NBA: OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA's top clutch performer

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the dominant choice for the 2026 Clutch Player of the Year award, as the results were announced Tuesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was already the reigning MVP of the NBA, earned a near-unanimous victory in the Jerry West Trophy voting, claiming 96 out of 100 first-place votes.

He finished with 484 total points, well ahead of his nearest competitors: Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (117 points) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116 points).

Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in the clutch this season was a driving factor in his victory. He led the league with 175 points scored in clutch situations—defined as games within five points during the final five minutes of regulation or overtime. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during those critical moments. Additionally, he hit a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable players in high-pressure situations.

"This award means a lot," said Gilgeous-Alexander in an interview with NBC Sports. "To get this award, you have to help your team win games late, and what I'm about more than anything is winning games."

While Gilgeous-Alexander is widely expected to win MVP honors again this season, he expressed immense pride in receiving the Jerry West Trophy, named after the legendary Hall of Famer, who was famously known as "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to perform under pressure during his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Other notable finishers included Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, who placed fourth with 50 points and received one first-place vote, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in fifth with 42 points (two first-place votes), and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in sixth with 37 points (one first-place vote).

This marks the fourth time the award has been given out, with previous winners including De'Aaron Fox (2023), Stephen Curry (2024), and Jalen Brunson (2025). Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

The Jerry West Trophy honors a player who consistently delivers in the game's most crucial moments, carrying on the legacy of West's clutch performances throughout his stellar career (1960-74). West passed away in 2024, leaving behind an unforgettable impact on the league and the game’s history.

– Field Level Media/Reuters