With 1:47 remaining in the ball game, everybody in the Staples Center was on their feet, anxiously watching their superstar player handle the ball behind the three point line. The Lakers were down by 5, but Kobe’s eyes radiated with determination. After dribbling the ball between his legs, Bryant made his move against his rabid defender.
With 2.7 seconds remaining on the shot clock, he pump-faked, but Alan Anderson (guard for the Toronto Raptors) didn’t bite, maintaining his airtight position on Kobe. Running out of options, Bryant rose up for the shot over the outstretched arms of Anderson. Time seemed to stop. The buzzer sounded as the ball spiraled toward the basket. The audience roared. Money.
Bryant proceeded to hit two more ridiculous three-point shots in the final seconds of the game to force overtime.
There’s an implicit prerequisite for players who wish to embark on the all-time great list by the end of their careers: they must have the ability to perform gracefully under pressure, thereby garnering success in the face of stifling defenders and a ticking clock.
Michael Jordan‘s step-back jumper over Byron Russell and Ray Allen‘s corner-pocket three are among the most unforgettable instances in NBA history. Fans often debate whether or not some players inherently possess the”clutch gene” in contrast to the compulsive “chokers.” An athlete’s personality and traits certainly influence his or her approach to the game and demeanor on the court.
It’s nothing mind boggling, but not every player is as cool and collected as the next during the game’s critical moments.
Character judgements aside, NBA.com/Stats provides data on the best performers in crunch time statistically. It defines “clutch moments” as a five-point game with less than five minutes remaining in regulation or overtime.
Interestingly enough, if one were to peruse NBA.com’s clutch stats among point guards for the 2014-15 season, he or she would find that the unsung point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley, is the most adequate performer in his position during clutch time — which says a lot about the soon-to-be All-Star snub.
In a season which can be considered a golden era for floor generals, the fact that Mike Conley tops all other point guards with his play in the game’s crucial moments shows just how vital his poise and discernment in knowing when to attack and when to control the pace is for the third best team in the West. He’s posting career highs in both points (18.1) and assists (6.1).
His versatility gives him a plethora of options when attacking the defense: driving to the hoop, knocking down threes, taking his patented floater in the lane, or making the right pass. A devastating weapon for opponents this season has been Conley’s lights out shooting.
He’s making 44.2 percent of his overall threes, as well as an incredible 52.9 percent of his clutch threes — which ranks first among point guards with at least 6 three-point attempts in the clutch. Below is a video of Conley converting on a deep trey against the 76ers to send the game into overtime.
Additionally, with 16 clutch assists thus far, he trails only Ty Lawson — who has 20 dimes. It’s no surprise, then, that the Grizzlies are sporting the best offensive rating they’ve had in over a decade, as they’re ranked eighth in the league. As a tandem, Conley and Marc Gasol‘s versatility poses numerous problems for the opposition, particularly in crunch time.
Conley is adroit at drawing the attention of multiple defenders before finding Marc Gasol at the elbow, who can either shoot the open jumper or hit cutters and spot up shooters in stride. Here’s an illustration from the Grizzlies’ triple overtime thriller against the reigning NBA champions.
The point guard’s who are considered to be elite, such as Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, simply haven’t lived up to Conley’s level of positive production in the clutch. As a frequently spastic and out-of-control player, Westbrook has effectively damaged his team in the game’s critical moments, where he shoots just 34.2 percent and commits as many turnovers as assists.
His 0.64 points per clutch possession puts him in the same class as Josh Smith, Tyreke Evans, and Evan Turner — yikes. As for Paul, He’s shooting just 22.6 percent from the field and 28.6 percent around the rim in the clutch; and the Clippers continue to disappoint this season.
Perhaps the only point guard worthy of comparison is none other than Portland’s Damian Lillard. His calm and confident demeanor have yet again allowed him to thrive in clutch situations; he’s shot 40 percent from beyond the arc and hasn’t turned the ball over a single time in the clutch.
His 1.19 points per clutch possession is a league best among point guards with at least 20 clutch shot attempts.
While Lillard has already established his reputation as a cold-blooded assassin after he knocked down a series-clinching three-pointer that eliminated Houston from the 2014 postseason, Conley has presently and quietly sustained his brilliant play when it matters most. Keep an eye out for the slyly spectacular Grizzlies point guard as he persists to impress this season.
Note: all stats valid through January 6th
Next: Gasol Brothers Likely To Face Off In All-Star Game For First Time