The Sixer Sense
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2023 NBA awards race: Embiid’s MVP push, picks for every award

By Christopher Kline

James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Clutch Player of the Year

1. De’Aaron Fox, Kings

Fox has been the best clutch scorer in basketball, straight up. While the breadth of talent makes it difficult to peg Fox for any other awards, he has certainly earned recognition of some kind — and this is the perfect way to honor his incredible season for the league’s most surprising contender. Fox’s late-game heroics have been a storyline all season.

2. Joel Embiid, 76ers

Joel Embiid had multiple game-winners this season. He also had some of the most impressive late-game defensive possessions you’ll ever see. Clutch play is about more than big shots — it also involves stonewalling drives at the rim and shutting down the opposing offense in the waning moments of a game. Embiid checks both boxes.

3. Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

There’s not much to be said about Damian Lillard’s clutch play that hasn’t already been said. We’re all aware of Dame Time. How many players are more feared in the final minutes of a close game? Lillard’s penchant for timely daggers is unmatched. Had the Blazers been a bit more competitive as a team, he might be even higher on this ballot.

Honorable mention: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder