Who Will Be Crowned NBA Finals MVP This Season?

2025-11-15 13:00

As I sit here watching the conference finals unfold, I can't help but wonder who'll walk away with the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy this year. Having followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I've developed a pretty good sense for these things, and this season feels particularly unpredictable. The usual suspects are still in contention, but there are some dark horses that could surprise everyone. What fascinates me most about this year's playoffs is how teams are strategically managing their rosters, much like how the San Miguel Beermen handled their import situation when they tapped Miller as substitute import to hold the fort temporarily. That kind of strategic flexibility often makes the difference in championship runs, and we're seeing similar calculated moves across the NBA landscape.

Looking at the current landscape, I'm particularly intrigued by Nikola Jokić's position. The Joker put up staggering numbers during the regular season—averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists while shooting 58% from the field. Those aren't just MVP numbers; they're historic. Having watched him evolve over the years, I've come to appreciate how he makes everyone around him better, something that doesn't always show up in the stat sheet but becomes glaringly obvious in playoff situations. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and if Denver makes it to the finals, I'd put my money on him grabbing that MVP trophy. The way he controls the game's tempo reminds me of veteran point guards, except he's doing it from the center position, which is just ridiculous when you think about it.

Then there's Luka Dončić, who's been absolutely sensational this postseason. The kid is averaging 32.7 points in the playoffs, and his clutch performances have been nothing short of legendary. I've followed his career since his Real Madrid days, and what strikes me about Luka is his fearlessness in big moments. He wants the ball when it matters most, and that's the exact mentality you need from a Finals MVP. If Dallas can somehow navigate through the Western Conference bloodbath, Dončić has all the tools to dominate the finals. His step-back three has become one of the most unguardable moves in basketball, and when he gets going, there's literally nothing defenses can do except hope he misses.

The Eastern Conference presents its own compelling narratives, particularly with Jayson Tatum's continued evolution. I'll be honest—I've been critical of Tatum in past playoffs, feeling he sometimes disappeared in crucial moments. But this version of Tatum? He's different. He's averaging 28.9 points and 10.5 rebounds in the playoffs while shooting 46% from the field. More importantly, he's making smarter decisions with the ball and has improved his playmaking significantly. The Celtics have the most complete roster in the league, and if they win it all, Tatum would likely be the beneficiary statistically and narrative-wise. Though I wouldn't count out Jaylen Brown either—his two-way impact has been tremendous, and he's saved Boston multiple times this postseason.

What makes this year's Finals MVP conversation particularly fascinating is how team success intertwines with individual brilliance. In my experience covering the league, the voters tend to favor the best player on the winning team, unless there's an overwhelmingly dominant performance from the losing side. I still remember LeBron winning in 2015 despite Cleveland losing, but that's the exception rather than the rule. This season, we might see someone like Anthony Edwards emerge if Minnesota surprises everyone. Ant Man has that Michael Jordan-like competitive fire that's just contagious, and his 31.6 playoff scoring average shows he's ready for the big stage. At just 22, he's playing with a maturity beyond his years, and I genuinely believe he's a future MVP candidate regardless of what happens this season.

The strategic elements we're seeing remind me of that San Miguel situation where having Miller available allowed them to make calculated roster decisions. Similarly, NBA coaches are making subtle adjustments that could ultimately determine who shines brightest. For instance, the way teams are defending Stephen Curry in the playoffs—constant double teams, switching everything—has opened opportunities for his teammates to step up. If Golden State makes an unlikely finals appearance, we could see someone like Andrew Wiggins or even Jonathan Kuminga have a breakout series that captures voters' attention. It's these strategic layers that make basketball so beautifully complex.

As we approach the finals, I'm keeping my eye on a few under-the-radar candidates. Bam Adebayo's two-way impact for Miami cannot be overstated—he's essentially their defensive quarterback while averaging 22.3 points and 11.8 rebounds in the playoffs. If Miami goes on another magical run, Bam could follow in Kawhi Leonard's footsteps as a defense-first Finals MVP. Then there's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose calm demeanor belies his killer instinct. OKC's surprising success has been largely due to SGA's evolution into a superstar, and his 30.8 playoff scoring average proves he's ready for prime time.

Ultimately, my prediction comes down to narrative and timing. Having watched countless finals over the years, I've noticed that storylines matter almost as much as statistics. Right now, Jokić feels like the safest bet—he's the best player on what might be the best team, and his unique style captures basketball purists' imagination. But if I had to pick a dark horse, I'd go with Anthony Edwards. There's something special about that kid, and his ascent feels inevitable. The finals have a way of creating legends, and this year's MVP race appears wide open enough for someone to truly cement their legacy. Whatever happens, we're in for some spectacular basketball that will give us plenty to debate long after the confetti falls.