Analytics have increasingly shaped the modern NBA landscape, providing teams with deeper insights into gameplay. Despite this trend, the necessity for a reliable player to take critical last shots remains indispensable. Pinpointing such players is often a complex task, made even more challenging by player movement during the 2025 offseason. A pivotal question arises for the Los Angeles Lakers: has Luka Dončić secured his place as the primary scorer, or does LeBron James' extensive experience still reign supreme? Additionally, with Kyrie Irving on the mend from a torn ACL, the situation raises further debates about whether Anthony Davis or rookie Cooper Flagg will take those decisive last shots. In a league where every moment counts, identifying the go-to player for each franchise during clutch scenarios is crucial.

Leading the league in fourth-quarter scoring is the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing immense improvement this offseason with the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Young star Trae Young remains their primary option, having averaged 7.1 points per fourth quarter last season, differentiating himself from prominent names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry. However, despite shooting only 41.0 percent overall in the final quarter, Young stands as the most reliable choice unless Jalen Johnson experiences remarkable growth in his game.

For the Boston Celtics, the situation is markedly different. Following Jayson Tatum's anticipated absence for the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles and notable trades aimed at salary relief, the roster lacks viable options for last-second shots. Jaylen Brown emerged as last season's leading fourth-quarter scorer (5.4 points), stepping into a more prominent offensive role amidst the team's uncertainty. With Derrick White also contributing as a potential option for clutch moments, the Celtics face new challenges in determining their late-game strategy.