The NBA playoffs are where legends are made, and the greatest clutch performers thrive under pressure. When the game is on the line, these players don’t just step up—they take over. Whether it’s sinking last-second daggers, delivering historic performances in elimination games, or carrying their teams to victory when it matters most, these athletes have built their legacies in the postseason.
From buzzer-beaters to game-saving plays, here are the 15 most clutch players in NBA playoff history—ice-cold finishers who defined what it means to deliver in the biggest moments.
15. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant’s playoff clutch performances are legendary. His game-tying shot against the Bucks in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals showcased his ice-cold nerves. Durant’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, combined with his scoring prowess and versatility, makes him one of the most feared clutch players in NBA history.
14. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s clutch gene shines brightest in the playoffs, exemplified by his iconic game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. With ice in his veins, Irving consistently delivers in high-pressure situations, averaging 23 points per game in 96 playoff appearances. His ability to create shots and make difficult baskets in crucial moments cements his status as one of the NBA’s most clutch performers.
13. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard has cemented his reputation as one of the NBA’s most clutch performers. With four game-winning buzzer-beaters in his career, including two that ended playoff series, Lillard consistently delivers in high-pressure situations. His 33.6% shooting efficiency on crucial playoff shots and ability to hit deep three-pointers in critical moments make him a feared opponent in crunch time.
12. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard’s playoff clutch performances are legendary. His game-winning buzzer-beater against the 76ers in 2019 is iconic. Leonard consistently delivers in high-pressure situations, averaging 28.8 points per game in his last 60 playoff games. His ability to take over games and make crucial shots in the fourth quarter cements his status as one of the NBA’s most clutch players.
11. Ray Allen
Ray Allen’s clutch performance in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals solidified his place among the most clutch playoff performers. His corner three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left saved the Miami Heat from elimination and led to their championship victory. Allen’s career playoff stats of 16.1 points per game and 40.1% three-point shooting further cement his clutch reputation.
10. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan’s consistent excellence in the playoffs earned him the nickname “The Big Fundamental.” His calm demeanor and clutch performances, including game-winning shots and crucial defensive plays, led the Spurs to five championships. Duncan’s ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations made him one of the most reliable playoff performers in NBA history.
9. Jerry West
Jerry West’s playoff prowess earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.” He averaged an astounding 29.1 points per game in the postseason, including a record 46.3 PPG in a single series. West’s 60-foot buzzer-beater in the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic shots in basketball history, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer.
8. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry’s playoff heroics are legendary. With a career playoff average of 27 points per game and numerous clutch performances, Curry has cemented his status as one of the most feared shooters in postseason history. His ability to hit game-changing three-pointers under pressure has led the Warriors to multiple championships.
7. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller’s clutch performances in the playoffs are legendary, most notably his 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks in 1995. Known for his sharpshooting and trash-talking, Miller thrived under pressure, hitting crucial three-pointers and free throws in high-stakes moments. His ability to deliver in crunch time made him one of the most feared playoff performers of his era.
6. Robert Horry
Known as “Big Shot Bob,” Horry earned his reputation with numerous clutch playoff performances. He held the record for most three-pointers in NBA Finals history (56) and won seven championships with three different teams. Currently he ranks 6th. Horry’s game-winning shot against the Kings in 2002 remains one of the most iconic playoff moments.
5. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson’s playoff prowess was legendary, averaging 19.5 points, 12.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds. He holds the record for most playoff triple-doubles (30) and delivered iconic moments like the “junior sky-hook” against the Celtics in the 1987 Finals. Johnson’s ability to elevate his game in crucial moments earned him 3 Finals MVP awards.
4. Larry Bird
Larry Bird’s playoff heroics are legendary. He averaged 23.8 points per game in 12 postseason appearances, including a career-high 34.7 PPG against the Cavaliers in 1985. Bird’s clutch performances, like his game-winning assist to Dennis Johnson in the 1984 Finals, solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable players in high-pressure situations.
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3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s playoff clutch performances are legendary. He led the league in fourth-quarter points in multiple playoff runs (2002, 2003, 2008) and maintained an impressive 55.95% to 62.01% true shooting percentage in various clutch playoff situations from 2000-2010. Bryant’s ability to deliver under pressure solidified his status as one of the greatest closers in NBA history.
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2. LeBron James
LeBron James has cemented his status as one of the most clutch playoff performers in NBA history. With seven game-tying or winning shots in the final second of playoff games, James leads all players in the last 26 years. His clutch shooting percentage of 58.3% with one second left further solidifies his reputation as a reliable closer in high-pressure moments.
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1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s playoff clutch performances are legendary. He averaged 33.4 points in playoff games, with six championships and six Finals MVPs. His iconic moments include the “Flu Game” and game-winners against the Cavaliers and Jazz. Jordan’s career playoff on-off rating of +14.66 per 48 minutes solidifies his status as the ultimate clutch performer.
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