A bit over a month stays within the 2023-24 NBA common season, so playoff races are getting tremendous tight. Many clutch moments might affect issues as groups proceed to attempt to make the postseason and place themselves for the deepest run doable.
Since crunchtime is a significant component in how this all performs out, I assumed we’d have a look at the go-to clutch performers for every crew this season — and somebody who has struggled to come back by way of within the clutch so far. Are these groups arrange for giant strikes when the sport is shut? (For many who want a refresher: The NBA defines clutch time as a recreation inside 5 factors within the remaining 5 minutes of the fourth quarter or time beyond regulation.)
We’ll try this earlier than, as all the time, flawlessly rating the 30 groups for the twenty first straight week.
Reminder: The Energy Rankings don’t simply rank the 30 groups. We divide these groups into tiers, which groups can transfer out and in of. We at the moment have the tiers damaged into seven new classes:
Incomprehensibly dangerous – These guys are traditionally inept proper now.
Not tanking however possibly sometime — They haven’t began tanking but, however it’s on the desk this season.
Seeking to make the Play-In — They’ve been rebuilding/retooling and suppose they’ll crack the highest 10 of their respective convention.
Play-In Event groups or higher — They need to be within the combine except one thing disastrous occurs.
Playoff groups — Most likely don’t have to fret about dropping all the way down to the Play-In Event.
Getting ready to rivalry — A chunk away from us believing they’ll win the title.
Contenders — They’re contending for the championship, barring a large damage.
As all the time, I’m positive we’ll all agree on the location of all 30 groups, particularly your favourite crew.
Right here’s how the Energy Rankings work:
It’s as much as my discretion how the rankings shake out. For some groups, they’ll be hit within the brief time period. Others can be given the profit for the long run. Sure, it’s totally subjective.
If I’ve a crew forward of one other crew, there’s no purpose to ask why they’re ranked above the crew you want. The reply is fairly easy: I feel that crew is about up higher for fulfillment.
Sure, I watch the video games. And sure, I watch your favourite crew.
That is imagined to be enjoyable, so let’s have enjoyable.
With all that mentioned, let’s dive into Week 21 of The Athletic’s NBA Energy Rankings. Stats and data are by way of Monday’s motion.
Convention Jap Western
Tier Tier 1 – The Contenders Tier 2 – Brink of Competition Tier 3 – Playoff Groups Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In Tier 6 – Not tanking but however possibly sometime Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/no-player-results.png)
Loading
Attempt altering or resetting your filters to see extra.
Tier 1 – The Contenders
Who’s their clutch man? Nikola Jokić | 107 factors, 35-of-63 (55.6 %) FG
Who has struggled? Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 27 factors, 6-of-21 (28.6 %) FG
Clearly, Jokić is essentially the most unstoppable pressure within the league, and that will get emphasised much more in clutch moments. There’s nothing you are able to do if he decides to submit you up. You simply must hope he swings the ball to KCP, who has struggled quite a bit in a small pattern of alternatives. Everyone else on the ground is nice within the clutch. Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are all at 55 % or higher from the sector in such conditions. Good luck, everyone!
Offensive Score
117.8 (seventh)
Defensive Score
113.2 (tenth)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 98 factors, 33-of-54 (61.1 %) FG
Who has struggled? Lu Dort | 19 factors, 5-of-18 (27.8 %) FG
Right here’s the tousled factor about making an attempt to cease the Thunder within the clutch: Jalen Williams can be a killer. He’s scored 60 factors on 20-of-30 capturing within the clutch this season whereas capturing 93 % on the free-throw line. So, even for those who handle to get the ball out of SGA’s fingers or deny him, they produce other guys on the courtroom. In fact, Gilgeous-Alexander additionally will demoralize you, and he can do it with passing too (18 assists to 4 turnovers). Plus, Chet Holmgren has been nice. You need to pray Dort or Josh Giddey get the ball in a hand grenade situation.
