Top 10 Most Clutch Players in NBA History
Kobe Bryant (1978 - 2020) was an American retired professional basketball player. He played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. Kobe Bryant has won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers and was the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history.
He Retired in 2016. He died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California at age 41. The comparison has always been made "Kobe is the next Jordan, or the closest thing to Jordan." Now Kobe is retired and the fact that he is in the same sentence as Jordan at the end of his career is amazing. At this point, it can even be argued that Kobe may have been better than Jordan. And one of those reasons is because Kobe is the most clutch human being to have ever lived. Time after time, he hit game winning shots whether it be one on one, double-teamed, a floater, or a fade away from the corner. Kobe in the fourth quarter became unhuman in his ability to take over the game entirely. Now overall, I'm not going to just say Kobe is better than Jordan because I don't necessarily think he is, but when it comes down to the last four minutes of the game, I'll pick Kobe over any other player and that's why he should be at the top of this list.
No one even THINKS about where the ball should go at crunch time for the Lakers. And it doesn't matter whether Kobe's free or not. The ball is going to him. And the degree of difficulty on most of his clutch shots is unbelievable. But he'll always nail that shot, whether it's a 3-pointer or a long, long fade away jumper. As someone else here said, just because Jordan came first doesn't mean he's more clutch than Kobe. Jordan is the G.O.A.T. But for many more reasons than basketball #Marketing
Defense today is so smooth and awesome. Bryant hits amazing fadeaway shots over defenders with the whole opponent's team guarding him. Why in the world are people voting for Jordan as #1? Kobe is the best in the world. Jordan can go high and dunk better than Kobe, but he's never been that consistent with his jump shot. Lebron, Durant, Chris Paul, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, and Dwyane Wade can't top that.
Kobe hits tougher shots than Michael Jordan. He hits it off one or both feet. It's just Michael Jordan came in first that's why people can't accept the fact that Mike ain't playing any more. He is their hero. Sorry guys, Mike is done Kobe is the present. And when it's Kobe's turn to exit another player will arise and it's his turn. However, for now the play is "Give the ball to Kobe and get the hell out of the way!"
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials, MJ, is an American retired professional basketball player. Look, Kobe is probably my favorite basketball player of all time, but Jordan is way more clutch. I mean, there are so many legendary shots Jordan made to win the game. Has Kobe made a shot that won a championship? No, but Jordan did against the Jazz. Statistically, Jordan is far superior when it comes to game winning shots. Kobe is really clutch, but Jordan is the king of clutch.
Kobe is 1-11 lifetime, in a 5 point game with under 10 seconds left. This vote is a joke to any self respecting basketball fan. Honestly, Kobe shouldn't even be in the conversation. I'm taking Jordan, Horry, hell... Even Derek Fisher is more clutch than Kobe. Kobe fans need to face facts and stop believing all that media hype. Jordan's the G.O.A.T. and the most clutch player ever, hands down.
Jordan! Is this really being debated? Imagine you had one player from their prime to pick to make the final shot! Everything depends on it. I'm willing to bet most of the people who are arguing for other players would actually pick MJ if they really had that decision. I know I would without a seconds hesitation. You would too if you are honest with yourself.
As a Utah Jazz fan I witnessed this man single handly dissect and disseminate the Stockton to Malone era Utah Jazz crushing our dreams of a Championship all while being sick with the flu. Probably one of the greatest clutch performances in history. The idea that Kobe is even close to Jordan is laughable.
Larry Joe Bird is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. Bird is a 3x champ, 1x ROTY, 1x Finals MVP, 3x 3PT Contest winner, all with the Boston Celtics. (1979-1992) After reading the comments, it seems like most people here equate last second shots with being "clutch". And although hitting a buzzer beater is part of being clutch, there are many other qualities that must be considered...and Larry Bird has them all.
