Around The Block

a look at which players will be the go-to shooters for each nba team in the 2025-26 season

The NBA is known for heart-pounding moments, none bigger than those final possessions with the game on the line. While analytics have reshaped how teams approach late-game scenarios, the league still revolves around having a trusted go-to shooter — that one player you hand the ball to, who can create a shot and seal a win. With massive roster shuffles this offseason and some emerging new stars, the landscape of clutch shooting in the NBA looks pretty different heading into 2025-26.

The Numbers: Who’s Hot in the Clutch?

Dig into last season’s stats and you’ll find some names who dominated when it mattered most. LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets led the league with 7.8 points per game in the fourth quarter, while Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets, pending free agency) wasn’t far behind at 6.6 points, sporting the highest usage rate in crunch time. Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Dončić also made major waves as their teams’ steady hands late in games. The question is: with so many teams looking different now, who steps up as the primary shooter for each franchise?

Team-by-Team Breakdown: Who Gets the Ball?

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young is still the guy, tallying an impressive 7.1 fourth-quarter points last season despite a revamped supporting cast.
Boston Celtics: With Jayson Tatum likely sidelined and major trades clearing out the roster, Jaylen Brown now carries the clutch-scoring mantle.
Brooklyn Nets: If he stays, Cam Thomas is expected to retain the role, having outscored star peers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the clutch.
Charlotte Hornets: All eyes are on LaMelo Ball, who’s proven fearless and prolific in high-pressure spots.
Chicago Bulls: Coby White seized the spotlight last season and should continue to do so, especially as he seeks a new contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell remains the Cavs’ top option for a game-winner.
Dallas Mavericks: With Kyrie Irving sidelined, all signs point to rookie Cooper Flagg emerging as the late-game shooter. However, established names like Anthony Davis may also get a look.
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić – not a classic isolation guy, but the league’s most dependable facilitator and finisher, with a 57.8% field goal percentage in fourth quarters.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham is expected to maintain his status as Detroit’s primary shooter under pressure.
Golden State Warriors: It’s still Stephen Curry, even with Jimmy Butler joining the mix. Curry continues to be the league’s most feared shooter when the clock’s dying down.
Houston Rockets: The arrival of Kevin Durant finally gives Houston the closer they desperately needed—a proven clutch scorer with a 51.9% mark from three in late quarters last season.
Indiana Pacers: With Tyrese Haliburton out, watch for Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam to step up in critical moments.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard assumes Powell’s former role as the go-to scorer, capable of finishing over the toughest defenses.
Los Angeles Lakers: After last season’s dynamic, the Lakers will transition towards Luka Dončić as their late-game ace. For more on the team’s transformation, check this detailed breakdown.
Memphis Grizzlies: Back healthy, expect Ja Morant to reclaim closing duties from Jaren Jackson Jr., thanks to his knack for clutch play.
Miami Heat: Tyler Herro is the default shooter, but look for recent arrival Norman Powell—the league’s most efficient fourth-quarter shooter last season—to make an impact.
Milwaukee Bucks: Despite losing Damian Lillard, the Bucks’ closing time will still rely on Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose physicality makes him a constant late-game threat.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards leads all clutch scoring. He’s the undisputed go-to guy in Minnesota.
New Orleans Pelicans: With injuries and roster changes, it’s up to Zion Williamson to carry the scoring load when it counts.
New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson—the reigning NBA Clutch Player of the Year—is simply automatic when the clock’s ticking down.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a master at getting to his spots, even if Jalen Williams eclipsed him in last season’s fourth quarter points.
Orlando Magic: Despite Paolo Banchero’s scoring, Franz Wagner consistently gets the final shot, thanks to his ability to create space late.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey is firmly established as the go-to in crunch time, surpassing even Joel Embiid in late-game production.
Phoenix Suns: With roster changes, Devin Booker has never had a more clear path to closing games, but will face plenty of double teams.
Portland Trail Blazers: Following major roster churn, Deni Avdija becomes the safest bet for Portland’s buzzer-beating chances.
Sacramento Kings: Zach LaVine’s clutch three-point shooting has been a revelation since his arrival, sharing duties with DeMar DeRozan.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs’ rising star, Victor Wembanyama, will have plenty of late-game chances, with new faces like De’Aaron Fox as potential second options.
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes wears the label of go-to scorer, but watch for brand-new additions and quick improvement from others.
Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen is the best current option, but the team could look in other directions as the season develops.
Washington Wizards: CJ McCollum is the veteran most likely to handle late-game duties, though young players will start earning more opportunities as Washington rebuilds.

Expert and On-the-Ground Reactions

Former NBA coach and current analyst Paul Stevens told ATB Network, “Late-game identity is about trust. Stats help you see who’s delivered before, but chemistry, confidence, and matchups matter too. Strong teams have a go-to guy. Great teams know how to get that guy a shot.” This rings true seeing teams like the Lakers and Mavericks transitioning leadership from veterans like LeBron to new arrivals.

Locker room opinions vary, too. A recent ATB Network interview highlighted Ja Morant’s take: “You just have to embrace the moment. Every team needs that one player who wants the shot. I want that responsibility every single time.”

Looking Ahead: Evolving Dynamics and New Heroes

With so many young stars claiming bigger roles and veterans moving on or changing teams, the 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up as a year of both continuity and disruption in clutch scenarios. Keep an eye on rookies like Cooper Flagg, seasoned legends chasing one more defining shot, and wild cards in unexpected places. The drama as the shot clock winds down is in fresh hands—and as Summer League buzz shows, there’s always someone ready for their moment.

Source: bleacherreport.com