Clutch

Clutch the Rocket Bear is the beloved mascot of the NBA's Houston Rockets. The bear's name is a nod to the team's nickname, "Clutch City," which was given to Houston after the team won its first NBA championship in 1993–94. Clutch was created by character designer Tom Sapp and was introduced to the public on March 14, 1995. He quickly became a fan favorite, and in 2005 he was named the 5th-most recognizable mascot in sports by USA Today. Clutch has had a number of memorable moments over the years, but none more so than when he consoled a man who was shot down during a halftime marriage proposal at a Rockets game in 2008. The woman said "no" and stormed off the court, but Clutch stayed with the man and walked him off, even grabbing somebody's beer on the way out and giving it to the man. Clutch continues to entertain crowds at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and he is sure to be a part of many more memorable moments in the years to come.