3 Seconds to Go, NO PROBLEM FOR THESE PLAYERS!

When the clock is ticking and the game hangs in the balance, most players feel the pressure. The noise, the expectations, the weight of a season resting on a single shot—it’s enough to rattle even the best. But then there are those rare few who live for these moments. With 3 seconds to go, they don’t panic. They don’t flinch. They deliver.

Let’s talk about the cold-blooded closers, the players you want with the ball when time is running out and your season might be on the line.

1. Stephen Curry – The King of Chaos

Give Steph Curry 3 seconds? You might as well start walking to the locker room if you’re the opposing team. Whether he’s catching and firing from 30 feet or sprinting off a screen with defenders draped all over him, Curry thrives in those pressure-packed final seconds. We’ve seen it time and again: he doesn’t need a perfect setup, just a sliver of space. In fact, sometimes the crazier the situation, the more likely he is to hit it. Ask the Thunder about that 2016 logo shot. 0.6 seconds left? Splash.

2. Damian Lillard – Dame Time

No list of clutch performers is complete without Dame Time. With the poise of a ten-year veteran and the swagger of someone who’s done it too many times to count, Damian Lillard turns buzzer-beaters into works of art. Remember when he waved goodbye to OKC in 2019? That wasn’t just a shot—it was a message. Lillard’s confidence in late-game moments is unmatched, and when the clock says 3 seconds, he doesn’t just want the ball—he expects to end it.

3. Kevin Durant – Pure Bucket

KD doesn’t need much. Standing at nearly 7 feet tall with a handle like a guard and a jumper that’s borderline unguardable, Durant is a nightmare in last-shot situations. His game-winner over LeBron in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals was the definition of clutch. Ice in his veins. If you give him a clean look with the game on the line, the odds aren’t in your favor.

4. DeMar DeRozan – Mr. Buzzer Beater

In recent years, DeRozan has made a habit of pulling off insane last-second shots. Back-to-back game-winners in 2022 proved he’s not just a midrange master—he’s also one of the most cold-blooded closers in the league. Calm demeanor, veteran savvy, and a bag full of tough shots make him a go-to option when the clock is winding down.

5. Luka Dončić – Built for Big Moments

Still only in his mid-20s, Luka has already hit some of the most jaw-dropping buzzer beaters of the past few seasons. Stepbacks, floaters, off-balance threes—he’s done it all. And what separates Luka is his composure. He looks just as comfortable with 3 seconds left as he does in the first quarter.

In the NBA, legends are born in those final moments. And for these players, 3 seconds to go? No problem. Just hand them the rock, get out of the way, and watch the magic happen.