All articles tagged with #clutch time
The Los Angeles Lakers extended their undefeated record in clutch-time games to 11-0 with a narrow 128-121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing strong defense and key plays in the final minutes to secure the victory and improve their season record to 21-11.
The Lakers are likely to secure the No. 1 seed in the West after a series of dominant victories in the In-Season Tournament, while the Mavericks have been impressive in clutch situations but struggle defensively. Lakers' Cam Reddish is ruled out due to injury, giving 20-year-old Max Christie an opportunity to showcase his skills. Anthony Davis has been dominant in the paint for the Lakers, who rank fourth in clutch record, while the Mavericks rank first in offensive efficiency but last in defending the painted area.
Jimmy Butler's ability to stay calm under pressure has defined the Miami Heat's playoff run, as they continue to win close games and come from behind. The Heat have been in clutch time 62 times this season, the third most for a team in the past 25 years. Butler's edgy calm and grit have been key to the team's success, as they now hold a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals over the Boston Celtics. The Heat have 38 clutch-time wins this season and are 6-2 in this postseason when trailing by at least 10 points.
The Lakers face off against the Orlando Magic for the final time this season, with the Lakers currently on the outside looking in of the play-in chase as the 11th seed. The Lakers have been in a lot of close games lately, with 10 of their last 15 games qualifying as "clutch" games, but they have a 5-5 record in those games. The Lakers have seemingly fallen into a stretch of bad luck where they are underperforming their clutch time metrics and losing games that they are in a position to win. The Magic's ability to pressure the ball and play in passing lanes can get teams off-kilter and will need to be balanced with good decision making.