New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, becoming the third-ever recipient of the prestigious Jerry West Trophy. With ice in his veins and the game on the line, Brunson’s late-game brilliance gave him the edge over other top contenders.
Brunson Joins Elite Clutch Company
This marks the third year of the NBA’s Clutch Player award, and once again, a point guard has claimed the honor. Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox took home the inaugural trophy in 2023, followed by Golden State’s Stephen Curry in 2024.
Now, it’s Brunson’s turn — and he earned it in style. The Knicks guard received 70 out of 100 first-place votes, comfortably beating out MVP finalist Nikola Jokić (26 first-place votes) and Anthony Edwards (2).
Why Brunson Was Built for the Moment
The NBA defines “clutch time” as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points. That’s where Brunson shined brightest.
- 156 clutch points (2nd in the league — just one behind Edwards)
- 1.15 points per clutch minute — most among all players with at least 13 clutch minutes
- 52 made field goals in clutch time — best in the league
- Shot 51.5% in the clutch, higher than Edwards (46.2%) and just behind Jokić (56.2%)
- Third in clutch assists (28), trailing only Trae Young and Jokić
He didn’t just fill the stat sheet — he delivered consistently, in fewer minutes, and with remarkable efficiency.
The Numbers Behind Brunson’s Season
Brunson’s success wasn’t limited to crunch time. He averaged:
- 26.0 points
- 7.3 assists
- 48.8% shooting from the field
- 38.3% from three
- 84.0% from the free-throw line
He was also selected to his second straight All-Star Game and helped lead the Knicks to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference.
Clutch Performance Backed by Winning Impact
In the 28 clutch games Brunson played this season, the Knicks went 17-11 — a testament to how his late-game poise translated to real results in the standings.
While big names like Jokić and Edwards put up strong cases, Brunson’s combination of efficiency, impact, and leadership in close contests made him the clear choice for voters.
What’s Next for Brunson and the Knicks?
Brunson is already making headlines in the playoffs. The Knicks are tied 1-1 in their first-round series with the Detroit Pistons, with Game 3 tipping off Thursday in Detroit.
If the regular season is any indicator, the Knicks will be just fine — as long as the game is close and the ball is in Brunson’s hands.
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