Jalen Brunson has been awarded the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most reliable performers in critical moments. The award, named after legendary player Jerry West, is given to the player who’s best in the clutch. Brunson proved to be a virtuoso this season. He won 70 of 100 first place votes and won a spot on 98 of 100 total ballots.
The Clutch Player of the Year award has been awarded three times. This year, Brunson took his place alongside former winners De’Aaron Fox and Stephen Curry. This accolade is the second of the league’s seven major individual awards to be announced this season. It follows immediately after the league announces on Thursday the creation of a Defensive Player of the Year award. The Unsung Hero Hustle Award will be announced this Friday.
Brunson’s impact was on full display in a fun, back-and-forth game. He fueled the New York Knicks to an astounding 21-0 run in the fourth quarter, clinching the win. For those who’ve watched him this year, he’s been downright spectacular in clutch situations. During that critical time, he had the highest shooting percentage amongst those players at 51%. He ranked first in the league with an average of 5.6 points per game in the clutch.
The Knicks benefited significantly from Brunson’s scoring ability in tight games, achieving a win rate of 61% in clutch scenarios, ranking fifth in the league. After coming to New York three years ago, Brunson quickly established himself as the bedrock of the Knicks. His outstanding and steady play on the field quickly made him the face of the franchise.
When Brunson looks back at how naturally he was able to thrive in the moment, he notes that “I believe you’re born with it.” His skill set and competitive calm have combined to make him the most important player on his club.
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