The Clutch GOAT...(it's not who you think).

Who is the most clutch shooter of all time?
To understand this, we need to first define what clutch is…
Clutch is a vague term - so I worked with Mike Beuoy to build out multiple charts, and variations of “clutch”.
Keep in mind, advanced stats didn’t start in the NBA until 1996, so it’s difficult to go further back than this…
The NBA defines clutch as a five-point game with five minutes left in the game. There is nothing inherently wrong with the NBA's definition of clutch performance. There's something to be said for easily applicable rules that are simple to explain. However, a shot taken in the final minute when your team is up by five doesn't feel quite as "clutch" as a three-pointer in the final 10 seconds with your team trailing by two. Fortunately, we can use win probability to create a more nuanced version of the clutch, and one that better aligns with what one would expect a clutch situation to be.
Definition of “Clutch ^2”(aka “clutch squared” ) - a win probability added (WPA) model that weights the importance of shots based on time and score.
At its core, a clutch shot is one in which the outcome of the shot matters; when there is a significant difference between a make and a miss. How do we quantify that difference? For every shot taken, we can calculate the win probability for both a make or a miss. The win probability difference between the two potential outcomes, the "swing" factor, tells you how important the shot is. A shot as time expires when trailing by one will leave the team with a win probability of 100% if successful, and 0% if unsuccessful - a maximum swing of 100%.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have garbage time. If a team is up by 20 with 2 minutes to go (or down by 20 for that matter), a shot will not move the win probability needle, regardless of the shot's outcome. Thus, these shots do not alter a player's “Clutch Squared”.
I will look to add further detail to this description as time goes on...hope you enjoy!
00:00 Defining Clutch
02:15 The GOAT...?
05:55 Anti-Clutch
06:20 Further Into the Clutch...
12:15 Mapping "All-Around Clutch"
15:10 What Can We Learn...?

[@letecatina]

Was not expecting a Star Wars-Lego themed basketball video. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@hayden_walton]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@everia_games]

hello there

[@darrengordon-hill]

Is it weird I noticed this comment BEFORE the Lego?

[@bigbangbasketball]

Don’t know anything about SW but this was a nice touch lol

[@JonathanWoodall]

So many amazing clips. Had me laughing more than caring about the question half the time

[@partysnax1984]

This is some of the best basketball talk I’ve come across recently. This channel is gonna blow up so hard.

[@pressvinyl4420]

It should but won't. Nobody is screaming their binary whataboutist position at Kendrick PerkinsTein's real-life bobblehead. Nuance is for the introspective and nerdy few. And it always will be.

[@420braiseit5]

ur so wrong bro cause ive seen this channel myself explode from 10k subs to 70k super fast. and this 70k is gonna seem outdated really quick. you underestimate people too much.@@pressvinyl4420

[@kaboomkp]

Need thesaurus to understand you bro

[@andrewworks2551]

It’s anti sensationalism and actually well thought out, not the NBA way sadly

[@andrewworks2551]

But I will say he’s probably in my top 3 sports related yt channels

[@mikecole4489]

This is LITERALLY one of the best basketball analysis videos I've ever seen

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you fellow Mike! Much appreciated. Wish I could play the guitar like you!

[@rockysalvatore435]

More curry slander. Debunk his fraudulent career and legacy​@@michaelmackelvie

[@jamesharden9]

but this isnt reality. its his reality and whatever stats he wants to use. its also his own definiton of what clutch is. whatever the nba defines as clutch or clutch squared doesnt mean anything. this is type of video is misleading and a lazy representation of what it means to be clutch

[@Chris.McNichols]

@@jamesharden9Bro the list had James Harden as the 7th clutchest playoffs player. Just take the W 😂😂

[@jamesharden9]

@@Chris.McNichols my opinion has nothing to do with harden. idc if hes top 10 or not. u missed the point

[@spencerevans8565]

Jokic and Murray both top ten in adjusted playoff added playoff WPA 👀

[@thestatusjoe9949]

Only a team with that level of high stakes performance ability could come back down 3-1 twice in a row

[@cybercrasherstv]

​@@thestatusjoe9949 IN THE SAME PLAYOFF SERIES TOO

[@metathoughts732]

Indeed.

[@IamnotfromUSA]

@@cybercrasherstv same playoff series did they play the series twice XDD. Just joking to be clear

[@AmirLast]

if Murray can stay healthy, Denver Nugget can win a chip this year too

[@alecwilson8092]

Is it weird that I could tell that was Anthony Davis just based off the white silhouette in the thumbnail

[@GanDtech]

Same

[@vicedm1145]

Not at all lol. Same

[@Adam-qf2rq]

Yep same

[@dennismukoyatv]

Height, head shape, ears.

[@darrengordon-hill]

Him or Giannis

[@applebutter4036]

Bron used to get torched by the media for passing the ball late in games. I always thought that was silly. Make the right play. That's why guys like cp3, jokic and coming soon...SGA are great clutch players. They're going to try to make the right high percentage play and take whatever the defense gives them.

[@spiderjerusalem9837]

@@darrel7589 Did you see the video? Did you see the game 1 week ago against the Clippers? What do you base on saying that, Lebron has repeatedly made clutch plays, whether through passes or shots. What happens is that the haters focus only on his mistakes. The opposite is Kobe, people only remember his clutch shots scored, but don't remember all the times he missed.

