Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins the 2025-26 NBA Clutch Award
He adds the trophy to his MVP haul after powering the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 64-18 campaign.
Summary
- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2025-26 NBA Clutch Player of the Year after leading the league with 175 clutch points
- The former Kentucky Wildcat bested finalists Jamal Murray and Anthony Edwards for the honor, cementing his reputation as basketball’s most lethal late-game closer
- Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant individual season helped push the Thunder to an NBA-best 64-18 regular-season record
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially secured the 2025-26 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award, cementing his status as the league’s ultimate late-game closer. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar dominated when it mattered most, leading all players with 175 points in clutch situations. The NBA defines these critical stretches as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the scoring margin is five points or fewer. Gilgeous-Alexander bested fellow finalists Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves to claim the prestigious hardware.
The award marks another major milestone for the reigning league MVP and NBA Finals MVP, who recently guided Oklahoma City to its first championship in franchise history. Individually, the 6-foot-6 guard compiled a staggering statistical resume throughout the recent campaign. He finished second overall in scoring with an average of 31.1 points per game, while dishing out 6.6 assists and pulling down 4.3 rebounds. His offensive efficiency remained elite across the board. The standout playmaker shot 55.3% from the floor and connected on 38.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Beyond individual accolades, his reliable heroics translated directly to massive team success. Gilgeous-Alexander’s steady presence in high-pressure scenarios proved vital in helping the Thunder secure a dominant, league-best 64-18 record during the regular season. This latest trophy also adds another chapter to his deep collegiate legacy. He joins Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox as the second former Kentucky Wildcat to win the clutch honor since its creation in 2023.
Before achieving professional superstardom, the elite guard showcased his potential during the 2017-18 season at the University of Kentucky. During his brief tenure in Lexington, he averaged 14.4 points and 5.1 assists per game, earning All-SEC Second Team and All-SEC Freshman Team honors. His collegiate run culminated in a Southeastern Conference Tournament MVP nod after he led the Wildcats to a championship victory over Tennessee. Today, with multiple NBA trophies and a title run under his belt, the basketball icon continues to solidify his reputation as a defining force in the modern game.
