The NBA is buzzing with excitement as New York Knicks’ All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has been crowned the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, making him the third recipient of the prestigious Jerry West Trophy. This announcement came on April 23, 2025, during the league's ongoing playoff season, where the Knicks are currently tied 1-1 in their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons.
Brunson, who has been a standout performer this season, received an impressive 70 out of 100 first-place votes, outpacing Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, who garnered 26 votes. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards also contended for the award but fell short. The award highlights players who excel in clutch moments, defined by the NBA as the last five minutes of a game with a score differential of less than five points.
This season, Brunson has demonstrated his clutch prowess by shooting 51 percent from the floor and averaging a league-best 5.6 points per game in those critical moments. Additionally, he recorded 28 clutch assists, ranking third in the NBA, showcasing his ability to not only score but also create opportunities for his teammates when the pressure is on.
During the regular season, the 28-year-old point guard averaged 26 points, 7.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, all while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field. His stellar performance helped propel the Knicks to a strong third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, setting them up for a competitive playoff run.
Brunson’s recognition as the Clutch Player of the Year follows his selection to the All-Star team for the second consecutive year, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite guards. "Winning this award is a huge honor for me, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches," Brunson said in a post-award interview. "Every time we step on the court, we’re looking to win, and I just try to do my part in those crucial moments."
The announcement of the Clutch Player of the Year is part of the NBA's end-of-season awards, which are being revealed during the playoffs. This year, TNT's "Inside the NBA" crew, featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, is handling the announcements. Alongside Brunson’s award, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was also recognized as the Sixth Man of the Year, and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Pritchard had a standout season coming off the bench, playing in 80 games and averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 47.2 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from beyond the arc. His performance included a remarkable 43-point game against the Trail Blazers on March 5, 2025, making him the fourth player in Celtics history to win the award.
Meanwhile, Mobley’s defensive skills were recognized as he helped anchor the Cavaliers' defense throughout the season. His ability to protect the rim and contribute on both ends of the floor was pivotal in Cleveland’s success.
The NBA has yet to announce the winners for the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year awards, with fans eagerly awaiting the results. This year’s MVP race features notable names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nikola Jokic, who continues to impress with his all-around game.
The playoffs are heating up, and the Knicks are looking to leverage Brunson's clutch performance as they aim to advance further into the postseason. With their first-round series tied, every game counts, and Brunson’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for New York’s success.
As the NBA season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and standout performances as players vie for individual accolades while pursuing the ultimate team goal of an NBA championship. With Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs, and his recent award only adds to the excitement surrounding their journey.
