Document Type
Thesis
First Faculty Advisor
Son Nguyen
Second Faculty Advisor
Michael Matkowski
Keywords
NBA; clutch; pressure; analytics; statistics
Publisher
Bryant University
Abstract
This research investigates the existence and relevance of clutch performance in the 2023-2024 NBA regular season. Players are analyzed both individually and against league averages to determine their clutch performance levels using an original "clutch score formula". This research aims to answer the questions of whether clutch performance is a real phenomenon, how individual player performance is affected in clutch time, and to determine a formula that can effectively predict the winner of the Clutch Player of the Year Award. The findings and formulas developed in this research help to shed light on the complexities of clutch performance, which has largely been considered an immeasurable trait in the past.
Comments
This thesis was completed as part of the requirements for the Bryant University Honors Program under the supervision of Son Nguyen. It was written during the 2024-25 academic year and has not been previously published.