The 5 Most Clutch Players in NBA History
The Most Clutch Players in the History of the NBA
A clutch performance is one of the most amazing things about the NBA. That moment when a player comes up with the goods when his team needs them most.
We’ll take a closer look at some of the NBA's most clutch players!
Kevin Durant, one of the most clutch players in NBA history
When the game is on the line and the stakes are high, it takes a certain type of player to stand up and deliver.
You can count on these players to achieve big shots at crunch time!
1. Michael Jordan
Career Highlight Stats
He is considered the greatest player in NBA history
He scored a game-winning basket over Bryon Russell in the 1998 Finals against Utah Jazz
A scoring average of 33.4 points per game
No list of clutch performers in the NBA would be complete without Michael Jordan.
Widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history, Jordan was a master of the clutch shot, hitting countless game-winners and buzzer-beaters throughout his career.
Jordan's ability to rise to the occasion in the most important moments was truly remarkable.
His performances in the 1992 and 1993 NBA Finals will go down in history as some of the greatest clutch performances of all-time.
Jordan's most famous clutch performance came against Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals.
In the final seconds of Game 6, with the series tied at 2-2 and the game deadlocked, Jordan scored a game-winning basket over Bryon Russell to earn the Chicago Bulls their sixth championship in eight years.
The play became known as "The Shot" and is largely recognised as one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
But "The Shot" is only one of Jordan's many crucial moments. His entire career has been full of game-winning baskets, buzzer-beaters and spectacular performances under pressure.
Jordan's clutch performances often took place in the playoffs when the stakes were highest and the pressure was greatest.
In fact, Jordan's playoff scoring average of 33.4 points per game is the greatest in NBA history, demonstrating his ability to deliver when it counted the most.
2. Kobe Bryant
Career Highlight Stats
A legend for the Lakers in the 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals
One of his most impressive games came in Game 4 of the 2006 NBA Playoffs
Bryant was known for his clutch magic on the court
Few players in NBA history are capable of rivalling Kobe Bryant's skill when it comes to clutch performances.
Over the course of his career, the late Lakers icon was a master of the clutch shot, hitting numerous game-winners and buzzer-beaters.
Bryant's ability to rise to the occasion in crunch time was truly exceptional, and his performances in the 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals will be remembered as some of the greatest clutch performances of all-time.
Bryant's clutch actions have gone down in NBA history as legendary.
One of his most notable moments came against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the 2006 NBA Playoffs.
Bryant received the ball with his back to the basket in the final seconds of the game, turned and made a fadeaway jumper over two defenders to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The Lakers went on to win the game and make the playoffs, thanks in large part to Bryant's clutch magic.
Bryant's mental toughness and ability to stay focused under pressure were what made him so effective in important situations.
He had faith in himself, and he never questioned his ability to perform on crucial occasions.
In fact, he frequently enjoyed the opportunity to take the winning shot, embracing the pressure to push his game to new heights.
3. LeBron James
Career Highlight Stats
Four-time MVP
He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals
He scored 27 points with 11 assists in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals
Another player who has developed a reputation as one of the NBA's most clutch performers is LeBron James.
The four-time MVP has a long history of coming through on critical occasions, whether it's with game-winning baskets, key defensive stops or clutch rebounds.
James' ability to seize control of a game in the last seconds is truly extraordinary.
His heroics in the 2016 NBA Finals - when he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an unlikely comeback from a 3-1 deficit - will go down in history as some of the greatest clutch performances of all-time.
One of James' most memorable clutch performances came in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals when he guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to a win over the Golden State Warriors.
While leading the Cavaliers to their first championship in team history, James put up a historic performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and delivering 11 assists.
In the dying minutes of the game, his block on Andre Iguodala's fast break layup became one of the most famous plays in NBA Finals history.
4. Stephen Curry
Career Highlight Stats
Two-time MVP
Stephen Curry is known for his clutch performances in the 2015 and 2017 NBA Finals
He played in 80 games averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 5.9 assists
Steph Curry is another amazing player who has established himself as one of the most clutch players in NBA history.
The two-time MVP has a long history of coming up big on crucial occasions by hitting game-winning baskets.
Curry's ability to knock three-pointers from wherever on the court makes him a continuous threat at crunch time. Now considered the greatest shooter in NBA history, his range is incredible, as well as his metronomic consistency, which makes him lethal when even slightly unguarded.
His clutch performances in the 2015 and 2017 NBA Finals will go down in history as some of the best of all-time!
5. Kevin Durant
Career Highlight Stats
Two-time Finals MVP
Kevin Durant is remembered for his performance in the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals
Potential to score from anywhere- including a midrange shot, dunk or from the 3-point line
KD is another player who has earned a reputation as one of the NBA's most clutch performers.
The two-time Finals MVP has a long history of coming up big in the most important moments, hitting clutch shots in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Durant's ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a constant threat in crunch time.
He can make a basket on a midrange shoot, dunk or 3-point line.
Durant’s amazing performances in the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals will be remembered as some of the greatest clutch performances in the long history of the NBA.
Who Are the Most Clutch Players in NBA History?
The NBA has been blessed with some of the greatest clutch players of all-time.
The legacies of players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have been shaped in large part by their ability to perform in the clutch.
Their remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments will continue to be celebrated by fans and remembered by basketball historians for generations to come.
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