20 Most Clutch Players in the NBA right now

With the game on the line, who can you count on? Who will embrace the role of taking the matter into his own hands, demand the ball, make a play and live by the results?

Being clutch means being able to withstand the pressure of the crucial moment and being courageous enough to accept the end result irrespective of what it is.

With 2017 ending, let's count down our 20 most clutch players in the league right now. (All shooting percentages are rounded off)

Some Notable Exclusions: Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, Carmelo Anthony, Bradley Beal, John Wall

#20 DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan

The player with the best Kobe Bryant impersonation currently (except the long distance shooting). He has one of the best mid-range game in the league currently. He can throw ferocious dunks and is also clutch.

Although he doesn't have that many game winners, he has played fairly clutch in the last 3 seasons as per the numbers and is worthy of being called clutch. This year, he is also being a little more of a playmaker, trying to bring the culture of ball movement in Toronto.

Let's have a look at Derozan's clutch stats in the last 3 years-

2015-16 (5th in the league): 2.9 ppg, 0.5 rpg on 39% shooting, +1.2 bpm, +9.2 net rating, 17.8 player impact estimate

2016-17: 3.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 apg on 48.7% shooting, +1.5 bpm, +16.1 net rating, 26.1 player impact estimate

2017-18 (till 28/12/07): 3.6 ppg on 43.8% shooting, 25% from threes, +0.4 bpm, -2.6 net rating, 29.6 player impact estimate

#19 Dion Waiters

Dion Waiters

It seems that Waiters has finally found his home. Last year, he was one of the main centerpieces for the Miami Heat, when they almost reached the Playoffs despite an abysmal start. This season Waiters is underperforming, but he has been even more clutch than last year. Currently sidelined due to an ankle injury, let's hope that we get to see Waiters as soon as possible.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats for the past 3 years-

2015-16: 0.5 ppg on 30.4% shooting, 10.0% threes, -0.4 bpm, -8.5 net rating, 0.8 player impact estimate

2016-17: 1.6 ppg on 35.3% shooting, 36.8% from threes, -0.4 bpm, 0.0 net rating, 7.0 player impact estimate

2017-18 (till 28/12/07): 3.4 ppg on 51.4% shooting, 50% from threes, +1.4 bpm, +5.1 net rating, 23.2 player impact estimate

#18 Will Barton

Will Barton

Surprise, surprise!

Will Barton is one of the most underrated clutch players in the league right now. He has a knack for taking over the games in the Clutch and has been doing it efficiently in this season. Also, it's not like that he is just a role player who happens to knock down open jumpers. His usage rate in the clutch is 28.9% which is among the top tier.

Last year, an injury helped him to make in the lineup and he took that chance with his both hand performing extremely well. His good performance is continuing this season and that makes him the 18th most clutch player on our list.

Let's have a look at his past 3 years clutch stats-

2015-16: 1.9 ppg, 0.7 rpg on 36.1% shooting 20.0% from threes, +0.3 bpm, +3.0 net rating, 14.4 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 1.6 ppg on 38.5 % shooting 25.0 % from threes, +0.1 bpm, -3.1 net rating, 12.9 player impact estimate.

2017-18 (till 2812/07): 2.8 ppg, 0.4 apg on 52.9% shooting, 50% from threes, +0.7 bpm, +4.8net rating, 17.0 player impact estimate

#17 CJ McCollum

CJ McCollum

We have "the Robin" of the Portland Trail Blazers at 17. McCollum is one of those guys who make the 2013 draft a little more sensible. Winner of the Most Improved Award before, McCollum is a force to reckon with in clutch time. If Damian Lillard's shots aren't falling, McCollum will take over.

With Nurkic in the team, it will be interesting to see how far Blazers will make this time, assuming all remain healthy. Although, this year Mccollum has slowed down a bit, but he probably will pick it up.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats in the past 3 years.

2015-16: 2.5 ppg on 43.4% shooting, 35% from threes, -0.1 bpm, -6.5 net rating, 15.4 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 3.5 ppg on 53.5% shooting, 45% from threes, +0.5 bpm, +4.8 net rating, 17.1 player impact estimate.