[@biz09ification]

​@@spiderjerusalem9837definitely not with shots. Lebron has had clutch moments but is incredibly inconsistent. For his career he is 17.5% in clutch situations. 12.3% from 3 point range

[@ajarmuzzle]

@@biz09ificationdifferent fg when it comes to game tying/game winning shots tho

[@__________Troll__________]

​@@biz09ification *Man why are spamming these out of context, unverified stat lines anywhere LeBron's name is mentioned? As if none of us just watched this video explain LeBron's all-around clutch shooting is slightly above average* 😂

[@markmeloni2388]

cp3 has won what so far? one confernce?

[@denizakin5645]

I find it interesting that both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were very high on the WPA added list. Their 2 man game will be a problem for years to come.

[@mlrd2687]

Nikola Jokic says that those are the easiest shots when you have no other choice but to shoot at the basket.

[@TellenJones]

One thing that always gets overlooked is players shying away from clutch pressure. If you are the star of the team with the ball in your hand and your team needs a clutch shot and you choose to pass it away and let your teammate take the heat for you, your stat line would not record it but it should count as a missed shot on your part.

[@jemirtoussaint4940]

Shit just ruined my dreams of a ring for Lebron this year 😭 I love what they got over there in Denver man

[@mhqa_]

Not anymore

[@denizakin5645]

@@mhqa_ look at you. You let 2 games dictate a narrative.

[@dontpanic00xx]

As a lifelong Laker fan and growing up with Kobe as a sports hero, this very much aligns with my experience of him over time. He is without a doubt a great clutch player, which is to say he can make a higher % of difficult shots than almost anyone else, but that was also his weakness, he took too many of them, when he didnt need to, instead of passing the ball in late game moments. I think he thought too much about the Jordan shadow and cared too much about what people would say if he passed the ball to an open player (like they did with Lebron) and made his team end up with a worse shot. He lost many close games not just on clutch shot misses, but in the 5+ minutes of the 4th quarter where he would try to "take over" and run into double and triple teams and still shoot over them. It is crazy to think 1. That his teams ended up as successful as they did and 2. They could have been even better if he passed more often in those moments where the opposing team was 100% assuming he would take the last shot.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

I sat this as a Lakers and Kobe fan, but I often wonder if Kobe’s own ego prevented him from being the GOAT or at least to legitimately be in that conversation (with both the way he handled the Shaq thing and with the way he wouldn’t always make the smartest plays in the clutch). Despite being revered by fans and players alike, he’s rarely ever been in that convo and for good reason. I will always maintain that making a great pass is a clutch play. MJ passing to Kerr was clutch. Also that play that led to Paxson’s game winner was perfect team Basketball and MJ buying into that team concept by making the first pass in that sequence was a big part of why they won 6 in 8 years. I think something that is missed about the GOAT debate is that MJ probably understood the balance between calling your own number and playing proper team basketball and “making the right play” than both Lebron and Kobe did. Lebron and Kobe are two extremes whereas MJ from 1991-1998 was perfectly balanced.

[@AustinMulkaMusic]

Agreed, he would be somewhere in of 10 if he just didn’t take some of those super highly contested shots. Same thing happens with Steph, very highly contested low percentage shots.

[@AustinMulkaMusic]

@@TheGeorgeD13LeBron has a lot of shots in the clutch. People exaggerate how often he passes.

[@narrow3601]

​@TheGeorgeD13 Agreed, although MJ knowing the difference between when to play Hero Ball and when to pass wasn't probable, he definitely knew. John Paxson in particular was clutch, MJ most definitely knew this. Pax had gotten them into the playoffs with a late game winner in the final game of the season in '86, then in '91 MJ would often go to him in the clutch because he knew that, 1) Pax was open, he was not. And 2) Pax was more than just a quality shooter especially when it came to the clutch moments. Then like you said that perfect team basketball in '93 was just sublime. You don't just earn consistent passes from the GOAT in the final minutes of multiple championship runs without earning his trust and respect. Then in '97 the Steve Kerr shot. That wasn't a spur of the moment type thing, MJ knew exactly what was gonna go down and told Steve the exact way that their next possession would unfold after the timeout. Then just like Jordan said it would, it happened.

[@zlatkojerkovic9456]

He's taken far and away the tougher shots in general. Perhaps he sought that out. With Lebron the guy is probably either dunking or at the rim in a majority of them. Kobe's falling away with 3 defenders in his gril and frankly that's why you watch him and the Lakers, because it was amazing. Lebron's athleticism as well with the chase down blocks, and those thunderous patented Lebron dunks on a breakaway.

[@aidanmilb7]

Didn’t expect to tear up at the end of a clutch debate video but here we are. Incredible videography, editing, and storytelling throughout this whole video. Really appreciate you guys pushing forward the creativity on KZbin

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thanks man! Really appreciate that

[@niamsidri]

@@michaelmackelvie I really don't like your model. It is biased towards players who hover around the basket on defense. Also, if your claim is to find the most clutch player ever, you can't have missing data. Go collaborate with others who have the data prior to '96. Watch the games and take notes yourself, I don't care. That's not acceptable. Furthermore, introduce weights for regular season and play-offs, with the weights going higher as you approach the finals. Spend half of the effort you put on editing this video to milk KZbin views into actual data gathering and analysis and maybe it will be half-good.

