Lars Hauggaard
Breaking Down the Clutch Player of the Year Ladder
As the season comes to an end, we inch closer to seeing the induction of a handful of new NBA awards. Let's break down one of them, and analyse who is deserving of the Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year award.
The first Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year Award will be set by the end of the season. What was thought to be an eye-tested, intangible player attributed not so long ago is now backed with stats and figures to the point that the league is moving to recognize the most exceptional player in the last 5 minutes of closely contested games.
At the forefront of the clutch conversation is the Kings’ star point guard De’Aaron Fox. Fox currently leads the NBA in clutch points scored, with 5.0 points in the last 5 minutes of games with a score difference of 5 or less points. Fox also notched one of the 16 game-winning buzzer-beaters hit this season under his belt, further cementing his case. With the individual play in mind, alongside the Kings’ new found team success, it is no wonder that Fox has set himself up for accolades this season.
Jaylen Brunson has been sneaking closely behind Fox in this award category following his signing and subsequent success with the New York Knicks. Disproving what many thought was a poor signing, the 25-million-dollar-a-year player has shone throughout the final stretch of close games. In clutch time, Brunson has 4.2ppg on 50%FG and 40%3FG.
To round out the top three, we see DeMar DeRozan getting recognition for the award. Anyone familiar with DeRozan’s career knows that he is not one to shy away from big moments, having achieved feats like his back-to-back game winners last season. This season, however, he has experienced far less appreciation due to the Bulls’ struggles, despite putting up a great 4.3ppg on 47%FG when his team needs him the most.
Interestingly enough, perhaps on account of a switch in scenery, many bookmakers have left Kyrie Irving off of their Clutch Player of the Year ladders. Not only does Irving hold the season record for highest 4th quarter points scored on average with 9.3 on 50.7%FG, but he too lays claim to one of the 16 game-winning buzzer-beaters hit this season.
To round the season out, it seems that there will need to be a major uptick in production from the other players mentioned if they want to see De’Aaron Fox go this season without winning the award. Regardless, there is not much arguing when both stats and the eye test reach a cold-blooded conclusion.