Mad Dog Lists All-Time Clutch Kings, Debates Current Stars

Mad Dog Lists All-Time Clutch Kings, Debates Current Stars

The NBA playoffs are heating up, and the debate over who shines brightest in clutch moments is always a hot topic. On a recent First Take exclusive, Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo went head-to-head, discussing the league’s new clutch player of the year award and then diving into their personal lists of history’s greatest clutch performers.

SGA Named NBA Clutch Player of the Year

The league recently announced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the inaugural NBA Clutch Player of the Year. SGA led the league with an impressive 175 points scored in clutch situations this past season. He earned a whopping 96 out of 100 first-place votes, showing how dominant he was when the game was on the line.

Mad Dog’s All-Time Clutch Pantheon

Mad Dog Russo, known for his passionate takes, presented his list of the top five clutch players in NBA history. His criteria focused on players who consistently delivered in big moments over multiple years. His selections included some of the game’s most legendary figures.

• Bill Russell (via Sam Jones): Russo highlighted Sam Jones’ incredible record, citing Bill Russell’s claim that Jones was 7-0 in Game 7s with championship-clinching shots. Jones was a key part of the Boston Celtics’ record 11 championships.
• Reggie Miller: Miller’s reputation for hitting big shots in crucial games, including a 25-point quarter against the Knicks in a key year, earned him a spot.
• Larry Bird: “The Hick from Indiana” was praised for his phenomenal clutch performances and countless big shots throughout his storied career.
• Jerry West: Known as “Mr. Clutch,” West’s ability to deliver under pressure was undeniable, even though he only won one championship. His overall impact and iconic status make him a must-have.
• Robert Horry: Russo offered a surprise pick with Robert Horry, who delivered crucial shots for multiple championship teams. While not as statistically dominant as others, Horry’s knack for making big plays in critical moments at the end of games earns him a place on the list.

Russo specifically pointed to a game-winning push shot by Sam Jones against the Lakers in the 1969 NBA Finals as an example of a clutch play that forced a Game 7. This moment encapsulates the kind of pressure Jones thrived under.

Stephen A.’s Current Clutch Stars

Stephen A. Smith, while respecting Russo’s historical perspective, opted for a list focused on current NBA stars. He agreed with Russo on Reggie Miller but presented his own formidable lineup:

• Damian Lillard: Known for his “Dame Time” moments, Lillard has consistently hit game-winners throughout his career.
• Reggie Miller: Smith agreed with Miller’s place among the all-time greats.
• Stephen Curry: The greatest shooter of all time, Curry’s ability to make difficult shots under duress is legendary.
• Michael Jordan: Smith placed MJ at the top of his list, recognizing his unparalleled clutch gene and assassin-like mentality.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): Smith argued that SGA is a force to be reckoned with right now, both in the playoffs and looking ahead.

The Clutch Award Debate: Regular Season vs. Playoffs

The conversation then shifted to whether the clutch player award should be a regular-season or postseason honor. Smith argued that while playoff moments are more memorable, the regular season provides a larger sample size to evaluate clutch performance.

“I don’t necessarily disagree with you because I do feel like there’s bigger clutch moments in the playoffs. However, there’s such a smaller sample size. Like if you miss, we’re talking about maybe one game, potentially two, whereas with the regular season, there’s much bigger sample size.”

Russo countered that even with a smaller sample size, consistently performing in the postseason is the true test of a clutch player. He believes that great clutch shooters will eventually lead their teams to playoff success, making it the more meaningful arena for such an award.

Who Takes the Last Shot?

The hosts then engaged in a rapid-fire debate about which current player they would want to take the final shot of a game. Smith surprised many by choosing New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson.

Smith explained his pick, highlighting Brunson’s ability to make big shots consistently for the Knicks, often without another superstar next to him. He admires Brunson’s fearlessness and skill in critical situations at Madison Square Garden.

Stephen A. Smith, however, stuck with Stephen Curry.

He cited Kenny “The Jet” Smith’s observation that Curry can make tough, contested shots at an incredibly high percentage, making him the ultimate choice for a do-or-die moment. Smith acknowledged Curry’s status as the greatest shooter ever.

LeBron James and Clutch Performance

The discussion briefly touched upon LeBron James’s clutch reputation. Russo expressed reservations, pointing to specific instances in the NBA Finals where James struggled in crucial moments. He contrasted LeBron’s all-around greatness with Jordan’s “assassin” mentality in the clutch.

Russo also mentioned Ray Allen as a player who consistently delivered in clutch situations, notably his iconic Game 6 shot against the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Finals, which saved one of LeBron’s championships.

Most Improved Stock in the Playoffs

Looking at the current playoffs, the hosts identified players whose stock could rise significantly with strong postseason performances. Russo pointed to James Harden, suggesting that a dominant playoff run could solidify his already Hall of Fame career by proving he can be the primary reason for a deep playoff push.

Smith agreed, adding Donovan Mitchell to the conversation. He believes Mitchell has the potential to elevate himself into the next echelon of clutch players if he can lead the Cleveland Cavaliers on a significant playoff run, especially after the team made moves to become more physical.

The segment concluded with a reminder to tune into First Take weekdays at 10 a.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Source: Mad Dog's Top 5️⃣ CLUTCH PLAYERS in NBA history 📋 | First Take YouTube Exclusive (YouTube)