"Stop trying to invent s**t" - Gilbert Arenas redefines 'clutch shot,' highlighting Steph Curry's Olympic performance
Steph Curry has been an embodiment of the word 'clutch' since he was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft. With players like Steph Curry having the ability to keep their teams in close games with big shots the NBA has begun to define 'clutch' as an official stat.
Per the NBA's definition, 'clutch time' is during the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime and the game's score is within five points. The league also introduced the Clutch Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 NBA season based on these stats.
On an episode of Gil's Arena on Tuesday, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas took issue with the NBA's definition of 'clutch', discussing Steph Curry's Olympic performance versus France as an example.
"Like what Steph Curry did, those four threes were clutch," Arenas argued. "Somebody's like 'only one'... that stat came out in 2023, y'all made that up... They all became clutch because he hit a three to put them up six, [France] missed, he came down and hit a three. That shot is more clutch too."
Per Arenas, 'clutch' can't really be defined by specific criteria such as being up by five points.
Because they were like, 'they're up six and he hits a three, that's not clutch.' Did you see the look on their face? F**k, clutch! That shot right there made the other team quit. Clutch! Stop trying to invent sh*t!"
Arenas called the 'five-point deficit' rule of the NBA's 'clutch' definition into question. He also referenced Tracy McGrady's historic 13-point barrage in 33 seconds back in 2004 for not being considered 'clutch', strictly because it was outside the five-point window.
Steph Curry signs contract extension with Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry showed that he was clutch throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, earning the Clutch Player of the Year award in the award's second official season. Curry led the NBA in points, 3-pointers and shots made in 'clutch time' last season and earned third-team All-NBA honors at 36 years old.
Last Thursday, the Golden State Warriors extended the two-time MVP and 2024 CPOY with a one-year $62.58 million deal that will keep him around through the 2026-27 NBA season. Curry was eligible for a one-year deal under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Curry is set up to spend the remainder of his career in Golden State with the extension, after yet another All-NBA season. Curry showed he is still more than capable as the number-one option, as he posted 26.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game in his 15th NBA season.
The Warriors posted a record 46-36 and missed the playoffs in 2023-24. Golden State has strong pieces in place to either make a trade to add another star or continue to develop their young core to give Curry one last shot at a fifth NBA championship in what could be his final contract.