2017-18 (till 28/12/07): 2.7 ppg on 43.5% shooting, 33.3% from threes, +0.8 bpm, +8.1 net rating, 12.0 player impact estimate

#16 Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers v Brooklyn Nets

It's Dame Time!

The Portland Trail Blazers player/rapper is remembered for his game-winner against the Houston Rockets in the Playoffs to take them to the next round. Apart from that he has many more clutch moments and has been clutch right from his rookie season.

Although it would be better if he was a little more consistent and efficient, still it doesn't take away from the fact that Lillard is clutch. Let's have a look at his clutch stats for the past 3 years-

2015-16: 3.4 ppg, 0.4 apg on 37% shooting 31% from threes, -0.4 bpm, -6.5 net rating, 15.4 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 4.3 ppg, 0.4 apg on 36% shooting 29% from threes, +0.5 bpm, +6.0 net rating, 15.1 player impact estimate.

2017-18(till 28/12/07)- 3.4 ppg, 0.8 rpg, on 46% shooting, 22% from threes, +0.2 bpm, +5.0 net rating, 27.6 player impact estimate

#15 James Harden

James Harden

Yes, the MVP front-runner is only on 15th place in our Clutch rankings. And to be honest, if it wasn't for his strong December clutch outing, he would have been even lower.

Harden is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league right now, but he has a tendency to choke in the clutch moments. He often takes bad shots which leads to his team's demise. Like for last year, he was completely out of sorts against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2017 Western Conference Semifinals.

He still is a World Class player, who can take over any game by himself. But he has to play exactly like he is playing in December, and decrease his frequency of taking bad shots in the clutch.

His clutch stats in the past 2 years, and this year's pre-December and December stats will explain it perfectly.

2015-16: 3.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.7 apg on 35% shooting, 26% threes, +0.8 bpm, +11.6 net rating, 23.1 player impact estimate

2016-17: 3.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.5 apg on 35% shooting, 27% from threes, -0.7 bpm, -3.0 net rating, 21.5 player impact estimate

2017-18 (pre December): 1.7 ppg, 0.7 apg on 20% shooting, 0% from threes -0.7 bpm, -12.7 net rating, 4.5 player impact estimate

2017-18 (December till 28/12/2017): 4.7 ppg, 0.6 apg on 53% shooting, 36% from threes, +1.6 bpm, +17.7 net rating, 25.4 player impact estimate

#14 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard

We have "the Klaw" at no.14. He is improving his offense each year and it won't be long before he wins his first MVP. He suffered a minor setback this year, rehabbing from an injury. But he is back, and it seems that he hasn't lost a step at all. He isn't a volume scorer, but he wins the game silently for Spurs through his defense primarily and then his offense too. His general stats are decent, not outstanding, but his advanced stats of net rating and bpm tell the full story. His impact on the games is visible if you have seen Spurs' games.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats over the past 3 years-

2015-16: 2.3 ppg, 1 rpg on 42% shooting, 30% threes, +1.5 bpm, +14.4 net rating, 17.5 player impact estimate

2016-17: 3.7 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.4 apg on 40% shooting, 24% from threes, +2.3 bpm, +24.0 net rating, 28.5 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): Have not played any clutch game

#13 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid

The Process is here!

Embiid has the least sample size for any player in the list but with the data we have in our hand, we can safely say that he has all the ingredients of becoming a superstar. In his court time, he has always made it count. With a mixture of finesse, power, and defense, Embiid is a complete package. Let's hope he finally recovers completely and plays all 82 games in a season to showcase his immense skill.

Let's have a look at Embiid's last 3 year clutch stats-

2015-16: DNP (Injured)

2016-17: 3.2 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.4 bpg on 41% shooting, 25% from threes, -1.2 bpm, -10.8 net rating, 15.4 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 3.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 bpg on 53% shooting, 40% threes +1.9 bpm, +26.5 net rating, 23.2 player impact estimate

#12 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo

We have Greek Freak at no.12 currently. The main problem with Antetokounmpo is that he doesn't have a reliable jumper and in the crunch time, when it is relatively tougher to go in the paint, a reliable jumper helps a lot. Still, without a jumper, he is getting work done in the clutch. It's really scary to imagine that Antetokounmpo is only 23 years old and have ample of time to develop a jumper. If he is able to do that, God help the league.

