Karl-Anthony Towns (left) leads the Finals MVP Ladder chase, but Victor Wembanyama is in the thick of the chase, too.
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The NBA Finals are now 2-1 in favor of the New York Knicks, giving the impression that the series on paper is closer than it is in perception. And the same can be said about the Finals MVP Ladder.
It’s still Karl-Anthony Towns on top. But is the race for the top individual award close?
Much will depend on the next game. For now, there’s no clear-cut dominant player, or even a slam-dunk runner-up for that matter. A handful of candidates have had moments and also some less-than-stellar stretches.
This series begs for a hero, and there is no shortage of candidates. That’s the good news: the floor is open for the eventual Finals MVP, which should serve as motivation for him and his team.
It’s Towns, for now, until someone comes along with a strong enough performance to assume the Ladder’s top rung. He may be in control of the Ladder only as long as the Knicks are in control of the series, because another Spurs win can change the conversation.
The stat to know: When 21-year-old Stephon Castle dropped 23 points, five rebounds and five assists Monday for the Spurs, it was a benchmark of sorts. Only Magic Johnson and Tony Parker were younger when they went 20-5-5 previously in an NBA Finals game.
What they’re saying: “I’m sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation. I don’t think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance and him being on his front foot in terms of being in attack mode.” — Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on Victor Wembanyama’s bounce-back Game 3.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
2026 NBA Finals stats: 16.7 ppg, 11 rpg, 3 apg
His case: Towns is here at No. 1 because he has been impactful twice in three games. That’s a better ratio than anyone else. The big man set the pace in Game 1 and followed up strongly in the next outing. He’s forcing the Spurs to make significant adjustments defensively. As in, do we assign a smaller player to him or Wembanyama? Actually, they’re shuffling both types of defenders on Towns and hoping for the best.
Towns wasn’t as involved in Game 3, and perhaps a counter strategy by the Knicks is to get him more shots in Wednesday’s Game 4 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC). There’s always a sensitive balance between Towns and Jalen Brunson and which player should assume the bulk of the shots. The defense being applied against them will usually dictate which player gets that honor.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
2026 NBA Finals stats: 29 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.3 bpg
His case: Wembanyama delivered a step-up performance at the most absolutely critical time, and in the face of a hostile environment, with his effort on Monday in Game 3. There aren’t many players who can do so at both ends of the floor. Not only did Wembanyama put the Spurs back in the series, but he no doubt sent the Knicks scrambling to figure out a better way against him in Game 4.
Wembanyama’s shooting was spotty for the first six quarters of this series. Otherwise, he has settled into a comfort zone. Is he finally getting his groove? The next outing will tell. Remember, this is the first taste of the championship stage for the 22-year-old, who has so much weighing on his shoulders. With a few exceptions, he has handled these moments well.
3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
2026 NBA Finals stats: 27.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg
His case: He’s the leading scorer in the series for the Knicks and mostly trouble for the Spurs whenever he’s handling the ball and trying to make something happen. That’s why San Antonio’s defense stays on high alert in these situations. The Spurs know they can’t allow Brunson to create space between the defender and flourish in the flow. He’s too dangerous there, and the Knicks’ offense is largely reliant on his savvy and skills. Also, he has made the two biggest shots in the Knicks’ two wins.
That said, his last outing was the first time shooting at least 40% in a game this series. Brunson has had stretches where his shot doesn’t fall enough. He’ll need to be more accurate in the first three quarters as he usually is in the fourth quarter to make a climb on the ladder.
4. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
2026 NBA Finals stats: 20.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.3 apg
His case: Time and time again, Anunoby manages to hit jumpers regardless of the defense he faces. At least it seems that way in these Finals. He doesn’t get as many shot attempts as Towns and Brunson, though, and maybe that should change, because Anunoby is shooting 54.3% in the series and has been a problem for the Spurs’ defense.
He’s also expected to challenge Wembanyama at times defensively, which seems like a tall order. But Anunoby is among the league’s top defenders. Essentially, he’s being asked to do chores at both ends and he can handle that load, even if it gets bigger as this series progresses.
5. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
2026 NBA Finals stats: 18 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4 apg
His case: He finally came alive offensively, and right when the Spurs needed him most, in Game 3 (when Wembanyama craved a co-star). Castle delivered and largely because of that, the series has a one-game differential. Game 3 was easily his finest of this series because not only was he scoring (23 points on 8-14 shooting) while also delivering the ball on time (five assists) when needed.
Castle has perhaps the toughest chore of anyone in this series. He’s the first line of defense on Brunson, and he’s also needed to score and complement Wembanyama. So far, so decent, and remember, he’s just 21 years old. Placed in that context, Castle’s effort is solid. If he keeps dropping games of 20-plus scoring and holding Brunson to below-efficient performances, his place on the ladder will soar.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.
