Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins NBA Clutch Player of the Year in landslide victory
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s remarkable season continues to be recognized at the highest level. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has been named the NBA‘s Clutch Player of the Year, the league announced Tuesday, capturing the award in overwhelming fashion with 96 of a possible 100 first-place votes.
The recognition marks another milestone for Gilgeous-Alexander, who already holds the reigning MVP and NBA Finals MVP titles. Denver’s Jamal Murray finished second in the voting, just one point ahead of Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards in third place.
« This award means a lot, » Gilgeous-Alexander said on NBC Sports, which aired the award announcement. « To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games. »
Dominant clutch performance drives Thunder success
Gilgeous-Alexander‘s statistical dominance in clutch situations made him the clear choice for voters. He led the league with 175 points in clutch times and ranked ninth with 21 assists in those crucial moments. Most importantly, the Thunder posted an impressive 20-7 record in the 27 clutch games he played, outscoring opponents by 93 points when he was on the floor during those situations.
The award uses specific criteria to define clutch moments: the score differential must be five points or fewer, and the game must be in either the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime. Under these parameters, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently delivered when his team needed him most.
« I’m proud I get to hoist it, » Gilgeous-Alexander said. « It means I’m effective out there. »
Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the fourth player to win the clutch award, which was created in tribute to Jerry West, the inspiration for the NBA‘s logo and the player known as « Mr. Clutch. » De’Aaron Fox won the inaugural award in 2023, followed by Stephen Curry in 2024 and Jalen Brunson last season.
The selection process involved NBA coaches surveying to narrow the field to 14 finalists, which were then voted on by a panel of 100 reporters and broadcasters. This represents the culmination of Gilgeous-Alexander‘s consistent excellence in clutch situations, having finished third last season, eighth in 2024, and seventh in 2023.
With this award secured, Gilgeous-Alexander is positioned for potentially more recognition in the coming weeks, as he remains the heavy favorite to win a second consecutive MVP trophy and secure his fourth straight All-NBA team selection.
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