Let's have a look at Giannis' past 3 years clutch stats-

2015-16: 1.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg on 42% shooting, -0.4 bpm, -2.2 net rating, 12.9 player impact estimate

2016-17: 2.3 ppg, 1 rpg, 0.5 apg on 43% shooting, 25% from threes, -1.1 bpm, -13.8 net rating, 20.2 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 2.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.5 apg on 61% shooting, +1.5 bpm, +20.9 net rating, 26.0 player impact estimate

#11 Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis

The Unicorn is on number 11 on our list. Everyone expected for him to become the main man for the Knicks franchise. Finally, it happened after removing the controversial Phil Jackson, and also the aging Carmelo Anthony. Now the Knicks offense revolves completely around Porzingis and how to make him get to his spots. As of late, in December, they are not doing this well and I hope Jeff Hornacek figures this out sooner than later. Porzingis is only 22 years old, and only will get better from here on, which is scary.

Let's have a look at his last 3 years clutch stats-

2015-16: 1.3 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.3 bpg on 35% shooting, 13% from threes, -1.9 bpm, -29.2 net rating, -1.9 player impact estimate (Rookie year)

2016-17: 1.5ppg, 0.7 rpg on 43% shooting, 44% from threes, -0.1 bpm, -2.3 net rating, 9.6 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 3.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.4 bpg on 44% shooting, 33% threes +1.9 bpm, +15.6 net rating, 28.2 player impact estimate

#10 Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis

A few years ago, he was looked at as the best franchise player in the NBA. Since then, the coming of Karl Anthony Towns and Antetokounmpo has made him a little overlooked. Anthony Davis is just 24 years old currently, 24!!

He is having the 4th best player efficiency rating among the qualified players. He is often overlooked because he doesn't play flashy. He is also expanding his range from the three-point arc. As he doesn't have flashy plays, his performance in the clutch is also often overlooked.

Let's have a look at his past 3-year clutch stats and see why he shouldn't be overlooked-

2015-16: 3 ppg, 1.3 rpg on 60% shooting, 42% from threes, -0.1 bpm, +0.1 net rating, 21.5 player impact estimate

2016-17: 3.5ppg, 2 rpg, 0.4 bpg on 42% shooting, 20% from threes, -0.7 bpm, -2.7 net rating, 24.8 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 2.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.5 bpg on 68% shooting, +1.8 bpm, +14.2 net rating, 20.6 player impact estimate

#9 Chris Paul

Chris Paul

Chris Paul is one of the most misjudged players in the NBA right now. His critics often mention that he hasn't reached the NBA Conference Finals even once and hence he succumbs under pressure and isn't clutch, which isn't true at all. Him not reaching the Conference Finals part is true, but that can be attributed to his bad luck instead of him "not being clutch".

He doesn't take over the clutch like other players use to, instead of jacking up shots he controls the game by becoming the best floor general out there. His basketball IQ is off the charts and is often visible during the crunch time. It will definitely help him to have one or more clutch moments like against the Spurs in game 7 of the Clippers first-round series in 2014, to shut up his critics.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats over the past 3 years-

2015-16: 2.8 ppg, 1 apg on 46% shooting 45% from threes, +0.6 bpm, +8.9 net rating, 15.9 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 2.1 ppg, 0.8 apg, 0.9 rpg on 32% shooting 39% from threes, +0.5 bpm, +0.0 net rating, 19.5 player impact estimate.

2017-18 (till 28/12/07): 2 ppg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 rpg on 67% shooting, 0% from threes, +5.5 bpm, +75.4 net rating, 28.9 player impact estimate (ONLY 4 CLUTCH MATCHES PLAYED BECAUSE OF INJURY)

#8 Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo

One of the biggest contenders for the Most Improved Player Award this year, Victor Oladipo is leading the Indiana Pacers from the front. He has been completely on fire in the clutch and even more so in December. One year ago, everyone thought he was one of the overpaid players in the league as he didn't show any improvement also making us misjudge the Paul George trade completely. He has taken over the league after getting out of Russell Westbrook's shadow and looks like a completely different player(literally too, he has lost weight in the offseason). It'll be interesting to see how much more he can improve.

