Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins NBA Clutch Player of the Year in landslide vote

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to cement his status as one of the premier stars in the modern NBA, adding yet another accolade to what has already been a historic stretch in his career.

The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, fresh off a dominant campaign that saw him capture both the league’s Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP honors, has now been named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year. The league made the announcement in the early hours of Wednesday, April 22 (Philippine Standard Time), further validating Gilgeous-Alexander’s reputation as one of basketball’s most reliable late-game performers.

The 27-year-old guard was the overwhelming choice for the award, earning 96 out of 100 first-place votes and finishing with a commanding 484 total points. His margin of victory underscored just how dominant he was in pressure-packed moments throughout the season. Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets placed a distant second with 117 points, narrowly edging Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who finished third with 116 points.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“This award means a lot. To get this award, you have to help your team win games late, and what I’m about, more than anything, is winning games. My teammates trust me. My coaches trust me to put the ball in my hands in those positions. I try my best to deliver night in and night out, and I did enough of it this year. I’m proud I get to hoist it. It means I’m effective out there,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after winning the award.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 total clutch points and 6.5 points per game in clutch time (games within five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime).

He also made an NBA-leading 16 go-ahead field goals in clutch time. https://t.co/hIYMTsaExk

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 21, 2026

His clutch credentials this season were undeniable. Gilgeous-Alexander led the entire NBA with 175 points scored in clutch situations—defined as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime with the score within five points. Even more impressive was his efficiency under pressure: he shot 51.5 percent from the field in those moments while converting 13 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc, a solid 35.1 percent clip.

Beyond scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his all-around brilliance in crunch time. He ranked ninth in the league with 21 clutch assists, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities for teammates when defenses collapsed on him. Defensively, he also contributed with four steals in clutch situations, tying for 34th, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor when the stakes were highest.

This latest honor places Gilgeous-Alexander in exclusive company. The Clutch Player of the Year award, introduced by the NBA in honor of Jerry West—the Los Angeles Lakers icon famously dubbed “Mr. Clutch”—has quickly become one of the league’s most prestigious individual recognitions. Gilgeous-Alexander is now just the fourth player to receive the honor, joining an elite list that includes De’Aaron Fox (2023), Stephen Curry (2024), and Jalen Brunson (2025).

For Gilgeous-Alexander, the award is another milestone in what has been a defining era for both player and franchise. His steady leadership and late-game heroics have been instrumental in the Thunder’s rise as a championship contender, signaling a new chapter of sustained excellence in Oklahoma City.

As he continues to build his legacy, Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest achievement reinforces a simple truth: when the game is on the line, few players in the world are more trusted—or more dangerous—than the Thunder’s undisputed leader.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.