Jalen Brunson: 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year

A Clutch Maestro

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, earning the Jerry West Trophy for his unparalleled ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. The 28-year-old All-Star point guard solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable closers, leading the Knicks to critical victories with ice-cold precision.

Season Stats and Impact

Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games, shooting 47.9% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 84.7% from the free-throw line in 35.4 minutes per game. His leadership propelled the Knicks to a 50-32 record and the Eastern Conference’s third seed. Brunson’s December 28, 2024, performance—55 points, including 42 in the second half and overtime—against Washington showcased his ability to take over games.

Clutch Performance

In clutch situations (final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime with the score within five points), Brunson led the NBA with 5.6 points per game, 52 field goals made, and a 42.4% usage rate. He ranked second with 156 total clutch points and third with 28 assists, shooting 51.5% from the field and 84.0% from the line. In the final 30 seconds of clutch games, he shot 64.7% (11/17), including 4/8 from three. The Knicks went 17-11 in his 28 clutch games, with Brunson’s heroics—like a go-ahead three against Memphis on February 28, 2025—fueling a 10-0 record in their last ten games decided by five points or less.

Record-Breaking Feats

Brunson set an NBA record for the third-most clutch points per game in a season (5.6) among players with at least 20 clutch games over the past 25 years. He also tied the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game without a miss (9) and set a Knicks playoff record with 28 points in a half during the 2024 postseason. His five consecutive 30-point, 5-assist playoff games marked a franchise first.

Voting Results: A Commanding Win

Brunson dominated the voting, earning 426 points with 70 of 100 first-place votes from a global media panel. Denver’s Nikola Jokić finished second with 312 points and 26 first-place votes, while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards took third with 47 points and two first-place votes. Stephen Curry and LeBron James each received one first-place vote. Brunson’s landslide victory reflects his clear edge in clutch performance.

Historical Significance

Brunson is the third player to win the Clutch Player of the Year award since its inception in 2022-23, following De’Aaron Fox (2023) and Stephen Curry (2024). He’s the first Knicks player to claim the honor, joining franchise legends like Carmelo Anthony and Patrick Ewing in the record books for clutch excellence.

Looking Ahead

As the Knicks’ captain and a two-time All-Star, Brunson’s focus remains on playoff success. “I’ve learned to embrace the big moments,” he told TNT’s Inside the NBA. With New York tied 1-1 against Detroit in the first round, Brunson’s clutch prowess will be key to their championship aspirations.