Let's take a look at his clutch stats of the past 3 years-

2015-16: 1.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg on 34% shooting and 27% from threes, -0.6 bpm, -11.1 net rating, 12.4 player impact estimate

2016-17: 1.6 ppg, 0.5 rpg on 47% shooting, 45% from threes, +2.6 bpm, +27.0 net rating, 10.5 player impact estimate

2017-18 (till 28/12/07)- 3.7 ppg, 0.8 rpg, on 46% shooting, 37% from threes, +1.5 bpm, +19.4 net rating, 29.7 player impact estimate (second best in the league under minimum requirements)

2017-18 (December)- 5.4 ppg, 1 rpg, 0.6 spg on 54% shooting, 36% from threes, +2.4 bpm, +37.1 net rating, 58.6 player impact estimate!!!

#7Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Buckets is 7th in our list. He came into a league as a defensive stopper, developed his offensive game and is now one of the best two-way players in the league right now. You can count him in the clutch to lead the team like a true leader, which is good for the young guns of Minnesota. He started slowly in Minnesota, adapting to his new team and teammates, but he finally got his groove in December and is now playing like his old self.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats for the past 3 years-

2015-16: 3.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg on 46% shooting 35% from threes, -0.6 bpm, -3.1 net rating, 18.1 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 4.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg on 45% shooting 36% from threes, +1.1 bpm, +12.8 net rating, 29.4 player impact estimate.

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 4.2 ppg, 1 rpg, on 42% shooting, 27% from threes, +0.4 bpm, -9.1 net rating, 18.0 player impact estimate

2017-18 (December): 5.8 ppg, 1.1rpg on 46% shooting, 40% from threes, +1.8 bpm, +6 net rating, 28.9 player impact estimate

#6 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook

If this list was made last year, he definitely would've been in the top 3.

This season, with the formation of the big 3 in OKC, it was expected of them to be one of the better teams in the West, which definitely hasn't happened till now and one of the main reasons was Westbrook not playing like himself. Although OKC are finding their groove in the last 2 weeks, Westbrook playing like his usual self and also giving us his usual berzerk clutch moments. The Westbeast is 6th in our list.

Let's have a look at his clutch stats for the past 3 years-

2015-16: 3.1 ppg, 0.8 apg, 0.9 rpg on 39% shooting, 20% from threes, -0.5 bpm, -7.3 net rating, 16.0 player impact estimate

2016-17: 6.2 ppg, 0.7 apg, 1.3 rpg on 45% shooting, 33% from threes, +2.1 bpm, +21.7 net rating, 40.3 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 3.7 ppg, 0.8 apg, 1.5 rpg on 35% shooting, 21% from threes, -1.5 bpm, -8.4 net rating, 12.6 player impact estimate

The atrocious stats of Westbrook in the 2017-18 season are because of OKC's shaky start, but as mentioned before, he is finding his groove as the season is going on. And everyone knows that Westbrook is not picked for his efficiency, it is for his ferocious animal instincts that he is known for in the clutch.

#5 Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas

The small man had a career year last year playing his heart out for the Boston Celtics. He overexerted himself in his injury in the playoffs and is out of the season till now. He is expected to be back in few weeks and it will be interesting to see the Cavaliers change their offense to revolve around Thomas a little bit.

Last year, he was the arguably the second most clutch player of the league after Westbrook and will presumably be one of the closers for the Cleveland Cavaliers after coming back from injury. Because of his smaller stature, he has obvious defensive woes which effects on his net rating.

Isaiah's clutch stats from the past 3 years-

2015-16: 3.1 ppg, 0.6 apg on 45% shooting 35% from threes, +0.7 bpm, 2.7 net rating, 18.6 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 5.1 ppg, 0.4 apg on 48% shooting 40% from threes, +2.2 bpm, +18.2 net rating, 26.4 player impact estimate.

2017-18(till 28/12/07): DNP

#4 Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

The best shooter ever in the history of the NBA. The two-time MVP has been clutch for the past few years now, and the opposing teams' defensive schemes always revolve around stopping him. Arguably the most important player in the star-studded Golden State Warriors team is 4th in our most clutch player rankings. One of the highest points per game scorers in the clutch also boasts one of the better assists per game in the clutch.

