Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton are set to matchup in the 2025 NBA Finals.
OKLAHOMA CITY — After the final NBA Finals buzzer sounds and the confetti falls, all the hugs are exchanged and commissioner Adam Silver takes the microphone, the next suspenseful contest is uncovered:
Who wins the coveted Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy?
In most Finals, the winner wasn’t much of a mystery when the series concluded. Although in the latest Finals, Jaylen Brown took the honors last summer for the Celtics — and he was Boston’s No. 2 option all season next to Jayson Tatum.
But Brown sparkled in that series against the Mavericks, kept his game at a consistently high level, played terrific defense against Luka Dončić at times and finished strong. He was a worthy winner.
In other years, Andre Iguodala, Cedric Maxwell, Tony Parker and James Worthy won the hardware — all of whom were good players who impacted their Finals, but weren’t the bold-faced names on the marquee in those series.
In 2025, like those other years, everyone on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers starts at the same spot. After that, it’s up to them to separate from the pack, win the championship and hold trophies in both hands. Remember that in the history of this award, only Lakers legend Jerry West (in 1969) won it but lost the championship.
Here are five candidates listed alphabetically in our 2025 NBA Finals MVP Ladder heading into Game 1:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
2025 playoffs stats: 29.8 ppg, 6.9 apg, 1.6 spg
His case: He’s only the reigning Kia MVP, that’s all. Of course, Gilgeous-Alexander is on this list — his track record over the last several months dwarfs everyone else’s in this series. Aside from a few decent-but-not-great performances, his playoff run has been solid.
Until proven otherwise, Gilgeous-Alexander holds pole position as the strong favorite. If he does grab this trophy, it makes for an epic season of accomplishments: Both MVPs, a scoring title, first team All-NBA, All-Star starter and, we assume, champion if he gets the Finals MVP.
2. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Set to Nat King Cole’s 'Unforgettable', take a look at Tyrese Haliburton’s unforgettable moments from the playoffs so far.
2025 playoff stats: 18.8 ppg, 9.8 apg, 5.7 rpg
His case: If the Pacers pull this off, the betting money has Haliburton as the hero. That’s because he’s a prime-timer who never shivers in the spotlight and, if anything, will gravitate towards it. He’s a big-shot taker and maker. In the moment of truth, the ball belongs to him.
True, he didn’t win MVP in the Eastern Conference Finals, which could motivate him even more to be the difference-maker for the Pacers. Haliburton is built that way, which sets him apart from most others. He has the ultimate chance to put any skeptics to sleep, perhaps for good.
3. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
2025 playoff stats: 16.4 ppg., 8.6 rpg, 2 bpg
His case: Holmgren elevated his game with each postseason round and enters the Finals on a surge. He and Jalen Williams have been superb at both ends of the floor, but Holmgren’s shot-blocking was especially useful against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
Yes, this is a lofty projection for a third option who is still seeking his first All-Star nod, yet it would surprise no one if Holmgren is a difference-maker in multiple games of this series. An active 7-footer who can stretch the floor and protect the rim can win the award.
4. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
2025 playoff stats: 21.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.3 apg
His case: He surprised a few folks by winning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP over Haliburton, but Siakam was the Pacers’ more consistent performer in that series. He also came up big offensively whenever his teammates slumped and Indiana needed someone to step forward.
Watch out for Siakam in two other areas: defense and rebounding. He might be the Pacers’ most important player in both categories. Indiana will need Siakam’s best defensive showing against Williams, and even at nearly six rebounds a game, Siakam was the Pacers’ most reliable rebounder in the playoffs.
5. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
2025 playoff stats: 20.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.3 apg
His case: The perfect No. 2 to Gilgeous-Alexander takes a backseat to few players in this series. “J-Dub” is an A-list talent who is getting better as he gains playoff experience. His bounce-back in the West Finals after a so-so semifinals was telling as he provided solid scoring, playmaking and forced turnovers with tenacious on-ball defense.
If Indiana puts most of its defensive energy toward Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams could take over (and he can score 25 or 30 points). His defense will be crucial against Indiana’s efficient offense, and Williams is a scorer who always saves some energy for that end of the floor.
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.
