NBA 2019-20: 5 Most clutch teams in the league so far this season

The make-or-miss nature of the league has forever kept many from achieving greatness throughout their careers. The past and present holds legitimate proof that much of the games are decided in the fourth quarter. With one-sided dominance swiftly making its way out of the NBA, the matchups we witness nowadays are significantly based on streaky runs, rather than wire-to-wire control.

Such an environment is conducive for teams who like to live dangerously, and are confident on their nerves to pull through down the stretch. According to the standard definition, clutch time depicts the last five minutes of the game when the two teams are separated by five points or less. Basically, it accounts for that crucial window of time when the game could go either way depending on which side makes the first dagger to seal the deal.

In this piece, we will talk about five squads in particular who have stood out during a matchup's most crunch moments.

#5 Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers have been facing locker room issues as of late

Despite the bubbling friction beneath the surface, the Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the hardest teams to beat this season, especially down the stretch. With a clutch win percentage of 0.652 this year so far - and 2nd best conversion (41%) in clutch threes - the Clippers have shown impeccable resilience to pull through for wins with the clock ticking down.

Having big-time offensive entities in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Lou Williams has really helped Doc Rivers play through multiple on-court schemes of choice. Although the team is fighting through inconsistency and a glaring lack of size at the center spot, the abundance of elite talent on the roster has covered all such glitches.

The Clippers are currently seated at the second spot on the Western Conference standings with a solid 33-14 (0.702) win-loss record to show.

#4 Denver Nuggets

Denver's clutch free-throw percentage sits at an elite mark of 81

Although the Denver Nuggets are the second-worst team in the league in terms of pace, their ability to get buckets when it matters most can never be denied. With a clutch field-goal conversion of over 46% this season, this unit has been showcasing championship caliber consistently.

They have six players averaging double digits in scoring and currently carry a hardy 19-9 (0.679) record when it comes to clutch matchups.

However, the aforementioned stats are projected to see a seismic change in the coming weeks with both Jamal Murray (ankle) and Paul Milsap (left knee contusion) out indefinitely.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have to win it all for Kobe now

The Los Angeles Lakers have sprung back into Western Conference dominance after an extended hiatus, and are making up for the lost time in style. Their sense of purpose and drive is something that deserves special attention and analysis.

In the backdrop of Kobe Bryant's tragic demise, the Lakers haven't set foot on the court for almost a week now, and still lead the West by 3.5 games. The team holds a winning record (0.684) in clutch games this season and posts 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks in clutch minutes (which is the highest of any team on this list).

Moreover, the purple-and-gold are top 5 in both offensive and defensive rating, which boosts their title chances heading into the postseason.

#2 Utah Jazz

The Jazz have won seven of their last ten

Specific tweaks to the spacing on the floor and offensive pace led to the Utah Jazz surging for a 10-game winning streak that took everyone by surprise. Leading the league in three-point percentage (38.5%), the Jazz have seen a meteoric rise through the West leaderboard. They are currently tied for the third spot with an impressive 32-15 (0.681) win-loss record.

Statistically, they've had 27 clutch encounters this season so far and have come out on top in 19 of them. Playing at full strength, they have three players on the roster who are scoring at least 15 points per game, making it nightmarish for opponents to cramp their production down the stretch.

#1 Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are leading the league in almost every category

The Milwaukee Bucks will not settle for anything less than an NBA Finals berth this year. They lead the league with an insurmountable 41-6 (0.872) record so far, while dropping over 120 points per game.

As was expected, they are inarguably the best team in the league when it comes to clutch wins (win percentage of 0.813) as well. Led by a cold-hearted machine in Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks as a whole, have been exhibiting the mental toughness characteristic of a championship side.

The team shoots an impressive 44% from the field in crunch minutes and as a result, has only lost in 3 of its 16 close encounters so far this season.