Offensive Score
119.1 (third)
Defensive Score
111.3 (4th tied)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Kristaps Porziņģis | 52 factors, 16-of-24 (66.7 %) FG
Who has struggled? Jayson Tatum | 59 factors, 15-of-48 (31.3 %) FG
The Celtics even have been actually good within the clutch with a few of their particular person capturing performances. Porziņģis has been an ideal security valve. Derrick White has been practically nearly as good, and Jaylen Brown is capturing 50 % from the sector within the clutch. However Tatum receives the best utilization and essentially the most clutch alternatives, however he actually struggles to make such photographs. His numbers get bumped by how typically he will get to the free-throw line (24-of-30) within the clutch, in order that helps fairly a bit. Nevertheless, the Celtics’ clutch method continues to obtain scrutiny, and it might be good to see them clear up that remaining piece to their puzzle. Or possibly they’ll be up 20 on a regular basis within the East playoffs, so it received’t matter.
Offensive Score
121.5 (1st)
Defensive Score
110.3 (2nd)
Jap
Tier 1 – The Contenders
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Kawhi Leonard | 78 factors, 25-of-58 (43.1 %) FG
Who has struggled? James Harden | 30 factors, 8-of-20 (40.0 %) FG
Norman Powell and Paul George have been nice at changing within the clutch this yr, however Kawhi continues to be the man they undergo. And his free-throw capturing (92.3 %) means you’ll be able to’t contact him in any respect. Kawhi continues to be one of the vital feared one-on-one gamers, and the Clippers have the depth and offense to make you hesitate to double. Though Harden acquired the nod for the struggling choice, he nonetheless hasn’t been that dangerous as a result of he’s been nice distributing the ball. They only don’t have many clutch shortcomings.
Offensive Score
119.0 (4th)
Defensive Score
114.5 (14th)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Anthony Edwards | 80 factors, 29-of-65 (44.6 %) FG
Who has struggled? Karl-Anthony Cities | 57 factors, 18-of-48 (37.5 %) FG
Cities is down with a knee surgical procedure and can hopefully be again for the playoffs. However when he was on the courtroom this season, he merely didn’t capitalize on spreading the ground along with his shot. He did go 15-of-17 from the road, however his 3-point shot (6-of-23) was not indicative of the elite shooter he’s. Edwards is clearly the go-to man and, at occasions, seems to be like an all-time celebrity. Different occasions, he settles for dangerous pull-up jumpers and appears drained. His clutch free-throw capturing should get higher, it doesn’t matter what. He’s capturing simply 68.2 % from the road in crunchtime.
Offensive Score
114.2 (18th)
Defensive Score
108.3 (1st)
Western
Tier 1 – The Contenders
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
Who’s their clutch man? Brandon Ingram | 49 factors, 18-of-42 (42.9 %) FG
Who has struggled? Zion Williamson | 32 factors, 13-of-27 (48.1 %) FG
Whereas Williamson has a better discipline purpose share, it’s a a lot decrease quantity of alternatives, and his free-throw capturing and playmaking have truly been subpar. He has extra turnovers than assists whereas capturing simply 6-of-13 from the road. Nevertheless, he needs to be an excellent choice outdoors of that as a result of he will get so many good photographs on the rim. Ingram’s effectivity isn’t tremendous excessive, however he’s cash contained in the arc (51.6 %). Each are scary choices in a playoff situation.
Offensive Score
117.2 (eighth)
Defensive Score
111.7 (sixth)
Western
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Devin Booker | 71 factors, 22-of-48 (45.8 %) FG
Who has struggled? Grayson Allen | 18 factors, 4-of-13 (30.8 %) FG
Kevin Durant is capturing solely 36.4 % within the clutch this season, so you might say he’s the man struggling contemplating he takes essentially the most photographs on the crew. However his free-throw capturing and protection have been fairly dependable. Allen and Jusuf Nurkić (40.0 %) haven’t been in a position to make it occur in crunchtime. I highlighted Allen right here as a result of it’s such a stark distinction from his capturing in any respect different occasions, and he’ll must knock down some massive 3-pointers within the playoffs. Booker continues to be nearly as good because it will get when the sport is within the steadiness. His 3-point capturing has been dangerous, however the whole lot else has been wonderful. And he doesn’t flip it over.
Offensive Score
117.0 (eleventh)
Defensive Score
114.2 (thirteenth)
Western
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Donovan Mitchell | 78 factors, 23-of-52 (44.2 %) FG
Who has struggled? Darius Garland | 36 factors, 8-of-32 (25.0 %) FG
Though he has a pair extra turnovers than assists within the clutch, Mitchell has been fairly good when the Cavs want a giant bucket in a good recreation. His 3-point capturing, free-throw effectivity and talent to get to the rim have all been shining in clutch conditions. If he will be this dependable within the playoffs, Cleveland may have run. Garland has been out and in of the lineup this season, however he’s actually struggled to come back by way of within the clutch. His free-throw capturing is the one factor holding up. This crew must get wholesome, although.
