Stephen A. Smith’s Unexpected Top 5 Clutch Playoff Shooters Will Leave You Shocked

When it comes to the NBA playoffs, everyone loves a good argument about who’s truly clutch when the spotlight blazes hottest. And just when you think the usual suspects—Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard—will top the list, Stephen A. Smith pulls a fast one, shaking up the pecking order with a pick that’s got jaws dropping across the hardwood. Could the reigning clutch player of the year, Jalen Brunson, really be the king of late-game ice? I mean, we’ve all seen that ball swoosh through the net in moments that made you catch your breath—it’s hard not to wonder: Are we witnessing the rise of a new clutch era, or is this just another hot take that’ll fade as fast as a fadeaway jumper? Either way, the stakes are higher than ever, and the battle for the crown of “Mr. Clutch” is anything but predictable this postseason.

The NBA playoffs always bring out bold takes, and Stephen A. Smith recently delivered another conversation starter.

The ESPN commentator unveiled his ranking of the top clutch shooters still competing in the postseason, with a surprising name claiming the top spot.

Smith placed Kawhi Leonard fifth, with Jayson Tatum and Jamal Murray next in line.

The real eyebrow raiser came when Smith ranked Stephen Curry second despite his historic credentials.

That means Smith had another player in mind for the top spot.

“I mean, this man, Jalen Brunson. Mr. Clutch all year. The reigning clutch player of the year,” Smith said on “First Take.”

.@stephenasmith's top five most CLUTCH shooters left in the NBA playoffs pic.twitter.com/EEqzMWwVi6

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 2, 2025

Brunson built a strong case throughout the regular season and carried it over into the playoffs.

He won Clutch Player of the Year this season and continued his late-game heroics against the Detroit Pistons, averaging 5.4 clutch points per game in the playoffs, which is the fourth highest mark this postseason.

His series-clinching 3-pointer in Game 6 provided the exact moment Smith likely had in mind when crafting his rankings.

Meanwhile, Curry continues making his case for the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets in their first-round matchup.

At 37 years old, he demonstrates longevity at the highest level.

Smith’s colleagues pushed back on his ranking, but he remained unmoved.

His longtime Knicks fandom likely influenced the decision, but Brunson’s clutch performances have given him legitimate talking points to defend the controversial selection.

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