Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has been named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, beating out tough competition from Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards. In an interview with NBA on TNT, Brunson revealed that being clutch was not something he was born with, but rather a skill he had to develop over time.
Brunson received 70 first-place votes, 24 second-place votes, and four third-place votes, totaling 426 points. His impressive performance in clutch moments, where he led the league in scoring and field goals made, solidified his win for the award.
Speaking about his clutch abilities, Brunson emphasized the importance of winning above all else. He stated that while making clutch plays is impressive, it ultimately means nothing if the team does not come out on top. For him, the measure of true clutchness is the ability to secure victories.
As the Knicks face off against the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs after a long absence, Brunson acknowledged that the team needs to address their slow starts in games. Despite showing resilience in coming back from deficits, he emphasized the importance of starting strong to avoid playing catch-up.
Looking ahead to Game 3 of the series, scheduled to take place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Brunson highlighted the need for the Knicks to set the tone early and maintain control throughout the game. With the series finely poised, every possession and every play will be crucial for both teams.
In conclusion, Jalen Brunson’s recognition as the Clutch Player of the Year is a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game in crucial moments. As the Knicks continue their playoff journey, his leadership and clutch performances will be key to their success.