Offensive Score
115.2 (sixteenth)
Defensive Score
111.0 (third)
Jap
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Giannis Antetokounmpo | 90 factors, 26-of-45 (57.8 %) FG
Who has struggled? Malik Beasley | 18 factors, 7-of-22 (31.8 %) FG
Giannis is getting the nod over Damian Lillard simply due to his effectivity. Each have been good choices, and, Lillard wasn’t struggling along with his 3-point capturing (30.3 %), he’d be the clear-cut man right here. Giannis has truly been fairly good on the free-throw line, sitting at round 75 %. Each have been nice at making performs for others. One of many others is Beasley, and he’s going to essentially lock in to make defenses pay once they swarm the celebrities. He’s struggled in restricted alternatives, however he’s too good of a shooter to stay this dangerous within the clutch.
Offensive Score
118.7 (fifth)
Defensive Score
115.0 (fifteenth)
Jap
Tier 2 – Brink of Competition
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
Who’s their clutch man? Luka Dončić | 59 factors, 18-of-39 (46.2 %) FG
Who has struggled? Tim Hardaway Jr. | 25 factors, 6-of-22 (27.3 %) FG
The 1-2 combo of Dončić and Kyrie Irving is fairly tough to cope with in late-game conditions. Each have been incendiary this season and put opponents on their heels. Dončić has simply been a a lot higher-volume playmaker along with the scoring, so he will get the nod there. Surprisingly, Hardaway has been terrible at late-game photographs. Opponents nonetheless worry his shot making, however they’d a lot relatively it go to him than the 2 stars.
Offensive Score
118.1 (sixth)
Defensive Score
116.9 (twenty first tied)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? De’Aaron Fox | 102 factors, 40-of-83 (48.2 %) FG
Who has struggled? Harrison Barnes | 29 factors, 9-of-25 (36.0 %) FG
Fox was the NBA’s most clutch participant final season and has been among the many league’s most clutch gamers as soon as once more. Mike Brown trusts him to make any choice on the finish of video games. Fox oddly has struggled with free throws and caring for the ball, however the scoring is there. Malik Monk additionally has been wonderful within the clutch. Barnes has not, however that adjustments with a pair 3-pointers falling for him. Simply don’t fail to field out as a result of Domantas Sabonis has been enormous on the boards and changing.
Offensive Score
116.8 (thirteenth)
Defensive Score
116.5 (twentieth)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Tyrese Haliburton | 73 factors, 25-of-39 (64.1 %) FG
Who has struggled? Aaron Nesmith | 26 factors, 9-of-24 (37.5 %) FG
It nearly doesn’t make sense how good Haliburton has been within the clutch this season. It appears like he hasn’t missed a shot. He took over the Dame Time celebration in sure moments and made it from all around the flooring. He’s been extra dependable than is cheap to count on. Though Haliburton is struggling a bit recently, you count on him to ship. Nesmith has had season, however not in crunchtime. He hasn’t made a clutch 3-pointer all season.
Offensive Score
120.1 (2nd)
Defensive Score
118.5 (twenty fifth)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Paolo Banchero | 94 factors, 29-of-73 (39.7 %) FG
Who has struggled? Franz Wagner | 39 factors, 11-of-33 (33.3 %) FG
The Magic – very similar to with most conditions on offense – have actually struggled within the clutch. It’s why Banchero is their straightforward man to select for the clutch choice regardless of his inefficiency. He turns it over fairly a bit and shoots 3s poorly, and his free-throw capturing must be higher (71.8 %). However he’s a bull and is ready to get some fairly good photographs. Wagner has struggled like everyone else on this crew. His free-throw capturing has been good, however he’s simply 1-of-14 on clutch 3-pointers.
Offensive Score
112.6 (twenty third)
Defensive Score
111.3 (4th tied)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? LeBron James | 89 factors, 33-of-61 (54.1 %) FG
Who has struggled? Austin Reaves | 55 factors, 13-of-33 (39.4 %) FG
LeBron continues to be that man relating to massive moments. He’s been relentless a lot of the season. When he’s not taking a foul 3-point shot (26.1 %), he’s attacking the basket and making it unfair for the protection. LeBron has surprisingly turned the ball over quite a bit, however he’s nonetheless been cash. Reaves will get the battle nod as a result of he hasn’t shot the three effectively, and there simply aren’t many different guys eligible. D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis have been nice. Though, we must always be aware that Reaves has been a wonderful playmaker within the clutch.
