the line is the most "clutch" skill there is.
Luka Dončić is always in the mix here, especially now that he’s with the Lakers. He’s leading the league in scoring (33.6 PPG) and while his clutch stats fluctuate, his "hero ball" moments are what highlight reels—and voters—crave.
How to Evaluate the "Clutch" Factor Yourself
Honestly, the best way to see who is the real NBA Clutch Player of the Year is to ignore the highlights and watch the full final five minutes of a Tuesday night game in February. See who is breathing hard. See who is asking for the ball.
Look at someone like Anthony Edwards. He led the league in total clutch points last year (157) but didn't win. Why? Because the voters felt Brunson’s 5.6 points per game in fewer opportunities was more "impactful." It’s a subjective science.
Your Next Steps for Following the Race
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on who's actually leading the pack for the 2026 award, start by checking the NBA’s official "Clutch" leaderboards every Monday morning. Don't just look at the points—filter by "Win Percentage" in clutch games. A player like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Cade Cunningham becomes a much stronger candidate if their team is actually winning those close contests. Also, pay attention to the betting market shifts after national TV games; a single game-winning buzzer-beater can swing the odds more than a month of consistent play.