[@niamsidri]

@@michaelmackelvie were you paid by klutch sports to make this video?

[@Mdautkreix]

@@niamsidriyou’re gonna get attacked for tone but I feel you bro

[@Marlowe10100]

Entertaining video but doesn’t tell the complete story as not examines context of those “clutch shots” like for example Lebron is not a shot maker, (his clutch shots are mostly wide open layups while Kobe’s are super skilled jump shots). There are tons of KZbin channels that would totally debunked your analysis here, you look like another Leblob fanboy.

[@eriktorkelson2630]

Confirmation bias likely fogs our perception of 'clutch' players too. We're more likely to remember and emphasize the great last second makes than misses causing us to over-value a player's ability in the clutch.

[@jojoprocess2820]

Absolutely. Its also ridiculous to act like these stats are the end all be all.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

That’s what makes it weird with Kobe. I’m a big Lakers and Kobe fan and there’s really only one big shot that I can really think on in his playoff career whereas I can think of several for MJ and Lebron each, for example. Yet people say he’s right there with those guys in the clutch, but the number don’t really back that up neither does the catalogue of big shots that we remember back that up. But the aura of Kobe Bryant remains large.

[@mr_garca]

@@jojoprocess2820certainly is a very important part of it

[@ignoblesavage5559]

​@TheGeorgeD13 wow. you're a lakers/Kobe guy, but you can only think of a SINGLE playoff clutch bucket by KBB? He had 3 clutch² shots in ONE GAME, vs. PHX in 2006, round 1, hit 1 to put it into OT, 1 to pull within 1 in OT w/11+ secs left, & 1 jumper @ the buzzer to win it. Then hit a 3 to go up 1 vs. PHX in G6 w/a minute & change, then hit on a drive to go up 3 w/29 secs. 08, R2 G4 vs Denv., down 4, hits in lane vs double w/over a minute left, then an assist to Odom for 3, 54 secs to tie, plus OT buckets & assist. Or, WCF 08 vs. S.A., tied, hits J w/20 secs. left... 08 Finals vs. Bos, G3, J to go up 6 w/36 secs... G4, down 4, bucket w/1:30 to get within 2...G5, steal & dunk to go up 4 w/39 secs left. 09 R1 G3, tying shot w/29 secs, assist to gasol for tying dunk w/11 secs left. I could go on & on... so many examples just in the playoffs. But I'm sure I remember this stuff bc I'm getting old. Cheers.

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@mr_garca Yea Lebron shoots 27/75 in the clutch for his finals career

[@shepardice3775]

Your production quality is almost comically good. What a breath of fresh air your content is for basketball youtube and youtube in general

[@zanderyokum825]

Change nothing. Your videos are the highllight of my day every time you upload.

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thanks Zandery!

[@saeuleundfundament]

A masterpiece as always

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you my friend!

[@Attobaba]

So true

[@nenish]

Haven’t started the video yet, but if Robert Horry isn’t at least an honorable mention I will be very disappointed 😂, dude was a bucket in the clutch

[@woolly337]

You just know big shot rob is gonna get a mention

[@hirshja]

I think that’s where any claim that clutchness isn’t real falls apart. Horry was never a star, yet he performed like one in clutch moments. When the lights are brightest, some players are able to feed off that energy, and some players shirk away from it.

[@JoeyyJr]

My thoughts exactly. To be fair this video is purely statistical. But if you call it clutch goat you need to at least name drop big shot rob!

[@AustinMulkaMusic]

Data starts as at 1996.

[@maartenvz]

So, he wasnt mentioned. Remember he also had series where he missed all his 3 pointers (in his final Lakers season vs the Spurs)

[@RaidPerspective]

The production value on your videos is truly next level

[@janjossibinovski1682]

This has to be one of the best made and most thought through videos that I've ever seen. Amazing work!

[@joshuachang5210]

The case of Steph and AD are not only about small sample sizes but also about conditional probability. Not all clutch situations are created equally, and the 2016 Warriors would be having a bad day for them to be stuck in the clutch, while the Pelicans is basically a 50-50 team in their best recent seasons, so clutch time is not that different from normal times. In fact, the whole notion that early-game play swing the needle less is objectively untrue because every basket is still worth the same 2 or 3 points. In that case, the impact, even minor ones, a player can add throughout around 100 possessions throughout the game is more valuable than some "clutch performance."

[@gwilson314]

Very underrated comment. It's better for a player/team to be so good that they don't need to win that many high-leverage games.

[@kylepratt425]

Yeah makes me think of the thing you see in the NFL of how many "Game Tying/Winning Drives" or "4th QTR comebacks" a QB has. The reason some of the all time greats don't show up there as much as you'd think isn't a lack of "clutchness" but that you can't have these epic close game & comeback moments if you're in the lead and crushing opposing teams to bits. Ultimately what's more "clutch": hitting a buzzer beater to win game 7 or never getting to a game 7 in the first place because it was a sweep and your team won by 20 every game?

[@joshuachang5210]

@@kylepratt425 That’s fair, but for American football aren’t the variation a bit larger in terms of score? Also the fact that playoff games are best of one instead of seven, so I thought clutch stats would align even more with the players’ usual stats because of all the stochasticity

[@zeb_reynolds]

Due to the fact that the clock has less time on it, it is undoubtedly statistically the case that a two point shot to tie the game with 30 seconds left has more impact on the outcome than a two point shot made in the 1st quarter.

