Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has been named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year for his exceptional performance in critical moments of tight games. The award, announced on Thursday, highlights Curry’s dominance in clutch situations—defined as games within five points with less than five minutes to play.
Curry’s statistics in these moments are nothing short of remarkable, leading the league with 189 clutch points this season. He exhibited outstanding shooting accuracy, hitting 49.6% from the field and an impressive 45.7% from beyond the arc, both figures surpassing his regular season averages.
The highlight reel of Curry’s season includes unforgettable moments such as his 33-foot game-winner against the Phoenix Suns on February 10 and a dramatic buzzer-beating layup to secure a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder during the In-Season Tournament. These shots not only demonstrate his technical skill but also his ability to perform under pressure.
Reflecting on his clutch mentality, Curry shared his insights with broadcaster TNT during the award announcement. “You’ve got to be able to fail,” he said.
He added, “I don’t know if anything clicked other than just knowing how much time you put into the game and with that time comes deserved confidence of ‘OK, I’m ready for whatever moment.”
This year marks only the second time this award has been presented, with Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox being the inaugural recipient last season. Curry was a standout among the finalists, which also included Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the latter also being a contender for the Most Valuable Player award.
Curry’s recognition as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year not only cements his status as one of the game’s greatest shooters but also as a player who thrives when the stakes are highest. This accolade adds another chapter to Curry’s storied career, reinforcing his legacy as a player who delivers when it matters the most.
