Historical Records
Who got finals mvp – The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is given to the player who is deemed to have had the most significant impact on their team’s victory in the NBA Finals.
Now that we know Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the NBA Finals MVP award, the question on everyone’s mind is when is game 5 of the NBA finals ? Game 5 is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 13th, at 9 pm ET.
With the series tied at 2-2, this game is sure to be a nail-biter. Will Giannis and the Bucks be able to close out the series at home, or will the Celtics force a Game 6? Tune in to find out!
The award was first given in 1969, and has been won by some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.
Stephen Curry claimed his first NBA Finals MVP award after leading the Warriors to their fourth championship in eight years. However, the biggest blowout in NBA Finals history occurred in 2007 when the Spurs defeated the Cavaliers by 23 points.
Despite this, Curry’s exceptional performance throughout the series earned him the coveted Finals MVP trophy.
Past NBA Finals MVP Winners
- 1969: Jerry West (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1970: Willis Reed (New York Knicks)
- 1971: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks)
- 1972: Wilt Chamberlain (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1973: Willis Reed (New York Knicks)
- 1974: John Havlicek (Boston Celtics)
- 1975: Rick Barry (Golden State Warriors)
- 1976: Jo Jo White (Boston Celtics)
- 1977: Bill Walton (Portland Trail Blazers)
- 1978: Wes Unseld (Washington Bullets)
- 1979: Dennis Johnson (Seattle SuperSonics)
- 1980: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1981: Cedric Maxwell (Boston Celtics)
- 1982: Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1983: Moses Malone (Philadelphia 76ers)
- 1984: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics)
- 1985: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1986: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics)
- 1987: Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1988: James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1989: Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons)
- 1990: Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons)
- 1991: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1992: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1993: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1994: Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
- 1995: Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
- 1996: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1997: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1998: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls)
- 1999: Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)
- 2000: Shaquille O’Neal (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 2001: Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers)
- 2002: Shaquille O’Neal (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 2003: Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)
- 2004: Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons)
- 2005: Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)
- 2006: Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
- 2007: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
- 2008: Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics)
- 2009: Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 2010: Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 2011: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
- 2012: LeBron James (Miami Heat)
- 2013: LeBron James (Miami Heat)
- 2014: Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
- 2015: Andre Iguodala (Golden State Warriors)
- 2016: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- 2017: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
- 2018: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
- 2019: Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)
- 2020: LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 2021: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- 2022: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Current Contenders
The race for the NBA Finals MVP award is heating up as the league’s best teams battle it out for the championship. Several players have emerged as leading candidates based on their regular season and playoff performances.
The contenders for the Finals MVP award bring a diverse range of skills and strengths to their teams. Some are known for their scoring prowess, while others excel at defense or playmaking. Their contributions will be crucial in determining which team ultimately hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Stephen Curry
- Two-time NBA MVP and three-time NBA champion
- Led the Golden State Warriors to the best record in the league during the regular season
- Averaging 27.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game in the playoffs
Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Two-time NBA MVP and one-time NBA champion
- Led the Milwaukee Bucks to the second-best record in the league during the regular season
- Averaging 29.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the playoffs
Nikola Jokic
- Two-time NBA MVP
- Led the Denver Nuggets to the sixth-best record in the league during the regular season
- Averaging 27.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in the playoffs
Jayson Tatum
- First-time NBA All-Star
- Led the Boston Celtics to the fourth-best record in the league during the regular season
- Averaging 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game in the playoffs
Criteria for Evaluation: Who Got Finals Mvp
Determining the Finals MVP is a multifaceted process that considers various factors beyond individual statistics. While exceptional performances are crucial, the award also recognizes players who contribute significantly to their team’s success and demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities.
Individual Statistics
Individual statistics, such as points, rebounds, assists, and steals, provide a quantitative measure of a player’s impact on the game. High-volume scorers, rebounders, and playmakers often garner MVP consideration, especially if their numbers are consistent throughout the series.
Team Success
Team success is paramount in the Finals MVP evaluation. Players who lead their teams to victory, particularly in close and competitive games, often receive strong MVP consideration. The ability to elevate teammates and make winning plays is highly valued.
Leadership Qualities, Who got finals mvp
Leadership qualities, both on and off the court, can significantly influence the MVP selection. Players who demonstrate composure under pressure, inspire their teammates, and provide guidance during critical moments can earn the respect of voters.
Examples of Non-Statistical MVPs
There have been several instances where players have won the Finals MVP despite not having the highest individual numbers. For example, Andre Iguodala won the award in 2015 despite averaging only 16.3 points per game, due to his exceptional defense and leadership in guiding the Golden State Warriors to their first championship in 40 years.
Stephen Curry’s dominance in the NBA Finals earned him the Finals MVP title, but the upcoming 2024 season brings fresh competition for the coveted award. For the latest updates and predictions on who might take home the Finals MVP trophy in 2024, check out our comprehensive analysis at 2024 finals mvp.
As the season progresses, we’ll delve into the contenders’ performances and assess their chances of securing the prestigious Finals MVP honor.
This year’s NBA Finals MVP was none other than Stephen Curry, who led the Golden State Warriors to their fourth championship in eight years. However, another player who had a breakout performance in the Finals was Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.
Brown averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in the series, and he was a key factor in the Celtics’ two wins in Games 1 and 2. Jaylen Brown’s performance in the Finals was a reminder of his potential as a superstar, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop in the years to come.
While Curry ultimately took home the MVP trophy, Brown’s performance was a major reason why the Celtics were able to push the Warriors to the limit in the Finals.
In the thrilling world of basketball, the Finals MVP award recognizes the most outstanding player in the championship series. From legendary figures like Michael Jordan to contemporary stars like LeBron James, the list of Finals MVPs is a testament to greatness.
If you’re curious about who has claimed this prestigious honor over the years, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on who got finals mvp. Dive into the stories and statistics behind these exceptional players who left an unforgettable mark on the sport.