[@joshuachang5210]

@@zeb_reynolds No it doesn’t. You’re thinking that because you’re given the condition that the first 47:30 of the game was close, but the last shots with 30 seconds left didn’t create that condition or sway the probability of that condition to happen.

[@macedindu829]

As I said after the last video, I'm frankly amazed this channel hasn't blown up. You have interesting takes with a wealth of insight on fascinating topics. Your already great video production seems to get better with each video. I don't even watch the NBA anymore, and I still look forward to every video, just because of how it makes me think about these topics in a new way.

[@mosesodagbu4408]

One of the best videos I have watched in a long time. You always put out fantastic quality!

[@fatiryamin3927]

One of the best basketball creators on KZbin, you're incredible dude

[@Isaacharker05]

Wow you made me tear up, you clearly have a deep appreciation for sports and analytics, great video!

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you, love hearing that!

[@Krankensteinn]

I'm old. To me the most amazingly clutch dude ( for a few years anyway) was Robert Horry of all people. In the playoffs that dude hit dagger after dagger.

[@_robespierre]

yep, he annoyed da shit out of me. when worthy was big time, horry was daggertime

[@Wowreally42]

Your content is just next level. Glad to be here before 10mil. Calling it!

[@jaceking5938]

Row you not only make the most thoughtful basketball content. You also stepped up your production to movie studio levels. Bravo excellent video

[@dvdv8197]

Excellent video! 👍👋 Think this at least part of the explanation of why Dubs lose so many clutch games this season: they basically SOLELY rely on Steph's greatness, and the opponent knows it and just traps him!

[@JonathanWoodall]

And Steph doesn’t have the type of player build to sustain that like Kobe or Jordan did. What for Kobe was a bad shot is a horrible shot for Curry in the clutch when the double comes. How you impact spacing (curry’s greatest threat) matters far less in the clutch if you’re expected to shoot. All love to both Kobe is still my favorite player.

[@dvdv8197]

@@JonathanWoodall indeed!

[@hsm4983]

This was incredible, incredible video. Love the writing, the subtly, the clarity, the use of visuals and audio cues. My hats off to the writer, the editor, and the compilers of data. Great, entertaining, educational content. I didn't realize this thumbnail was for this channel btw. I was delighted when I realized this guy was the host. And I guess it can be argued that I clicked on the thumbnail not Knowing who it was. But yt has been. Keeping this video in my mentions and I clicked on it for white noise. My praise above is because of how delighted and surprised I was for quality of what I clicked on. And I'd suggest the team at least consider evaluating developing a common language for the channel's thumbnails. I click on the um nail expecting a low production amateur rant.

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you my friend! Much appreciated.

[@ataleoftwobros]

You my favorite channel on KZbin man. Love the practical explanation of a statistical DOE of basketball. Dope shit

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you!

[@pj3352]

Ive just got back into basketball after not playing for 30 yrs. Been watching alot to catch up and by far your work is top. Full on majestic some times fella. Loving it.

[@kwamebrown6392]

One of the best videos I’ve seen, 200k is a crime

[@anirudh_s17]

Netflix has got to hire you for a docu-series. This is premium content

[@MrAdriaxe]

This is some of the best analysis of any sport I've ever seen. Great job!

[@konradfischborn8658]

Straight up amazing video. loved every single second of it

[@3KRacing]

Loved this. I grew up watching Kobe and I cant deny his greatness but as a Spurs fan we had a lot of battles that went down to the wire. I cant remember one of them being from Kobe... Fisher, Fox, and Horry killed us though lol. RIP Kobe

[@joelbergsma7019]

“Clutch is the appreciation of the unseen times.” Absolutely love.

[@mirteoda]

the production value on this video is just something else. amazing stuff man love it

[@andrewbonnah7500]

Absolutely amazing video your script and story telling man can’t wait for more!!

[@MrKT410]

Too bad we don't have numbers before 96. You basically miss prime MJ, Bird, half of Reggie Millers career, and Jerry West.

[@pokinfunatcartman]

The sequence at 8:05 made me fall out of my chair laughing!

[@dweebazoid8456]

I've seen some amazing analytically driven basketball stories over the past few years but this one blows everything I've laid eyes on out of the water. Amazing content Michael, Thank you for sharing your artistic vision of number with us.

[@knackforknickers]

I’m so impressed with this video. Your channel is going to explode

[@vincejoshuamartinez2409]

i hope EVERYONE knows this gem of a channel.

[@jihadijohn9408]

Oh, you’re going to have some angry fans(of multiple players) in the comments. This is going to be fun 🍿

[@randomperson2540]

They shouldn't be he didn't even claim who's the clutchest all he stated was facts.

[@matheuscouri2225]

Pin of shame

[@fishthinkfingersarefood]

clutch GOAT. data goes back to 96. waste of time

[@TheGeorgeD13]

fulishthinkfungersaregood, but the video is really trying to get a more specific and more interesting discussion, so definitely not a waste of time. It was never about determining the clutch goat.

[@fishthinkfingersarefood]

@@TheGeorgeD13 video titled clutch goat not about the clutch goat...

[@kempton33]

Amazing as always. Would love to see more videos!

[@lucashagen4383]

I’m so glad youtube showed me your channel early. This content is top tier and I can’t wait to watch along as millions of others make the same realization. Keep up the great work brother!

