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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The list of accolades for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keep accumulating. Oklahoma City Thunder’s young superstar guard was named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award for the 2025–26 season. The award is named after legend Jerry West and recognizes the league’s most effective performer in high-pressure moments.
This year, there was little debate and shouldn’t have come as a shock to anyone that the Canadian and former University of Kentucky standout would win.
The reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP led the league with 175 clutch-time points during the regular season. Clutch-time points are defined as production in the final five minutes of games within five points.
Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the fourth ever winner of the Clutch Player of the Year award, joining De’Aaron Fox, Stephen Curry, and Jalen Brunson.
“This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the announcement. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late.”
While the honor isn’t surprising, Gilgeous-Alexander did beat out some other outstanding clutch players.
Finalists for the award included the Denver Nuggets‘ Jamal Murray and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards. Murray had 166 clutch scoring points, second-most in the league. Edwards had the best field goal percentage in clutch moments.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the league by storm since being drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Clippers. He later became the centerpiece of a blockbuster, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder. In addition to his individual accolades, he also became an NBA champion last season with the Thunder.
But it’s not just stat padding and hardware collecting. He’s also setting a legacy of big plays and big moments, as evident by his clutch award.
Some of Gilgeous-Alexander’s most clutch moments during the season include a game-tying shot against the Utah Jazz and a marquee matchup against the Denver Nuggets where he sealed a win with a contested step-back three.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 25, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City enters the postseason led by its young core, headlined by Gilgeous-Alexander.
Another NBA championship and MVP honors (again) are well within the realm of possibility. This latest award may not be the last piece of hardware he collects this season.
Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker
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