New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson crowned NBA’s 2025 Clutch Player of the Year

Jalen Brunson, star guard for the New York Knicks, has been named the NBA’s 25 Clutch Player of the Year. The award, named after Hall of Famer Jerry West, is given to the player who performs best in pressure situations, specifically in the last five minutes of close games. Brunson has been a standout for the Knicks and has contributed to the team in almost every game he played. His latest accolade brightens his basketball resume, making him one of the most significant stars in the league.

Jalen Brunson led the league with 5.6 points per game in clutch time, which the NBA defines as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points. He also led all players with 52 clutch field goals made, ranked second in total clutch points (156), and was third in assists (28). His field goal percentage in those moments was a strong 51.5%, and he made 84% of his free throws.
“I think some people are born into it,” Brunson said on Inside the NBA. “I think I had to learn back in high school, and I’ve gotten better and better at each stage, and here we are.”
Sharing the news NBA Communication posted on X, “A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award based on nominations from NBA head coaches.”

Brunson played a major role in helping the Knicks finish with 50 wins and secure the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The team went 17-11 in clutch games when he was on the floor.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson’s hard work and preparation. “You have to have great talent,” Thibodeau said. “But because of the way he prepares himself, when he’s in those situations he’s very confident because of the work that he’s put into it.”
Brunson received 70 out of 100 first-place votes from a global media panel, earning 426 points overall. He beat out Denver’s Nikola Jokic (312 points) and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (47 points). Other stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James also received first-place votes, but Brunson won by a wide margin.

This is only the third year of the Clutch Player award. De’Aaron Fox won in 2023 and Curry won in 2024. Brunson is the first winner from the Eastern Conference.
Even with this honor, Brunson knows the job isn't finished. After a tough Game 2 loss to the Pistons, where he missed a shot late in the fourth quarter, he kept a positive attitude. “We’ve just gotta control what we can control,” he said. “You can’t let up at any point. You can’t have any sort of complacency in times like this.”
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With the playoff series now tied 1-1, the Knicks will continue to count on Brunson’s leadership and clutch play as they aim for a deep postseason run.