Yes, he was an assassin when it came to hitting a lest second shot. But beyond that, Bird could beat you on defense or by passing the ball. He was easily the most "clutch" player ever..
I would not go as far to say that he's the best player ever, but if I needed a player to win me a game in the final few seconds, it would absolutely be Larry Bird. If they Celtics were up by 2, tied, or down by 2...he seemed to always figure out a way secure the win.
In one game Bird hit a three with 24 seconds left to tie the game that was called off because the coach called time out. About 20 seconds later he hit another three running away from two defenders off his left foot to tie the game. In the first overtime he hit two free throws to tie the game and go to another overtime. In the second overtime with two seconds left and down 1 he hit a long two with his foot on the three point line to win it. I think had another game winner in the same week.
He ain't called Larry Legend for no reason. We all know the famed stories of his. Calling shots and even entire plays for the opponent to guard him better, yet they still get scored on. Mama there goes that man.
If I had to pick one guy to start a team with, LB would be that guy. I would pick him because I know the next team would pick him. His ability was off the charts, and most of the players on this list are guards. Before his back problems limited his in the paint game he was a threat to get a triple double every night. A more well rounded player the world has never seen. This guy was the best overall player I ever saw.
Reginald Wayne Miller is an American retired professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year National Basketball Association career with the Indiana Pacers. This man may not be a top 10 or 20 player all-time but he is definitely part of the top 10 clutch players of all-time. We all remember his famed moment against the Knicks. Welcome to your Kodak Moment, Spike Lee.
Strait up, I've never seen anyone hit more single last second game winners than Reggie. I would have Reggie at 1, Larry Bird at 2, & Michael Jordan at 3!
Are you serious how is he not the clutchest player of all time? Single handely beat the knicks by himself... MJ is overrated for this reason anyone who says MJ is the most clutch is just riding the jordan bandwagon!
I think he can shoot the ball without even looking at the basket.. he can do turn around 3 pointers, its like shooting a free throws for him
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. LeBron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Lakers. After reading the comments, it seems like most people here equate last second shots with being "clutch". And although hitting a buzzer beater is part of being clutch, there are many other qualities that must be considered...and Lebron James has them all.
Yes, he was an assassin when it came to hitting a lest second shot. But beyond that, James can beat you on defense or by passing the ball. He is easily the most "clutch" player ever..
I would not go as far to say that he's the best player ever, but if I needed a player to win me a game in the final few seconds, it would absolutely be Lebron James. If they Cavs were up by 2, tied, or down by 2...he seems to always figure out a way to secure the win.
LeBron actually has a higher FG % on go ahead buckets in the final 5 seconds of OT or regulation than Kobe in the regular season, and on less attempts in the same situation in the POSTSEASON than Kobe, has made more. Sure, one could point out his 2 rings, but rings are a TEAM accomplishment. 2007, he had no chance. 2011, the Big 3 still didn't have good team chemistry. 2014, the Spurs just really stepped up their game. And in 2015, basically LeBron and a bunch of nobodies took a 67 win team to a 6 game series. Now I know MJ is the most clutch ever. But LeBron needs to be top 10. And unlike Kobe or MJ, he knows when to pass the ball to another teammate and let HIM take the shot.
Lebron is one of the best and consistent players of all time. He'll give you three and a half quarters every night. But when it comes to clutch? not him.
2 of his rings is because of a Ray Allen clutch shot and because of the game winning three by Kyrie Irving (which he tried to win himself a few times but couldn't before Kyrie's championship shot). I would not give Lebron the ball with the last possession if he was on my team.
Have you seen when he literally scored the last 25 points for the Cavs in that double-overtime win against the Pistons in 2007? There is no way he isn't the most clutch player you have ever seen. This game showed him as a SCORER, but clutch is more than just scoring. Just take his block on Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals! That is clutch DEFENSE right there!
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association for 13 seasons. One footed buzzer beater against the Celtics covers it all. He wasn't even shooting with his right leg. He shot it with his LEFT LEG.
