The NBA playoffs all the time deliver out daring takes, and Stephen A. Smith lately delivered one other dialog starter.
The ESPN commentator unveiled his rating of the highest clutch shooters nonetheless competing within the postseason, with a stunning identify claiming the highest spot.
Smith positioned Kawhi Leonard fifth, with Jayson Tatum and Jamal Murray subsequent in line.
The true eyebrow raiser got here when Smith ranked Stephen Curry second regardless of his historic credentials.
Which means Smith had one other participant in thoughts for the highest spot.
“I imply, this man, Jalen Brunson. Mr. Clutch all yr. The reigning clutch participant of the yr,” Smith mentioned on “First Take.”
.@stephenasmith‘s prime 5 most CLUTCH shooters left within the NBA playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/EEqzMWwVi6
— First Take (@FirstTake) Could 2, 2025
Brunson constructed a powerful case all through the common season and carried it over into the playoffs.
He gained Clutch Participant of the Yr this season and continued his late-game heroics in opposition to the Detroit Pistons, averaging 5.4 clutch factors per sport within the playoffs, which is the fourth highest mark this postseason.
His series-clinching 3-pointer in Sport 6 supplied the precise second Smith doubtless had in thoughts when crafting his rankings.
In the meantime, Curry continues making his case for the Golden State Warriors in opposition to the Houston Rockets of their first-round matchup.
At 37 years outdated, he demonstrates longevity on the highest stage.
Smith’s colleagues pushed again on his rating, however he remained unmoved.
His longtime Knicks fandom doubtless influenced the choice, however Brunson’s clutch performances have given him official speaking factors to defend the controversial choice.
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