[@NYGJMAP]

People hate when you use statistics and facts to prove Lebron is really good at basketball.

[@tridra5714]

It baffles me because they will pretend that the eye test doesn't back up what the statistics are saying.

[@csuszi11]

People don't deny he is good. but because of his antics, a lot of people can't stand him

[@biz09ification]

17.5% in clutch situations for his career, 12.3% from 3 point range in clutch situations for his career. Hes missed 94 out of 114 total shots in career clutch situations. 50 missed out of 57 from 3 point range

[@hiphophead4891]

​@@biz09ification12/25 for buzzer beaters in the playoffs....

[@ParamoreFAV3]

@@tridra5714this one kills me bro lmao. I’ve said it for years, it’s almost as if these fake analysts (who’ve never played and really don’t understand what they’re watching) aren’t watching what we are. Bron is the most clutch player in NBA history.

[@noahtassie8885]

As a big fan of basketball who rather dislikes the GOAT debates, I really enjoyed this video! Thank you for putting in the time and effort to make it!

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you Noah!

[@battlefort501st]

Love the detail and effort that goes into your videos! Keep it up man. I'll watch all of them

[@slowpoke8443]

just discovered the channel today. love the content and style of editing and all the b roll shots and yeah. great work all, looking forward to new vids

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thanks my friend!

[@ParamoreFAV3]

That boy Bron is cold man lol.That’s insane how far he was from everyone else even after the players averages in 30 GP was made to be what was being measured. People cannot fathom that the guy the media has been lying to us about when it comes to “not having the ability to shoot, not being clutch in any moment, etc.” - that it’s been the opposite. He’s the most clutch player in history.

[@xsjado_anon]

1996, so no Larry Bird...

[@noahdragon777]

larry bird would probably be 2nd to michael all time i reckon...half cooked stats, complete joke...and people fall for this shite

[@ryancheng846]

Found your channel for the first time and was blown away by the quality of this video, keep up the amazing videos!

[@GOATiology]

Absolutely phenomenal video! Can’t remember the last time I was this impressed!!

[@raul5081]

This doesn't include MJ's numbers before 96, when he undeniably had his prime. Would love to see where he would rank. It was surprising to see so many clutch guys down the rank. Of course numbers don't tell everything (certain players get harder shots and have more responsibility), but if Jimmy (JxmyHighroller) did a video about this topic, the outrage would be even bigger because of his reach. Hopefully this video goes viral and I can come back to read comments from heart broken fanboys.

[@donaldf9055]

Tbf, mj was a worse shooter pre 2nd three peat.

[@ShrimpyWilliams]

Legoat wins

[@TheGeorgeD13]

If I hav two guess I think MJ’s average WPA is probably right at the top with Jokic and Lebron. Whether he’d be number one or not, I don’t know, but in every statistical measure, Lebron, Jokic, and MJ all have a spot in the top 5 for playoffs stats, especially in the advanced numbers. They’re the greatest playoff performers of all time according to the stats.

[@tridra5714]

The difference is lebron and mj have at least 8 deep playoff runs (to the conference finals) while jokic only has 2 which implies jokics playoff stats will most likely drop​@@TheGeorgeD13

[@Cain353]

It doesn't let me post a link but if you google "Medium Jordan in the Clutch" you'll find an article that goes into Jordan's entire playoff career record. Bottomline, he made between 45-53% of all go ahead or game tieing shots from 24-5 seconds left in the game.

[@merrylderrickson3147]

no way...he actually took the time to do stop animation with legos...i need to know how long you spent on that versus how long you thought you were going to spend.

[@Frederick0220]

I have the same question! Unreal production value

[@UmarAli-vj8qy]

Amazing analysis, break and overall video! Completely original too. 10/10!

[@Bruhze]

The production of these videos are actually insane. Another amazing video!

[@bullshark3771]

With it going back to 1996 only it kinda wipes out a good chunk of MJs career so it’s not super fair to him

[@reunion_k9375]

and Bird

[@marlow7376]

Same with him saying why isnt kobe on the list that only goes back to 05 shit genuinely annoyed tf out of me

[@ntdscherer]

As great as Kobe was, one of his records was most career missed shots.

[@JLindy_]

The editing and writing on this are out of this world. Thank you for making this

[@carterhoehne7865]

This video is actully so awesome! good job man!

[@curtisbrown3865]

Awesome. Please make a video highlighting all the idiots who criticized LeBron for passing on clutch shots (to open shooters) the first 10 years of his career. Did you notice Horry and Fisher on that all-time chart?

[@Fr0gSplashh]

It is about time people give Lebron the accolades he truly deserves. To this day there are still so many who refuse to even put him in the conversation with Jordan, which makes no sense. Looking past biases, Lebron truly is an all time great and very deserving of the GOAT title. Also not surprised by AD. As a Kentucky fan I've followed his career closely and he's always delivered when it matters.

[@geordiejones5618]

For me Jordan and LeBron just stand so far above everyone else. I don't care about rings or clutch moments. Just look at the volume and variety of their highlight reels. Very different players, but the deepest bags ever.

[@michaelahurt]

2011 Finals

[@jamesray7684]

The ONE thing keeping Lebron from being the goat@@michaelahurt

[@nahman3474]

@@jamesray7684 The one thing keeping MJ from the goat is that he can't beat shaq when MJ didn't has rodman

[@broccolicabbage0760]

In my opinion this is the best basketball analytical channel of all KZbin. Thank you for your work!!!