Magic Johnson was very clutch. He could hit a buzzer beater or make a great pass to someone else for the last shot.
Exactly. He should be number 1
Jerry Alan West is an American retired basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. We call him Mr. Clutch for God's sake! Unbelievable that he's not even in the top 3. I agree with what another person said on here, being "clutch" is not only hitting buzzer beaters, but also picking up your team and putting them on your shoulders in the late stretches of games to lead them to victory...and Jerry West did both of those things as well as or better than anyone else in history. No way he should be anything less than top 3
Already the best on this list, he did it WITHOUT the 3-point shot. If it had existed back then, he would have won substantially more games than he already did with clutch shots.
He would even have won the 1970 NBA Finals, but his 64-foot buzzer beater was worth only 2, and only forced overtime, which the Lakers lost. With the "3", his shot would have won the game.
Jerry West the best clutch player of all time. Not even close who is second including Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, who frequently missed clutch shot in other games during the regular season. They hit their clutch shots, but not with the frequency of Jerry West.
His 64-footer at the buzzer during the NBA Finals in 1970 would have won the championship if the 3-point basket had existed at the time.
As it was, it only sent the game to overtime, which the Lakers did not win.
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. This guy makes jaw drop every time it's crucn time. Wade has the killer instinct to just go at you hard, and deliver a blow right in your face. The dude played god awful in the Chicago Bulls series this past year while Lebron was carrying the team for the first 3 quarters, but Wade showed up every 4th quarter and played his best 5 minutes of the game. And don't even get me started on the 06' finals. This man is on a mission, a mission to be the greatest EVER.
Everyone remembers his '06 finals which were basically the best nba finals that 1 man has ever played.
But who saw him on the Olympic team in 2008? He was not only the best player on a team with lebron james, kobe bryant, dwight howard, derrick rose, etc -- But he also poured in another one of his ridiculously clutch performances in the Gold medal game against Spain.
Dwyane Wade is the best or not the best clutch players of the current Miami Heat. He is a Shooting Guard, but he's clutch at shooting 3 pointers, and his nickname is called "Flash" or "D Wade". And that's why he's a clutch player. He is well known for hustle plays, passes, and he can shoot, he can dunk, he can rebound, and he could do anything. And that's why he is the boss. Laugh out loud
Had the most clutch series ever. But individually not very many clutch moments compared to Jordan or Kobe. Kind of like the big game James version of shooting guards. No last minute theatrics...but some ridiculous performances when they mattered.
Paul Anthony Pierce is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. He had to carry the Celts for a good part of his career hitting clutch shots. Pierce is not MJ but he deserves higher.
The step back J was money and he would also get people on the up fake to draw the foul. Simple but very effective.
One of the most underrated players of all time. I would give the ball to The Truth with 3 seconds left anytime.
Honestly the most clutch player of all time, nobody has near the amount of game winners, or clutch shots.
Robert Keith Horry is an American former professional basketball player and current sports commentator. There's never been a role player (not even close) with as many clutch shots, and there never will be again. Can you remember a time he missed a clutch shot? I saw it happen only once, against the Spurs game 5 in 2003, and the ball was half way down and God divinely intervened to force it back out.
Horry has the name "Big Shot Bob" for a reason. Don't believe me? Watch Game 5 of the 2005 NBA Finals. The guy has 3 Points in the first 3 Quarters, then drops 21 in the 4th and OT to give the Spurs a 3-2 Lead. Tell me that ain't clutch.
We are not arguing best players, its all about what they do in the final minutes. Robert Horry is the man I want with the ball in hand taking a three to go to overtime
Big Shot Bob. Seven championship rings, for which his clutch shots played a part.
