Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has been announced as a finalist for the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year Award. He is joined by Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as fellow contenders.
The award, established prior to last season, recognizes the NBA player who consistently delivers for his team during clutch moments.
Clutch time, as defined by the NBA, occurs during the final five minutes of a game when the score is within a five-point margin. Curry demonstrated exceptional performance in clutch situations, leading the NBA in clutch scoring with 189 points in 142.9 minutes, while maintaining impressive shooting percentages of 49.6% from the field and 45.7% from 3-point range.
The awards are determined by a panel consisting of NBA broadcasters and journalists, recognizing outstanding achievements during the regular season. Alongside the Clutch Player of the Year Award, finalists were revealed on Sunday for various other prestigious honors, including league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year.
For the MVP award, the finalists are Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets.
During the offseason, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy faces the crucial task of addressing the franchise’s weaknesses. As the team looks to regroup and strategize for the future, Dunleavy’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead.
In addition to this overarching goal, the NBA also unveiled the finalists for several prestigious awards. For the Defensive Player of the Year accolade, contenders include Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat, Rudy Gobert representing the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, in the race for Rookie of the Year honors, standout performers such as Chet Holmgren from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets, and Victor Wembanyama are vying for recognition. As the league acknowledges the impressive contributions of these emerging talents, the Warriors and their GM Mike Dunleavy are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on potential additions to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
For the Sixth Man of the Year distinction, contenders include Malik Monk from the Sacramento Kings, Bobby Portis Jr. representing the Milwaukee Bucks, and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Each player has made significant contributions coming off the bench, providing crucial support for their respective teams.
In the category of Most Improved Player, standout performers such as Tyrese Maxey from the Philadelphia 76ers, Alperen Şengün of the Houston Rockets, and Coby White representing the Chicago Bulls are vying for recognition. These players have demonstrated remarkable growth and development throughout the season, showcasing their potential to become key contributors in the league.
As for the Coach of the Year award, nominees include Mark Daigneault from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chris Finch representing the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic. Each coach has exhibited exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, guiding their teams through the challenges of the NBA season and achieving notable success along the way.