Offensive Score
115.0 (seventeenth)
Defensive Score
115.3 (sixteenth tied)
Western
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Jalen Brunson | 66 factors, 23-of-49 (46.9 %) FG
Who has struggled? Donte DiVincenzo | 18 factors, 5-of-16 (31.3 %) FG
The Knicks truly don’t have too many poor performers within the clutch this season, and DiVincenzo’s inclusion right here isn’t on a variety of makes an attempt. Principally, it’s been Brunson or Julius Randle hammering the opposition. Brunson, the Pivot God, simply leaves everyone making an attempt to have extra persistence than him. And he appears to all the time win in these conditions. It’s shocking he’s solely a 72.7 % free-throw shooter within the clutch, however I count on that to rise within the playoffs.
Offensive Score
116.6 (14th)
Defensive Score
112.7 (eighth tied)
Jap
Tier 3 – Playoff Groups
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
Who’s their clutch man? Jimmy Butler | 52 factors, 16-of-45 (35.6 %) FG
Who has struggled? Tyler Herro | 31 factors, 11-of-32 (34.4 %) FG
Final season, the Warmth have been phenomenal within the clutch and carried that into the postseason. Miami hasn’t been that in this season, so the crew might actually use Butler being that man once more. He hasn’t been practically as environment friendly. He does make some massive defensive performs, however they want shot-making. Herro has extra shot makes an attempt than factors, which isn’t excellent. He merely doesn’t get to the free-throw line a lot (solely 5 makes an attempt within the clutch this season). They want higher execution in tight conditions.
Offensive Score
113.4 (twenty first)
Defensive Score
112.7 (eighth tied)
Jap
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Stephen Curry | 165 factors, 51-of-103 (49.5 %) FG
Who has struggled? Klay Thompson | 47 factors, 14-of-47 (29.8 %) FG
No one has extra clutch factors than Curry this season, and his effectivity in these tight moments is loopy when you think about the amount of makes an attempt he has. The Warriors have lived within the clutch, and it’s their protection that has allow them to down. Curry has simply been absurd in most of those moments. His fellow Splash Brother hasn’t been practically the identical. Thompson may do higher now that he’s coming off the bench when the Warriors are wholesome, and groups will nonetheless worry him, even when he’s 0-of-50. However seeing him be capturing sub-30 % continues to be disorienting.
Offensive Score
116.9 (twelfth)
Defensive Score
115.5 (18th)
Western
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? DeMar DeRozan | 147 factors, 42-of-83 (50.6 %) FG
Who has struggled? Nikola Vučević | 61 factors, 22-of-54 (40.7 %) FG
DeRozan continues to be just about unstoppable when the sport is tight. Take a look at his unbelievable effectivity. He’s second in clutch factors this season, solely behind Curry. No one else is near them. Everyone is aware of he’s getting the ball with Zach LaVine out, and he nonetheless cooks everyone. DeRozan has turned it over quite a bit, however you reside with it. They haven’t had too many struggling choices, so Vučević takes the hit right here. His low share is usually resulting from 3-point photographs, which it’s best to belief him to make.
Offensive Score
113.2 (twenty second)
Defensive Score
115.3 (sixteenth tied)
Jap
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Joel Embiid | 41 factors, 10-of-25 (40.0 %) FG
Who has struggled? Tyrese Maxey | 56 factors, 16-of-42 (38.1 %) FG
Yeah, I do know Embiid has been gone for some time, however regardless of his low discipline purpose share, he was so clutch for them. His free-throw capturing within the clutch is unreal. He was 20-of-21 this season. Maxey has struggled to make photographs contained in the arc throughout crunchtime. His good position was being a man to assist unfold the ground for Embiid and crush the opponent when the ball swung to him. However there’s loads of optimism for a younger scorer like Maxey sooner or later with conditions like this.
