Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a strong contender for another MVP award, has been recognized with the Clutch Player of the Year award, a highly captivating individual honor in the NBA. This award celebrates the player most impactful in critical game situations.
In the NBA, “clutch” is precisely defined as moments occurring within the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score differential is five points or less. By this stringent standard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander objectively leads the league.
His remarkable season statistics include 175 “clutch points,” the highest in the league, and 16 go-ahead baskets for the Thunder, also a league-leading figure. He outscored his opponents by a significant 93 points in these clutch scenarios. Overall, Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s victories in 20 out of the 27 “clutch” games he participated in.
Given these impressive numbers, it was no surprise that “SGA” secured the award. He garnered 484 out of a possible 500 points from the 100-member voting panel. He convincingly outpaced fellow finalists Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets (117 points) and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves (116 points).
The Clutch Player of the Year award, established just three years ago and named in honor of the legendary Jerry West (the inspiration for the NBA logo and famously known as “Mr. Clutch”), has seen a different recipient each year. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won in 2023, Stephen Curry of the Warriors claimed it in 2024, and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks was the recipient in 2025.
English Translation:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading candidate for yet another MVP award, has received the Clutch Player of the Year award, one of the NBA’s most intriguing individual accolades. Described as the ‘most decisive player of the year,’ the term ‘clutch’ in the NBA has a strict definition: plays within the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score differential is no more than five points.
With this definition, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is objectively the league leader, boasting 175 ‘clutch points’ and 16 go-ahead baskets for the Thunder, also a league-high this season. He outscored his opponents by 93 points in clutch situations. In total, Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Oklahoma City Thunder win 20 out of the 27 clutch games he played in.
These statistics made it evident that ‘SGA’ would receive the award, and he did, earning 484 points (out of a maximum of 500) from the 100-member voting jury, surpassing Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets (with 117 points) and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves (with 116 points).
The Clutch Player of the Year award, named after the great Jerry West, who inspired the NBA logo and was known as ‘Mr. Clutch,’ was added only three years ago, and each year it has been presented to a different recipient: De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won it in 2023; Stephen Curry for the Warriors won it in 2024; and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks won it in 2025.