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Favorite: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
De’Aaron Fox leads all players in total clutch points, but Jokić has him beat in rebounds, assists and made free throws, despite playing fewer close-and-late minutes than the Kings guard. Efficiency is really where Jokić separates himself from Fox (who’ll probably split votes with teammate DeMar DeRozan anyway) and the rest of the field.
Among players who’ve attempted at least 25 clutch shots, Jokić’s 52.0 percent hit rate is the best in the league. And among those who’ve gotten up at least five three-point tries, Jokić is again the most efficient.
Put the numbers aside and ask yourself if there’s another player on the planet you’d rather have making decisions in tight situations. As long as Jokić gets enough chances to keep his clutch counting stats high, he’ll deserve the win.
Sleeper: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Phoenix struggled in close games last season, but those issues seemed like a thing of the past when Durant was healthy to start 2024-25. Prior to going down with a calf strain, KD presided over the Suns’ 7-0 mark in the clutch, hitting 12-of-19 shots overall and helping them to a plus-29 plus/minus in just under 32 minutes.
Once he’s back and in form, Durant will have a chance to add to that unblemished record, possibly challenging Jokić, Fox, DeRozan, LaMelo Ball, Jayson Tatum and all the other contenders who’ve built statistical advantages with him on the sidelines.
Grant Hughes covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@gt_hughes), and subscribe to the Hardwood Knocks podcast, where he appears with Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale.