Offensive Score
117.1 (ninth tied)
Defensive Score
114.0 (twelfth)
Jap
Tier 4 – Play-In Event Groups Or Higher
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
Who’s their clutch man? Alperen Şengün | 90 factors, 32-of-63 (50.8 %) FG
Who has struggled? Jabari Smith Jr. | 29 factors, 10-of-24 (41.7 %) FG
The Rockets know the place to go when the sport is on the road. Şengün is a bully in these conditions. He places his shoulder into you, knocks you off your place and will get a bucket contained in the free-throw line. There’s not a lot you are able to do about it. His free-throw capturing (63.4 %) is dangerous, however he’s nonetheless environment friendly at making photographs. And Dillon Brooks has shot the ball effectively too. Smith will get the nod over Fred VanVleet, who has an analogous discipline purpose share, however the level guard has an 21:1 assist-to-turnover ratio within the clutch.
Offensive Score
112.5 (twenty fourth)
Defensive Score
112.4 (seventh)
Western
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Trae Younger | 107 factors, 24-of-49 (40.7 %) FG
Who has struggled? Dejounte Murray | 71 factors, 26-of-69 (37.7 %) FG
Younger takes some optimistic makes an attempt within the clutch and hasn’t shot all that effectively. However he’s elite at attending to the free-throw line and has made 85.2 % of these free-throw makes an attempt. He additionally doesn’t actually flip the ball over a lot. Throughout Younger’s absence, Murray is the man within the clutch however hasn’t been in a position to hit these photographs. Most guys on this roster have struggled to make photographs within the clutch because the Hawks proceed to teeter this season, though that they had an excellent week.
Offensive Score
117.1 (ninth tied)
Defensive Score
118.8 (twenty sixth)
Jap
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Mikal Bridges | 102 factors, 35-of-66 (53.0 %) FG
Who has struggled? Cam Thomas | 34 factors, 8-of-31 (25.8 %) FG
Though the Nets’ season has fallen aside, Bridges has nonetheless been extremely dependable relating to clutch moments. His 76.3 % free-throw capturing might positively be higher, however he has a ton of free-throw makes an attempt too. Bridges hardly ever turns it over and all the time will get to a great spot on the ground to discover a shot. Surprisingly, Thomas has been horrible within the clutch. He’s not afraid to take photographs, however he additionally doesn’t take the perfect photographs. I nonetheless like a participant like him who can create an try out of nothing.
Offensive Score
113.7 (nineteenth tied)
Defensive Score
115.7 (nineteenth)
Jap
Tier 5 – Seeking to make the Play-In
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however possibly sometime
Who’s their clutch man? Lauri Markkanen | 50 factors, 15-of-31 (48.4 %) FG
Who has struggled? Keyonte George | 40 factors, 11-of-28 (39.3 %) FG
Their two most important choices within the clutch are Jordan Clarkson and Markkanen. I selected Markkanen as a result of he’s been a greater shot-maker, however Clarkson has been the higher playmaker total. The Jazz are well-coached, and the gamers they throw on the market in crunchtime are hardly ever afraid of these moments. We see them assault with confidence at the moment. George being the “battle” choose is solely resulting from a barely decrease discipline purpose share, the Jazz probably not having choices failing, and he’s mainly at a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio within the clutch. However he’s been good for a rookie.
Offensive Score
115.6 (fifteenth)
Defensive Score
118.9 (twenty seventh tied)
Western
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however possibly sometime
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Scottie Barnes | 73 factors, 26-of-55 (47.3 %) FG
Who has struggled? Immanuel Quickley | 29 factors, 8-of-26 (30.8 %) FG
Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schröder had loads of clutch moments for the Raptors this season, they usually have been fairly good total at it. Nevertheless, Barnes has been the man they’ve been steering to all season, and he’s fairly dynamic within the clutch. He shoots share, distributes the ball and makes performs. He simply must be a greater free-throw shooter (72 %). Quickley has solely been there a few months, and he’s actually struggled, however he’s fearless and has a vibrant future of creating massive photographs.
Offensive Score
113.7 (nineteenth tied)
Defensive Score
117.6 (twenty fourth)
Jap
Tier 6 – Not tanking but however possibly sometime
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
Who’s their clutch man? Victor Wembanyama | 48 factors, 15-of-34 (44.1 %) FG
Who has struggled? Keldon Johnson | 32 factors, 11-of-30 (36.7 %) FG
Shock, shock! Wembanyama has been fairly good at this. He has these runs, and typically they coincide with crunchtime. He simply goes on these flurries of scoring, and there’s nothing the opponent can do about it. However he nonetheless must make higher selections caring for the ball and making his free throws. Johnson has the identical capturing share as Devin Vassell, however Vassell has been a significantly better clutch playmaker and a greater 3-point shooter.
