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.
