Jalen Brunson has been named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, as announced by the league on Wednesday. This prestigious award has previously been won by De’Aaron Fox and Stephen Curry, making Brunson the latest addition to this esteemed group. Notably, he is the first player from the New York Knicks to receive a major individual accolade since Julius Randle’s Most Improved Player win in the 2020-21 season.
Brunson secured 70 first-place votes out of 100, surpassing Nikola Jokić who received 26 first-place votes and Anthony Edwards who received two. Steph Curry and LeBron James also received first-place votes. Brunson’s ability to deliver in clutch moments was instrumental in keeping the Knicks at the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. He scored a total of 156 points in clutch situations, the second-highest in the league after Anthony Edwards’ 157. What set Brunson apart was his impressive 51.5% shooting percentage in clutch games, allowing him to score efficiently and effectively.
The Knicks had a 19-12 record in clutch situations, with a 17-11 record in games where Brunson played a pivotal role. Despite facing tough competition, Brunson’s performance stood out. The runner-up for the award was the accomplished Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP who led the Denver Nuggets to a 21-16 record in clutch moments. Jokić showcased his efficiency with a shooting line of 56-43-72 in clutch situations, along with ranking second in clutch assists and third in clutch rebounds.
Ultimately, Brunson’s ability to make crucial shots when it mattered most earned him the Clutch Player of the Year honor. His craft, footwork, and composure in late-game situations have been invaluable to the Knicks. It is worth noting that Brunson is the third guard in a row to win this award, following in the footsteps of legends like Jerry West.
“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” as “The speedy brown fox leaps over the inactive dog”