Let's take a look at his clutch stats for the past 3 years-

2015-16: 4.4 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.5 apg on 44% shooting 38% from threes, +3.3 bpm, +39.9 net rating, 28.2 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 3.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 apg on 44% shooting 39% from threes, +2.0 bpm, +10.8 net rating, 23.3 player impact estimate.

2017-18(till 28/12/07)- 3.9 ppg, 0.8 apg, 45% shooting, 29% from threes, +3.0 bpm, +29.8 net rating, 15.6 player impact estimate

#3 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving's "Shot" in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA finals was heard around the world. After that, he became the regular closer for the Cavs in 2016-17 and now for the Celtics. The awkward thing although with Irving is, he is known as a closer, but he was shooting less than 40% in 2015-16 and in 2016-17. Also, his defensive woes made him even more problematic in the clutch.

This year tho, he has been amazing in the clutch, leading the Hayward-less Celtics to the best record in the East. His stats and shooting have improved, and the most important thing is that his stats are being translated into wins. Let's see if he can even improve more and become more like his idol, Kobe Bryant.

Now to his stats for the past 3 years in the clutch-

2015-16: 3.6 ppg, 0.3 apg on 36% shooting 29% from threes, -0.4 bpm, -10.9 net rating, 16.6 player impact estimate.

2016-17: 3.5 ppg, 0.5 apg on 40% shooting 23% from threes, +1.5 bpm, +12.0 net rating, 15.3 player impact estimate.

2017-18(till 28/12/07)- 4.2 ppg, 0.6 apg on 55% shooting, 33% from threes, +1.6 bpm, +13.3 net rating, 26.1 player impact estimate

#2 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant

How can a guy taller that 7-feet tall has such a smooth jump shot?, I will never know. And not only that, the guy has ice in his veins. Durant was always unstoppable on offense, but this year he is amongst the best on defense too (his defense is so impenetrable that even his fouls are not being called). He is averaging a tied league best in blocks per game in the clutch (minimum 8 clutch games played). He has been a top 5 clutch player in the league for years and hopefully will continue to do so in his coming years too.

Now let's see his last 3 years clutch stats-

2015-16: 4 ppg, 0.3 apg, 0.7 rpg on 41% shooting, 32% from threes, -0.2 bpm, -5.4 net rating, 18.6 player impact estimate

2016-17: 2.9ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.3 bpg on 44% shooting, 15% from threes, +1.6 bpm, +6.6 net rating, 19.4 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 4.4 ppg, 0.7 apg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 bpg on 58% shooting, 55% from threes, +3.3 bpm, +28.1 net rating, 23.5 player impact estimate

In the last 2 years, it can be seen that he was pretty average in the clutch, but this season he has been shooting lights out and finally is looking like he can join the elite conversation.

#1 LeBron James

LeBron James

Gimme LeBron James in the clutch. Does he have the Mamba Mentality? No. Does he have the killer instinct of Jordan? No. Can you bank on him to make the right play in the Clutch? Hell yeah.

If this list was being made before Cleveland won the Championship, then LeBron probably wouldn't even be in the top 5. Winning the chip for Cleveland has removed pressure from his shoulders and he is playing more freely. Before in his career, he was not able to close out games regularly, but this year it has been different. With Irving gone, James is taking over the clutch and is closing out teams. Even last year, he was shooting extraordinary from the field in the clutch, but closing out was mostly done by Irving. This year it's all James!

Now let's jump right to clutch stats-

2015-16: 4 ppg, 0.7 apg, 1.6 rpg on 42% shooting, 18% from threes, +0.6 bpm, +9.8 net rating, 25.1 player impact estimate

2016-17: 3.2 ppg, 0.7 apg, 1.1 rpg on 53% shooting, 48% from threes, +1.5 bpm, +15.1 net rating, 24.5 player impact estimate

2017-18(till 28/12/07): 4.7 ppg(league best), 0.8 apg, 1.3 rpg on 56% shooting, 32% from threes, +2.4 bpm, +28.7 net rating, 39.6 player impact estimate (league best under minimum requirements)