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Alley-Oop to Victory: Exclusive NBA Insights
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With the regular season nearly a wrap and the NBA Play-In Tournament just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to revisit the race for NBA Clutch Player of the Year. This award is still relatively new, but it’s quickly become one of the more intriguing honors on the NBA calendar—especially with a field full of deserving candidates.
As the playoffs approach, it’s worth brushing up on the latest NBA Championship futures, locking in your NBA picks, and keeping tabs on how the league’s best closers stack up.
NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds
Check out the latest NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds, courtesy of the best sports betting sites:
| Player | Opening Odds | April Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | +1400 | -210 |
| Nikola Jokic | N/A | +175 |
| Trae Young | +2000 | +1800 |
| Anthony Edwards | +1200 | +1100 |
| Stephen Curry | +1000 | +20000 |
| DeMar DeRozan | N/A | +20000 |
It’s officially Jalen Brunson’s award to lose. The Knicks guard has surged to a commanding lead at -210, with Nikola Jokic now his only real competition at +175. Everyone else is a long shot, though there’s still time for a surprise. The odds movement highlights just how unpredictable this race has been—especially with stars like Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards slipping down the board.
Keep up with all NBA odds or check out the best handicappers if you’re riding this market to the finish.
NBA Clutch Player of the Year Contenders
Let’s break down the top players still in the mix for this year’s Clutch award.
Jalen Brunson (-210)
No one has been more valuable in crunch time this season than Mr. Brunson.
The 27-year-old has carried the New York Knicks late in games, ranking near the top of the league in clutch points, usage, and shooting percentage under pressure. In what the NBA describes as “clutch time,” Brunson has a total of 152 points in just over 128 minutes. Clutch time is defined as the last 5 minutes of a game in which the game is within a 5-point margin.
The Knicks have played in their fair share of close games, and Brunson has developed a reputation for being as clutch as they come. We saw him break out in that regard in last year’s playoff when he hit a number of dramatic late shots, and he’s been similarly lethal in similar situations this season. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns now on the roster, Brunson is the Knicks’ undisputed go-to guy in late-game scenarios.
What makes Brunson stand out is that he isn’t just padding stats when the game is already decided—he’s producing when it counts. The Knicks are 22-13 in clutch games this season, and Brunson has been directly responsible for multiple game-winners and late-game daggers. His combination of midrange craft, physicality, and composure under pressure makes him one of the most reliable closers in the league.
Combine that with the Knicks’ strong finish and rising status in the NBA Eastern Conference standings, and it’s no surprise Brunson has become the frontrunner.
Nikola Jokic (+175)
Nikola Jokic isn’t a traditional clutch scorer, but he’s arguably the most effective closer in the game—and that’s what’s kept him in this race. The Nuggets have gone 25-11 in clutch games, and a lot of that is because of Jokic’s control of the offense down the stretch. He leads the league in clutch assists and has a plus-58 net rating in clutch minutes. That’s not just good—it’s elite.
The Serbian star also shoots over 55% in clutch time, including nearly 50% from midrange, which makes him nearly unguardable when Denver needs a bucket. What sets Jokić apart is his decision-making—he doesn’t force shots, but still ends up making the biggest play. Whether it’s a no-look dime, a soft-touch floater, or a screen to free up a teammate, he elevates everyone around him in high-pressure situations. Jokic’s 135 clutch points this season rank 4th in the league.
While he may not have the volume scoring numbers of someone like Brunson, Jokic’s efficiency and impact are undeniable. If voters prioritize team performance, advanced metrics, and all-around influence late in games, he has a strong case. Plus, he already has the MVP narrative baked in—so if Brunson falters even slightly, Jokic could steal this.
Trae Young (+1800)
If this award was based solely on ice-cold buckets and end-of-game swagger, Trae Young would be top of the list. He’s scored 152 points in clutch time this season and hit several deep, dramatic threes to either seal games or bring the Hawks back from the brink. His range and confidence give Atlanta a chance in any close game—and he has the highlight reel to prove it.
But while the shot-making is real, the efficiency is where his case falls short. Young is shooting just 36.4% in clutch situations and 33.3% from deep. Combine that with Atlanta’s 13-20 record in clutch games, and it’s hard to argue that he’s been a net positive late in contests. There’s a big difference between high usage and high impact, and Young often toes that line.
That said, the narrative of Trae being a fearless closer isn’t going away, and voters may give him credit for doing it all without much help. His raw numbers are still strong, and a few more game-winning moments could tighten things up. He’s a longshot, but not completely out of the question if things break his way in the final week.
Anthony Edwards (+1100)
Anthony Edwards is one of the league’s most electrifying young stars, and he’s made a strong case as a closer for a decent Minnesota Timberwolves team. His 157 clutch points this season lead the league. Edwards hasn’t been the most efficient clutch-time shooter – 42.6% FG and 32.3% from three – but we know he’s going to have the ball for the Wolves with the game on the line. He’s also been involved in several big-time finishes for Minnesota, including a couple of game-winners.
What sets Edwards apart is his confidence and mentality. He wants the ball in big moments, and that’s not something every young player embraces. His strength, athleticism, and ability to get to his spots give him an edge in late-game situations. Opponents know what’s coming—and they still can’t stop it. The Timberwolves are 17-11 in clutch games this year, and Edwards is a huge reason why.
Still, his case suffers a bit due to team inconsistency and a recent stretch of less efficient performances. Minnesota has cooled off after a hot stretch in the middle of the campaign, and while Edwards remains their go-to guy, he hasn’t quite matched Brunson’s consistency or Jokić’s all-around polish in late-game spots. He’s very much in the mix, but he likely needs a monster final week to seriously challenge for the award.
NBA Clutch Player of the Year Predictions
Unless something wild happens in the final week of the season, Jalen Brunson should lock this up. His numbers in the clutch are elite, and the Knicks have relied on him time and again to deliver in winning time. Combine that with New York’s team success and narrative boost, and it’s hard to see anyone catching him.
Jokic (+175) and Edwards (+1100) have compelling cases, but I’d be a little surprised if anyone but Brunson wound up with the trophy at season’s end. He’s the favorite at -210 for a reason.
Bet: Jalen Brunson (-210)