Offensive Score
109.9 (twenty seventh)
Defensive Score
117.3 (twenty third)
Western
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Jaren Jackson Jr. | 62 factors, 21-of-48 (43.8 %) FG
Who has struggled? Desmond Bane | 32 factors, 9-of-23 (39.1 %) FG
Each choices for the Grizzlies have accomplished an excellent job on the free-throw line, which makes their discipline purpose percentages simpler to tolerate. They’re additionally not imagined to be on this position. It’s imagined to be Ja Morant. Jackson has accomplished an admirable job, and Bane has been a bit disappointing in that respect. Though the odds are shut, Jackson has double the amount. They each actually miss having a playmaker to set them up. Vince Williams Jr. has additionally struggled however has a low quantity of makes an attempt.
Offensive Score
106.9 (thirtieth)
Defensive Score
113.5 (eleventh)
Western
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Anfernee Simons | 68 factors, 24-of-43 (55.8 %) FG
Who has struggled? Malcolm Brogdon | 44 factors, 15-of-37 (40.5) FG
Brogdon will get the nod for struggling as a result of he’s third on the crew in clutch-time shot makes an attempt however eighth in capturing share. And hovering round 40 % is usually the tipping level with this convo. Simons, nonetheless, has been spectacular. He scores in any respect three ranges within the clutch and makes his free throws. And, whereas Jerami Grant has been nearly nearly as good, he has turned the ball over quite a bit. Portland has a variety of enjoyable choices within the clutch regardless of how dangerous the crew is, which hopefully will encourage confidence for the longer term.
Offensive Score
108.8 (twenty eighth)
Defensive Score
116.9 (twenty first tied)
Western
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Kyle Kuzma | 49 factors, 19-of-55 (34.5 %) FG
Who has struggled? Jordan Poole | 21 factors, 7-of-24 (29.2 %) FG
That is how dangerous the Wizards have been total and within the clutch this season: Kuzma, with 49 factors on 53 shot makes an attempt, is the best choice they’ve had. And it’s not significantly shut. Everyone else is in that Poole vary for effectiveness, within the uncommon occasion they even get to a crunchtime state of affairs. I’m not even positive what to say relating to the Wizards anymore. I nearly need to deliver again the schtick I did years in the past, after I simply wrote about failed illusionists as a substitute.
Offensive Score
110.7 (twenty sixth)
Defensive Score
119.5 (thirtieth)
Jap
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Cade Cunningham | 49 factors, 15-of-39 (38.5 %) FG
Who has struggled? Jaden Ivey | 31 factors, 8-of-19 (42.1 %) FG
Bojan Bogdanović truly was the man who struggled essentially the most within the clutch, however he’s now on the Knicks. The explanation Ivey will get the nod right here is two-fold. His effectivity is true consistent with what Cunningham has accomplished this season, so that they’re interchangeable in that sense. Nevertheless, Cunningham will get a ton extra possibilities, and Ivey has extra turnovers than assists for the clutch season. Cunningham has gone by way of too many fourth quarters of disappearing, and I’d prefer to see him constantly have extra of Ivey’s penchant for the second.
Offensive Score
110.9 (twenty fifth)
Defensive Score
119.1 (twenty ninth)
Jap
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)
Who’s their clutch man? Miles Bridges | 41 factors, 13-of-25 (52.0 %) FG
Who has struggled? Mark Williams | 18 factors, 5-of-13 (38.5 %) FG
That is fairly bleak, however it typically is with the Hornets – who, by the way in which, simply ruined our probability on the Wizards taking a 27-game shedding streak right into a matchup with the Pistons in a pair weeks. Many of the Hornets’ heavy choices within the clutch aren’t there anymore. Terry Rozier nonetheless leads them in clutch factors. Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington have been high six in clutch factors for them too. Bridges has been fairly stable and even received them a recreation or two. They don’t have many dangerous choices, which is why Mark Williams is included right here. He’s solely across the hoop, so he has to complete these.
Offensive Score
108.4 (twenty ninth)
Defensive Score
118.9 (twenty seventh tied)
Jap
Tier 7 – Incomprehensibly dangerous
![](https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/img/loading.gif)