Wardell Stephen Curry II is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association. Many players and analysts have called him the greatest shooter in NBA history. He is one of the most beloved, as well as hated, stars in the NBA today. Curry is the greatest shooter of all-time and it manifests no matter what. Just because he missed a shot over 6'9'' Kevin Love doesn't discredit him as a clutch player. Without him, the warriors would even be in the game during clutch time. Of everyone on Golden State, open shot, the fate of the universe on the line, the Martians have the death beam pointed at earth, you better hit it, I WANT CURRY (I fw Max but Igoudala over Curry or Thompson? Bruh). Not top 1 as others are saying maybe in the future but he is TOP 5 no debate.
Before it's all said and done, Curry will go down as one of the most clutch shooters in NBA history. His shots to tie games, take leads, or win games in crunch time (last 5 mins of a game) are trending up. As the Warriors play to challenge the 95-96 Bulls in 15-16, Curry has taken a larger role and is leading the NBA in scoring. The only thing that can slow him down is a lack of opportunities to win games with a shot, because they beat opponents so badly that Curry sits entire 4th quarters sometimes.
He should be number 1. He doesn't just chuck up shots. He methodically picks and chooses them unless he has to "chuck" them up with time expiring and from long,long,long distances and they still go in. So I wouldn't say chuck. I'd say it's a controlled long shot. And so everyone is clear, Michael Jordan averaged 1635 shots a year through his career. Curry is only averaged 1100. Just because Curry makes more and has a crazy high make percentage you shouldn't hold that against him. Jealousy really is so ugly
The only reason curry has a lower number of clutch shots is that the warriors make great teams look bad while winning, so most of the times they don't get a chance to hit a last minute game winner. But look at the games where they had been taken to the end...curry becomes superhuman, as if he has a sniper scope fitted on his eyes. Best shooter ever to grace the NBA and definitely one of the best clutch shooters.
Walter Ray Allen, Jr. is a former American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent. James catches puts up a three, Won't go, Rebound Bosh, Back out to Allen, His three-pointer, BANG! Oh, what a shot from Curry! Oops, wrong Mike Breen moment. Jokes aside, Allen made the most clutch shot in Finals history. If he missed, The Big Fundamental would have 6 rings like Jordan and LeBron would have only 3 (assuming he wins with the Lakers).
50% shots taken when trailing by one or two points, or tied, in the final 24 seconds of playoff games since 1996-97.
6/12... only game winners, so here didn't counted shots in crunch time (5 minutes)
4-6 Place in All-time Clutch in my opinion... better than Kobe for sure...
2013 NBA Finals is home of the most iconic and best clutch shot ever.
Greatest shooter of all time no doubt.
Kevin Wayne Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association. He has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and the Nets.
He was MVP of the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals. He should be on top 5 since he is the right guy you'll find in crucial moments. He's able to attack you, bait a foul, hit a perimeter and hit a 3-pointer that kills the heart of the opponent. He's one of a kind clutch shooter of all time.
Remember that four point play two years ago to clinch a win for the thunder against the Grizzlies. That's the stuff that makes Kevin Durant Clutch.
This man is probably the greatest scorer to ever walk this earth. He is so versatile, quick, lengthy. He can get any shot he wants, which includes the final one to clinch the W
KD's efficiency is so consistently high he's basically clutch all the time. He's an automatic transmission.
Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. The only player besides MJ to have to playoff-series winning shots, and he still has more than half of his career left. All around clutch. DAME TIME! And "The Shot" was from the free throw line over a guy with a twisted ankle, while Dame's were a:.9 second three and a cold blooded from-the-logo over a guy who went 3rd in DPOY voting. Best man
I'm a Warriors fan and I think Damian Lillian is the most clutch NBA player.
More clutch than kobe
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Dirk is a clutch player in every way...he is the leader, strength, and best player of the Mavericks. He belongs in top 10...LeBron is beginning to show signs of wear and tear...Dirk is a quiet humble superstar who makes others around him better everyday. Dirk is clutch and had an all star season for being 37...check the numbers!
