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How does the NBA define clutch?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 07, 2026

Clutch time is defined as minutes when the scoring margin is within 5 points with five or fewer minutes remaining in a game, and clutch record is a team's win-loss record in games that include clutch minutes.

What is considered clutch in NBA?

Clutch time is defined as the last five minutes of a game when a team is leading or trailing by five points or fewer. While individual moments and shots can sway our perception of a player's success in clutch time, the numbers don't lie.

What does it mean to be a clutch player?

You might have heard the term “clutch” or “clutch player.” If someone comes through in the clutch, it means that they perform well at a critical moment. Time is about to run out, the team is down, and their season depends on getting a win.

Is LeBron considered clutch?

"LeBron was born without a clutch gene" — Skip Bayless

"Michael Jordan won six championships with six MVPs," he said. "LeBron James has lost six NBA Finals."

Who has hit the most clutch shots in the NBA?

Who has the most game winners in NBA history? Now, you know the answer is Michael Jordan. With 9 buzzer-beaters, he owns the most game winning shots NBA. He is a basketball legend.

43 related questions found

Is Kobe more clutch than LeBron?

James has scored 41.5 percent of his 130 clutch points in the paint, and Bryant has netted 23.1 percent of his 130 clutch points from behind the arc. The two players' shot charts illustrate more of the same, but also reveal something strange: LeBron, apparently, doesn't go right.

How do you clutch in sports?

The Key to Being Clutch When Using Your Procedural Memory

  1. Distract yourself. ...
  2. Develop a mantra. ...
  3. Focus on the target, not your mechanics. ...
  4. Don't slow down. ...
  5. Practice tactical breathing. ...
  6. Practice under pressure. ...
  7. Stay active and outwardly focused. ...
  8. Stay humble.

Why is it called clutch in sports?

A sports clutch, in noun form, is a high-pressure moment that can determine the outcome of a game. This dates back to at least the 1920s and is metaphorical, i.e., the moment at which something has or is in something's clutch, or “grip” or “control.”

Why is it called clutch?

The noun clutch, as in a clutch of eggs, derives from an old word 'clekken' meaning 'to hatch. ' In this sense, it has nothing to do with 'holding on to' although as a folk derivation that idea is convincing enough.

Is LeBron more clutch than Jordan?

In conclusion, LeBron is much more clutch than Jordan. When the two smelled blood and had a chance to eliminate their opponents, LeBron wins 1.6% more often. When their backs are against the wall, LeBron wins 16.7% more often.

Is Jimmy Butler a clutch?

Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, has proven his ability clutch play throughout the season. In 2020, he had one of the most clutch postseasons in NBA history while leading the Heat to the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

How clutch is Chris Paul?

With Paul also averaging 2.8 points per game in the clutch, while shooting it at a 56.4 percent clip, the only players to score that much at that high a rate include Klay Thompson, and his own teammate in Devin Booker.

What does the clutch do?

Most automotive clutches are a dry single plate clutch with two friction surfaces. No matter the application, the function and purpose of a clutch is to transmit torque from a rotating driving motor to a transmission. Clutches require a mode of actuation in order to break the transmission of torque.

Where did the term clutch come from gaming?

The term "clutch" was originally used in sports commentary, describing a player that can keep their head cool and perform well during a tense moment in a game, where the outcome of the competition was at stake.

What does clutch mean in cod?

Clutch: A lone player winning a round despite being outnumbered by their opponents. Contest: Preventing the enemy team from earning points by occupying the objective at the same time. Crack aiming: A player aiming in and out of the sight of their weapon quickly to preempt a gunfight. Deady: Dead silence.

How do you not get nervous when clutching?

3 Proven Methods To Reduce Anxiety When You're In a Clutch

  1. STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH.
  2. DON'T INTERACT WITH TECHNOLOGY FOR 10 MINUTES.
  3. MOVE YOUR BODY, PREFERABLY OUTDOORS.

What does clutch mean slang?

What else does clutch mean? In slang, clutch refers to something done (well) in a crucial situation, such as a clutch play in sports that pushes a team into victory. More broadly, clutch can characterize something as “excellent” or “effective.”

Why is Jerry West the face of the NBA?

“I was attracted to it because it was nice and vertical, and it had him leaning and dribbling… had a little motion to it.” Siegel had some other images in mind – superstars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and John Havlicek – but ultimately decided on the West photo.

How many clutch shots has LeBron hit?

#4 LeBron James - Seven buzzer-beaters

Over the years, LeBron James has hit a total of seven buzzer-beaters, with the latest coming back in May 2018 for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Playoffs. He is yet to register a buzzer-beater for the LA Lakers.

What are the main parts of the clutch explain each part?

Three main parts of clutch

  • The driving member consists of a disc or plate called clutch plate. ...
  • The operating members consists of a foot pedal, linkage, release or throw-out bearing, release levers and springs necessary to ensure the proper operation of the clutch.

Is Devin Booker a clutch?

Devin Booker is the most clutch player in the NBA

The 3x All-Star is averaging well over 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season, with making over 67% percent of his field goals in clutch moments. That is around 23 percent more than his average field goal percentage for the season.

Why Phoenix Suns so good?

The 2022 Phoenix Suns are something special

Dig deeper and the stats are even more impressive: Phoenix is the only team in the NBA that's top-3 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Phoenix is 17-1 in its last 18 games. The Suns' +8.2 point differential is the best in the league by a full point.

Is Westbrook clutch?

According to ESPN Statistics & Information, Westbrook has had a fairly unpredictable time in clutch situations. Which isn't actually really surprising. Westbrook finished with yet another triple-double, tallying 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists on top of two blocks and one steal.