The stage is set for another thrilling NBA Finals showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. With a strong cast of contenders, we’ve narrowed down our picks to five top candidates vying for the coveted Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy.
The Thunder’s reigning Kia MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, holds pole position as the strong favorite, thanks to his impressive playoff run that has dwarfed everyone else’s in this series. His consistent performance and dominant playmaking make him a compelling choice. However, Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers is hot on his heels, having been built for moments like these.
On the Thunder side, Chet Holmgren continues to impress with his shot-blocking prowess, while Jalen Williams rounds out the trio with his exceptional scoring and defensive abilities. Meanwhile, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam has emerged as a surprise contender, with a consistent performance that has earned him Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors.
With the series set to begin, it’s anyone’s game. But one thing is certain – the next Bill Russell MVP winner will be among these five exceptional players.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/nba-finals-mvp-ladder-2025-5-candidates-to-watch