NBA Clutch Stats: Most Points and Stops in Final 5 Mins

Nothing matches the intensity of a close game’s final moments. In these situations, a few players step up and deliver when it matters most. These clutch performers decide the outcome in the last five minutes.

Clutch performance is more than just stats. It’s about mental strength, skill, and knowing how to make the right play when it counts. Many players can post big numbers, but the best stand out in the toughest moments. For fans following every play and checking the NBA live score, these late-game efforts are what matter most. Being able to score and defend in the last five minutes of a close game, when the score difference is five points or less, is a sign of a true star and is key to team success.

Defining Clutch Performance: The Final Five Minutes

Clutch stats show how players perform when the game is close. The NBA calls the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points “clutch time.” This period highlights players who can handle pressure and make a difference. It’s when legends are made and stories for the season are written.

A player’s success in these big moments depends on several things. Shot creation means finding good shots for themselves or teammates, even against tough defenses. Decision-making is about quickly choosing whether to shoot, pass, or drive. Composure is staying calm while everyone is watching. Efficiency means turning chances into points when every play matters.

Scoring vs. Stopping: The Two-Way Clutch Stars

As the 2025-26 season goes on, the race for clutch points is heating up among the league’s best players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey have become key leaders for their teams in the final minutes. Still, making a difference in the final NBA score today is as much about stopping opponents as it is about scoring.

The best players make an impact on both offense and defense. For example, Anthony Edwards has been extremely efficient at shooting in clutch moments this season, but his strong defense also stops opponents from coming back. Looking at the “Clutch Net Rating” shows which players really control the end of games.

The 2025-26 Clutch Efficiency Leaders feature several top players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) leads with 119 clutch points and a strong +32.3 net rating. He defends well against ball-handlers late in games, making him a rare two-way closer. Anthony Edwards (MIN) has an outstanding .805 effective field goal percentage in clutch time and often guards the opponent’s best player in the last five minutes. Nikola Jokic finished the season averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, showing his all-around value for Denver. Jalen Suggs (ORL) stands out as the NBA's most impactful clutch player this season with a +34.9 net rating.

The Defensive Specialists Who Secure the Win

Scorers often get the spotlight, but defenders are the ones who secure the win. In the last five minutes, one steal or block can matter more than a three-pointer. Players like Cason Wallace and Dyson Daniels have been trusted in late-game situations this season for their defense against top scorers.

The effect of a key defensive stop is felt right away. It prevents the opponent from narrowing the gap and often leads to transition opportunities that put the game out of reach. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder have mastered this, using the defensive versatility of players like Chet Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander to swallow up opponents in the paint during the final possessions.

The Two-Way Verdict

As the All-Star break and playoffs get closer, clutch moments will only get more intense. The battle for the final score will become even tighter as teams fight for playoff spots. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards keep competing to be the top late-game scorer, their defense will likely decide who comes out on top. In the NBA, the best players are not just those who make the game-winning shot, but also those who can stop their opponents from doing the same.

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