[@blockdaboss5184]

Such a great video! Props to the work it took cause wow!!

[@iDominatemkwii]

The problem with using data to analyze clutch moments is it largely assigns all clutch situations the same value. Jordan hitting “the shot” to win that series at Cleveland is called “the shot” for a reason. If he missed, his team lost the series. The entire series hinged on that single shot he made. Compare that to LeBron making a buzzer beater in a tie game while up 2-0 in a series vs Toronto in 2018. Just not even close to the same thing at all. Using data is helpful and I thought this analysis was overall really good, but context still matters.

[@jemirtoussaint4940]

That’s whole point of the video. “Clutch” can’t be quantified

[@iDominatemkwii]

It 100% can't be quantified. LeBron's anti clutch reputation isn't something that randomly fell from the sky. He's had his awful moments and we haven't forgotten them. Our eyes don't lie. If a mathematical analysis of clutch moments spits out LeBron as the best clutch performer, something must be wrong with the data or the interpretation of the data. I go back to my previous example, a buzzer beater with no actual pressure (LeBron up 2-0 in a series vs Toronto) is not the same thing as making a series winning buzzer beater while down a point (Jordan's shot). But the data treats them the SAME.

[@jemirtoussaint4940]

@@iDominatemkwii you have your own preconceived notion of what clutch is and that’s cool too lmao

[@gtg196w]

@@iDominatemkwii it seems like you are choosing memorable as a primary criteria for defining clutch. Problem with that is it’s very susceptible to memory bias. At least the video’s approach to defining clutch is systematic and applied the same to all of those players. So even if it’s slightly generous in defining clutch, it’s generous for all the players in the conversation

[@iDominatemkwii]

@@gtg196w I honestly agree with you and totally admit to bias being part of the the argument I’m making, but being able to remember certain plays is part of the legacy that a player leaves behind. If LeBron is the most clutch player ever, why do so few people recall clutch shots he’s made? Like I said, there’s a reason certain players are remembered as clutch performers and some are not. There’s a reason for everything. This video kinda suggests that LeBron’s anti clutch reputation is pure propaganda and untrue. And I disagree wholeheartedly with that. I’ve watched the games. I’ve followed his career. And I’m not saying that you haven’t. I just think the definition of “clutch” used in this video is way too generous

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

Where uh... where the fuck are Larry Bird and Jerry West?

[@onlyfacts3178]

he only start watching basketball in the 2000s hahahah

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

@@onlyfacts3178 I guess so, lol

[@nahman3474]

Did you really watch the video? The stats are 1996 and later, does jerry west or larry still play at that time?

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

@@nahman3474 Both LB and JW were in the league at the time :D And yeah, I did hear that after I commented, but GOAT != Greatest of the Last 28 Years lol

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@nahman3474 those stats are WRONG...i can easilly bring a tone of other stats saying he wasnt ....and everyone knows that LEBRON wasnt clutch...this is just cherry picking and saying that clutch is 5 minutes..or even worse basic passes meaning he was clutch or the fact that he had 20 points in one game in clutch and then forget that his FG% wasnt really good

[@yungmatt009]

Haven't watched random 15+ min video start to finish in a while. Great work.

[@anandpandey5331]

you and Jimy Highroller are the only 2 basketball channels that are leagues above the else. the production that goes into these videos are insane

[@Masty13]

Basketball is a team sport. What LeBron often gets criticized for, passing to open teammates in clutch situations, is what makes him the Clutch Goat, by the numbers.

[@cyber6sapien]

Just because someone On KZbin invented a random criteria to fluff LeBron, that doesn't make it true. Going by *the NBA's* standard: _LeBron James Has Only Made 19 Of 107 Shots In Clutch Situations During His Career 17.8% FG, 12.5% From 3-Pointers_ . Type that in Google and see what you find. (Can't post links in the comments section anymore.)

[@JB-bc9nm]

You should stop smoking. He passes because he chokes on the smoke!

[@NikoBellic20080]

Which numbers ?

[@fraka899]

Why even mentioning MJ when you know it's only his last 2 seasons in the Bulls?

[@sonny4978]

cuz he's mj

[@RaffyMaBoi]

Because people like you will wonder where he was

[@darrylneiltanyag2487]

maybe it's even beneficial because it removes the years he was getting his cheeks clapped in the 1st rd

[@nahman3474]

@@RaffyMaBoi true!

[@00HoODBoy]

good opportunity to rewatch your other videos. this channel is really special

[@chiefsmackaho42]

Incredible video. Great writing, great editing, great production, just wow.

[@jake368]

Lebron really the goat fr

[@O4C209]

So... Bird

[@seancharran3332]

I appreciate your unbiased info! That was really interesting to watch, and I definitely didn't anticipate the Ray Allen part

[@BigRouth]

I loved this video. Seriously, the little Lego dudes, the clip choices, the presentation. Articulate, purposefully delivered. Fantastic video!

[@ryanb2607]

Why even include Jordan in this when you're only counting his last couple seasons with the Bulls and his Wizards seasons, all in his late 30s+ ? That makes all his numbers completely irrelevant. Jordan is clearly the most clutch all-time. Hits 50% of his game-winners/game-tying shots for his career.

