In sports, the pressure increases in decisive moments. The clock is running out, and the tension is palpable in the atmosphere. Who will take the crucial shot? At Alofoke Deportes, we analyze the WNBA players who shine in those critical moments, when every point is vital.
Key Players in Key Moments
While statistics suggest that there isn’t a consistently “clutch” player in all sports, legends and memories tell us otherwise. In the WNBA, there are players who excel in moments of maximum pressure, capable of scoring decisive baskets to tie or win the game. In this season, several players have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. Here are the ones chosen by Alofoke Deportes, based on the analysis of the experts.- Atlanta Dream: Allisha Gray
- Chicago Sky: Ariel Atkins
- Connecticut Sun: Marina Mabrey
- Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers
- Golden State Valkyries: Kayla Thornton
- Indiana Fever: Kelsey Mitchell
- Las Vegas Aces: A’ja Wilson
- Los Angeles Sparks: Kelsey Plum
- Minnesota Lynx: Napheesa Collier
- New York Liberty: Sabrina Ionescu
- Phoenix Mercury: Alyssa Thomas
- Seattle Storm: Nneka Ogwumike
- Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron
Chicago Sky: Ariel Atkins
Ariel Atkins, the team’s leading scorer in the last five minutes of games where the difference is five points or less, ranks number 27 in the WNBA with 26 points in these situations. Although Chicago’s offense relies on the combination of Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, these schemes are more difficult to execute under pressure. The team is likely to rely on the versatility of Atkins, a two-time All-Star with the Mystics.Connecticut Sun: Marina MabreyMabrey proved her worth by scoring a crucial shot from the logo over Lexie Hull, securing a 3-point lead for the Sun against the Indiana Fever with 90 seconds remaining. It’s in moments like this that Connecticut should rely on Mabrey.Dallas Wings: Paige BueckersAlthough Arike Ogunbowale is known for her clutch shots, Bueckers, the first pick of the 2025 draft, could be the better option. Bueckers, the Wings’ top scorer this season, has demonstrated her ability to perform in important moments, such as her 44-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks, demonstrating her efficiency and ability to score under pressure.
Golden State Valkyries: Kayla ThorntonDespite her knee injury, Thornton remains the Valkyries’ primary option in key moments. She leads the team with an average of 2.1 points in pressure situations, with 47% shooting efficiency. Thornton scored a three-pointer to secure the overtime victory against the Sparks and made several other important shots during the season. Cecilia Zandalasini, who scored a game-winning shot against the Dream, also deserves mention.Indiana Fever: Kelsey MitchellAlthough the Fever have several options, including Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, Mitchell led the league in scoring in key moments last season and remains in the top 11 this season. Mitchell has been fundamental to Indiana, even setting a single-season scoring record for the franchise.Las Vegas Aces: A’ja WilsonWilson, a fourth-time MVP candidate, is the WNBA’s second-highest scorer. In pressure situations, Wilson has scored 40 points, averaging 2.7, placing her among the top 10 in the league. Although Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young are also strong in key moments, Wilson is the go-to player.Los Angeles Sparks: Kelsey PlumPlum made one of the most important shots of the season against the Wings, ensuring the comeback and keeping the Sparks in the playoff hunt. According to Inpredictable.com, Plum ranks third in “clutch win probability added”, ahead of Dearica Hamby, another key player for Los Angeles.Minnesota Lynx: Napheesa CollierCollier, an MVP candidate, is the heart of the Lynx. Her versatility and ability to score from anywhere make her the best option for the final shot. She also proved her worth by leading in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks in the 2024 playoffs.New York Liberty: Sabrina IonescuIonescu, although not the most efficient shooter, knows how to respond in important moments. Her three-pointer to win the third game of the 2024 Finals is one of the most important shots in WNBA history. She also excels in three-point contests, setting a record of 37 points at the 2023 All-Star Weekend.Phoenix Mercury: Alyssa ThomasThomas is a player who excels in moments of pressure, with 77.3% effectiveness in shots in these situations. Whether scoring an important shot or getting free throws, Thomas knows how to add points.Seattle Storm: Nneka OgwumikeOgwumike has demonstrated her ability to score in decisive moments. In a recent game against Washington, she scored a game-winning shot in the last second. Ogwumike has made three game-winning shots in the last two seconds, which places her among the best in the WNBA. In addition, she scored one of the most important shots in WNBA history to win the 2016 Finals.Washington Mystics: Sonia CitronCitron, the third draft pick, joins Bueckers as the only rookies on this list. Citron is the Mystics’ top scorer, with 15.2 points per game, and has scored 42 points in pressure situations, making her a reliable player.
