BOSTON — What makes an NBA player clutch comes down to how they perform in crunch time. However, whether or not somebody earns that "clutch" label is often decided by narratives, not facts. So, what do the statistics say about Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum?
Although the six-time All-Star has never won Clutch Player of the Year since it became an NBA award in 2022, the numbers suggest that Tatum is near the top of the league in terms of making big-time shots. Tuesday night provided the latest evidence of that, as Tatum drained a game-winning jumper at the buzzer in overtime to give the C's a 125-124 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The data that followed this huge shot does a lot to bolster Tatum's clutch resume.
For example, according to Max
Lederman of NBC Sports Boston, Tatum is now tied for the most made field goals to tie or take the lead in the final 10 seconds of a game since the 2017-18 season. The 2024 NBA champion has delivered 17 of those buckets, tying Denver Nuggets guard (and future Hall of Famer) DeMar DeRozan.
Need evidence that dates back even further? Since the 1996-97 campaign, no other player has a higher field goal percentage on shots to tie or take the lead in the last 24 seconds of a game (on at least 60 attempts), per Stathead. Tatum's conversion rate of 38.7 percent is just ahead of Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
"JT had the ball in his hands and made the right play for himself and for others," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said in the wake of the home win. "And there's no other guy I'd rather have it."
The rest of Tatum's outing was impressive, too. The 28-year-old logged 40 points, 8 assists, and 0 turnovers against the Nets, becoming the second Celtic ever to record that statline and hit a game-winning buzzer-beater on the same night, per NBC Sports Boston statistician Dick Lipe. The legendary Larry Bird is the only other Celtic to ever accomplish such a feat.
Paul George on Jayson Tatum’s game-winner:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) October 28, 2026
“Got the ball to the MVP, and he took us home.” pic.twitter.com/QcJ58AAxuo
"You're in a different zone," Celtics wing Paul George described when asked what it's like once a potential game-winner goes up. "It's literally quiet. And then once the shot goes in, it's that excitement when the crowd erupts. It brings out that fire in you."
The 3-1 Celtics will need Tatum to keep that competitive fire burning on Friday night as they seek their fourth straight win when they host the Chicago Bulls as part of NBA Cup group play.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Jayson Tatum adds to clutch resume with latest Celtics game-winner