[@innosanto]

Bird

[@AJ-sl7be]

Source?

[@ryanb2607]

@@AJ-sl7be For what?

[@AJ-sl7be]

@@ryanb2607 For the stat

[@nahman3474]

@@ryanb2607 Did he really hit all that?

[@eag8999]

Effective field goal percent skews this entire video because it *obviously* rewards 3 point shooters. The 3 is not always needed in the clutch and this skews to this younger era. Poor analysis ruined this entire video. 5 seconds to go in game to tie or win: Lebron=20%, Jordan =50%, let's see some other. Horry?!

[@onlyfacts3178]

efg% is a lie,,, if nba now says that shooting from half court counts as 5 points. TO NERDS a player shooting 4/10 from half court is better than 9/10,,,when reality shows that the guy missing one shoot is way better.

[@UltraDucc]

absurdly biased comment, "the 3 is not always needed in the clutch" the 3 is the best possible thing in the clutch, you need a lot of points fast in the clutch, oldhead not happy that the stats dont back up jordan😂😂😂😂

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@UltraDucc JORDAN why JORDAN?? there are more than 20 players better than LEBRON..and since the 2000s you have also DIRK KOBE DUNCAN SHAQ CURRY LUKA JOKIC all better than LEBUM...

[@AIRFGC]

one of the best vids I've see on YT in a while, actually had fun watching

[@kamalrifka6779]

This videos is absolutely goated 🐐

[@MrKurtykurt]

Lebron’s so clutch he’s played with some of the best rosters in the history of basketball and won 4 rings in 20 seasons

[@AJ-sl7be]

4 rings is bad? LeBron haters are unserious.

[@MrKurtykurt]

@@AJ-sl7be uhhh no 4 rings isn’t bad, but 4 rings in 20 seasons isn’t great if you are trying to make the case that you’re the greatest basketball player of all time. You Lebron fan girls are so delicate

[@AJ-sl7be]

@@MrKurtykurt Rings are a team accomplishment buddy, learn to watch the game instead of relying on accolades. Me calling out your bias isn't delicate.

[@MrKurtykurt]

@@AJ-sl7be 🤦🏻my god….yes, they are a team accomplishment, which is why I prefaced my original comment with “he’s play with some of the best rosters in history.” And then you say “4 rings is bad?” Implying that those rings were LEBRON’S accomplishments, until I point out the proper context which validates my point, in which case you 180 to “championships don’t matter anyway they’re a team sport” …and you’re so oblivious to your logical inconsistencies you actually call *me* the bias one

[@AJ-sl7be]

@@MrKurtykurt Are you dumb? I said LeBron having 4 rings wasn't bad in response to your argument. I never said that LeBron was responsible for those rings. I never made an argument to begin with so how did I 180?

[@brendonhowe2158]

This was a fun video but it's so flawed. To take a formula without context and assert that this is an impartial assessment of clutch is fallacious. First off, Anthony Davis being the most clutch player of the last 25 years by definition proves that the stats aren't everything. Second LeBrons accumulated points rebounds and assist numbers in clutch time don't make him the most all around clutch player. Those all around numbers are a product of his role in the LeBron system which he has played his entire career. He doesn't suddenly start rebounding and assisting in the clutch he just continues to play the LeBron system, though he definitely starts to get worse at scoring as your numbers show. Which isn't a surprise since he lacks a big enough offensive bag to consistently make midrange shots, pull ups, floaters etc You said LeBron has the most buzzer beaters in the playoffs but he has never hit a buzzer beater in the finals. In fact not one of his buzzer beaters came in a playoff run that lead to a chip. They are all from the eastern conference against some of the worst teams of the last 25 years. The east was terrible during his entire run of finals appearances. Further you lack context for pace, rule changes, 3 point shooting, spacing, competiton and match ups. Check out the match ups kobe had in his playoff runs. Spurs, pistons, celtics, 76s etc these are all the best defensive teams of the last 25 years. In the finals he played the top 3 best defences 4 of his 7 appearances. He also played in the slowest paced era of all time. These stats don't adjust for anything and give undue preference for the 3 point shooting era. eFG is a faulty stat when attempting to compare eras like this because the other team wasn't shooting 3s either in Jordan and kobe era. So they weren't getting outscored 2s for 3s like this comparison with current players or specialists like Ray Allen make it appear. So you are comparing apples to oranges. Also I don't think you emphasised that you are missing Jordans entire prime in this analysis enough. Lastly you play the games for a reason, you didn't prove that kobe isn't clutch in this video. Not every point, assist and rebound are created equal. We would need to analyse the context of every single one with the eye test not stats to truly understand their impact. Watch the games, statistics can be used to tell any story you want. Still fun video.

[@UltraDucc]

Your whole comment is invalidated by saying "lebron doesnt have a bag" obvious lebron hater, absolutely fuming at the screen when it said lebron was at the top

[@Nooblet92Ca]

@@UltraDuccLeBron has a bag but it’s not Kyrie kobe or melo level. LeBron strength has always been his athleticism and making the correct plays.