Dirk is way more clutch than any other player on this list. Like really he has countless amount of game winning shots and 3 buzzer beaters for the win. What does LeBron have only one game winning shot. How can LeBron be above Dirk when he only has one buzzer beater and one game winning shot.
How is Dirk below LeBron? Sure LeBron has had some clutch games, but almost every game of the Mavericks 2011 playoff run was a clutch game for Dirk. There is a difference between clutch and having amazing stats. Dirk is clutch.
Dirk should be in the top 10 above Kobe and LeBron. He had to carry the Mavs for years based on how he performed in clutch time. Bill Russell is one of the greatest but he's as great in clutch time as a lot of the people here. Dirk=Future HOF
William Felton "Bill" Russell was an American retired professional basketball player. Russell played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association from 1956 to 1969. This is just about the most hilarious picture I've ever seen. (That's not meant to be offensive to bill russell, he's actuall my favorite player of all time)
He went 10-0 in game 7's. That's about as clutch as it gets.
Just look at all the rings.
Won 11 nba finals
John Joseph "Hondo" Havlicek is a retired American professional basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA championships, four of them coming in his first four seasons.
Chauncey Ray Billups is an American retired professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association. He should be at least in the top 8 how on earth do you thing he got his nickname being clutch and hitting big shots for gosh sake!
He was called "Mr. Big Shot" for a reason.
Kyrie Andrew Irving is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and the Nets. Mr. Clutch, whenever he was needed in the big moment, he produced absolute magic, from deadly ankle breaker crossovers to clutch 3 point shots. Way more clutch than Curry and a true winner! He at least should be in the top 15 most clutch and reminds me of Jordan in full clutch mode. Overall, Underrated and deserves a higher spot
Finals shot and shot versus warrior on Christmas. He can take over a game offensively when his team needs it. I don't even like the cavs. Twolves. But, time and time again I see kyrie hit 3,4, or 5 shots in a row when his team needs it.
Stephanie Choke over Uncle Drew? Seriously? Kyrie should be top ten no doubt
Kyrie has scored more game winners at his age then anyone on this list
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American retired professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Best 2 point shot ever. Unstoppable. I can't fathom how no 7 footers has taken Kareem as role-model and learn to shoot the sky hook over the last two decades.
No single individual can hold this dude period! I'd give him the ball first in clutch time. Greatest scorer of all time for a reason.
Carmelo Kyam Anthony is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. Most game winners sense 2003 behind kobe that still plays in the NBA.
Down to the wire, he's the guy you give the ball to.
Highest game winning shot percentage ever in the nba eight now
Carmelo abi siker
Tracy Lamar McGrady Jr. is an American retired professional basketball player who is best known for his career in the National Basketball Association, where he played as both a shooting guard and small forward. So many game winners...and if he was doubled he either still scored or got the game winning assist...Also has the greatest clutch performance the NBA has ever seen!
If not for injuries he is top 20 player every and top reason was he could score at will... especially in the clutch!
That 13 point-sequence was one play. He's actually famous for choking in the playoffs.
Seriously... he should be at least top 5 I think... 13 points in 33 seconds is just too much
In the clutch his shooting percentage topped them all in the Day before 'legalized traveling & double-dribbling' Check the Stats prior to MJ..
Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player who has played his entire career for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association. He literally is holding up five fingers with a championship trophy in the picture and this noob below says he's won 4 championships.
There's a lot to be said about a player that has NEVER had a losing season nor has EVER missed the playoffs...EVER!
Duncan is awesome!
Joe Johnson is an English snooker legend from the 80s who won the World championship in 1986. He currently commentates on Eurosport.. So clutch, it doesn't matter if it's open or contested, standing or moving, 2 points or 3, in the last minute of the game, Joe Johnson doesn't miss.
"Made game winning shots over strong defenders such as Serge Ibaka and Lmbah boute. He can make a shot no matter what in the last seconds.
He is straight fire
Why isn't he higher