DeMar DeRozan finishes third for the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award

Deebo finished behind the Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, and the winner, the Sacramento Kings' De'Aaron Fox.

© David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Clutch Player of the Year award came a year too late. Had it been introduced last season, there’s very little reason to doubt that Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan would have won the prestigious title, especially with his unforgettable back-to-back game-winners that were the highlights of a successful Bulls season.

Fox wins it

This season, though, it was indisputable who the most clutch player in the league was—the Sacramento Kings’ budding star, De’Aaron Fox. The six-year-pro was the overwhelming choice for the Jerry West trophy—nicknamed after the crunchtime exploits of the Hall of Famer—and set a new benchmark for the award with his incredible play in late-game situations.

Fox was simply unguardable during the fourth quarter, using an arsenal of quick drives to the rack and pull-up jumpers to make everything look easy when the game was on the line. In doing so, he helped the Kings clinch the Pacific Division title and make it to the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 17 years.

The lightning-quick guard received 91 first-place votes for a total of 490 voting points.

Deebo remains feared in the clutch

DeRozan, meanwhile, got 20 second-place and 20 third-place votes for a total of 80 voting points. Despite falling short of capturing the award, Deebo’s reputation as one of the most feared players in the NBA with the game on the line remains intact. When the game hits crunchtime, DeRozan has, time and time again, risen to the challenge to deliver with his clutch scoring and playmaking.