[@UltraDucc]

@@Nooblet92Ca of course

[@noahdragon777]

He is not calculating all the of the times Lebron is not clutch what so ever. Like completely giving up on defense. I can count a hundred times where his defense has clearly lost games. I mean he single handedly lost the 2011 finals by himself through his un clutch plays. He is the king of flops as well. Never have I seen a player flop so much in my life. Never in my life have I seen a player get away with soooooo many fouls. he fouls sooo much and gets away with it, its unreal! Never have I seen a player complain so much on a basketball court and whine about his teammates on the court. Never have I seen a player travel so much with the basketball. Lebron literally cheats the game of basketball with his steroid use as well. These are very un clutch. These statistics for what is clutch and what isnt are useless. One has to take the whole game itself, the entirety of play to even come close to such a decision as this guy is making....each game is unique. @Brendonhowe2158 you are completely right...."Not every point, assist and rebound are created equal. We would need to analyse the context of every single one with the eye test not stats to truly understand their impact." What about the most "UN-CLUTCH" player of all time? Lebron has to be number one by far. Crazy how you can mislead and lie with statistics. Lebrons career proves hes not clutch. .Hes lost more nba finals games than anybody and when you go back to those games hes lost, many of those games are lost because of his competely un-clutch behavior. The most clutch athlete ever is Michael Jordan. There is no question. Thats how you know these "advance" metrics are incorrect. Look at the olympics...Lebron was not mr. clutch...kobe and wade were. Look at the 2011 nba finals, wade was making clutch play after clutch play. Id say no nobody in the history of the game is as un-clutch as lebron. Look at the nba all star game where kobe completely dominated lebron in every category and hit the game winner and blocked lebron three times in the clutch...and this is the guy you want to crown as Mr. Clutch. What a joke. Larry bird would be second to Jordan in most clutch. Bird would be first in the category of Clutch Hussle Plays of all time which isnt even a category here!?

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@UltraDucc The Lebron that shoots 27/75 for his finals career in the clutch ? Lmao

[@magicmarv98]

Must tell you, You are one of my favorite channels I have subscribed to recently. Great analysis and great humor. I’m learning and laughing So thank you dude. P.S that timber playoffs moment was elite

[@Bryanmoore11]

Mike you GOTTA keep the work up. These just keep getting better.

[@jbcfamily4802]

This weirdo just took a sample of Kobe but didn't include 96-04 and his 4 finals appearances and 3 chips in the sample. Then, proceeded to bash Kobe

[@Jorbum]

Y'all Kobe fangays like videos of bashing LeBron but complain when it happens to Kobe gtfo lil boy 😂😂

[@codyop2770]

💯 just commented the same thing came to see if anyone else caught that

[@user-cv9mo1bu4r]

The analytics and numbers continue to prove that kobe is one of the most overrated basketball players ever

[@mattheww4850]

Holy Shit! The production on this video is incredible! Great video!

[@Lloyd00]

What an excellent and entertaining video. Well done sir

[@niamsidri]

Flawed stats + half-cooked model + 'make me some money' video editing... overall extremely useless and boring

[@ericjones4776]

100%

[@onlyfacts3178]

i can make BOL BOL look better than JORDAN..thats the type of stats this guy comes up with..

[@OblivionBounty]

It's way more advanced that typical one lopsided last 5 mins score within 5, no win Probability outside of it, no assist quality added and no defense. Just pure scoring? A one sided analysis in which you only rely on a 4 year period to dictate as the whole answer

[@noahdragon777]

I completely agree! Lebron is the most un-clutch player of all time, if there was a category of stats for most un-clutch then lebron would be absolute king. Is this guy even watching the game. Larry bird would be second to Jordan in most clutch. Bird would be first in the category of Clutch Hussle Plays of all time which isnt even a category here!? Shows that this guy isnt even watching the game correctly.

[@1vaultdweller]

Casuals believe Kobe is clutch. Real bball fans KNOW LeBron is clutch

[@tridra5714]

Kobe is clutch but casuals think he never missed a clutch shot or passed in those moments. And anyone who looks at basketball without bias should know for a fact that lebron is arguably the most clutch player ever

[@1vaultdweller]

@@tridra5714 Kobe isnt clutch. As stats clearly shows, his efficiency and production drops signitificantly down during clutch moments.... cus he is very predictable. He doesnt wanna pass to wide open teammates. Magic knew this and got the easy block on him

[@Garrrrry5]

That’s why nba losing fans, self claimed real bball fans only look at the stats.

[@1vaultdweller]

@@Garrrrry5 "only look at the stats" lmao you dont know about basketball at all if you gonna dismiss stats :D

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@1vaultdweller He literally has a higher regular season clutch % than Lebron lol

[@jcirni]

Your videos are therapeutic and informative

[@surfingtexas]

Tons of effort in this video and a great watch 👍🏽👍🏽🔥🔥

[@giovanniebrady966]

Michael, I Love you lolz, nah man I really do, these videos, the editing, the story telling it’s simply second to non. Keep it up man

[@ankle4522]

im commenting to boost ur channel hopefully i love ur content please never stop posting

[@gordobeenballin9826]

You’re making some of the best basketball videos right now! keep it going ❤

[@user-bu7eo9vi9q]

Your videos are so good I wish you would upload more! Keep up the great work you’ll blow up eventually

[@TalentedTenth]

So well done I had to subscribe. Damn it!

[@lukephillips1331]

dude this is an amazing video, instant sub

[@joaomiguel6979]

the quality of your videos is absolutely incredible for the amount of subs. Great work

[@JSR80]

First video of yours that I have seen (thankyou YT algorithm). F'n amazing!