NBA Finals MVP Award History
The NBA Finals MVP Award is presented to the player who is deemed to have performed the best in the NBA Finals, the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The award was first introduced in 1969 and has been given to some of the most iconic players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.
The NBA Finals MVP award recognizes the most outstanding player in the championship series. Among the most memorable recipients are some of the greatest players in basketball history. One team that has a rich history in the Finals is the Boston Celtics.
In recent years, the Celtics have had several players who have been in contention for the Finals MVP award, including Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart. To learn more about the Celtics’ Finals MVP history, check out this article: Celtics Finals MVP.
Regardless of who wins the award, the NBA Finals MVP is always a testament to the incredible skill and determination of the players who compete in the championship series.
The NBA Finals MVP Award is voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The voting is based on the player’s performance in the Finals, including their statistics, impact on the game, and overall leadership. The award is considered one of the most prestigious individual awards in the NBA, and it is a testament to the player’s dominance in the biggest moments of the season.
The NBA Finals MVP award is given to the player who has the most outstanding performance in the NBA Finals. The award was first given in 1969 to Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers. In recent years, the award has been won by some of the biggest names in the NBA, including LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Al Horford has never won the NBA Finals MVP award, but he has been a key contributor to several championship teams. He is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level.
NBA Finals MVP Award Winners
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Dave Cowens | Boston Celtics |
| 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 | Magic Johnson | 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 |
Factors Contributing to NBA Finals MVP Selection
The NBA Finals MVP award recognizes the player who has had the most significant impact on their team’s success during the NBA Finals. Several key criteria are considered when selecting the winner, including individual statistics, team performance, and leadership.
Individual statistics are a major factor in determining the NBA Finals MVP. Players who average high points, rebounds, and assists are more likely to be considered for the award. However, individual statistics are not the only factor considered. Team performance is also important. Players who lead their teams to victory are more likely to win the MVP award than players who perform well but whose teams lose.
Leadership
Leadership is another important factor in determining the NBA Finals MVP. Players who are able to lead their teams both on and off the court are more likely to win the award. Players who are able to motivate their teammates and make key plays in big moments are often considered for the MVP award.
Notable NBA Finals MVP Performances
Throughout the history of the NBA Finals, numerous players have delivered unforgettable performances that have etched their names into the annals of basketball lore. These MVP-caliber displays have not only swayed the outcome of championships but have also cemented the legacy of the players involved.
The NBA Finals MVP award recognizes the player who has made the most significant impact on their team’s success during the championship series. While statistics play a crucial role in determining the winner, the award also considers intangibles such as leadership, clutch play, and overall impact on the game.
Michael Jordan’s Dominance in 1991
- Averaged 31.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
- Led the Bulls to their first NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1.
- Established himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Unstoppable Force in 2000
- Averaged 38 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.
- Led the Lakers to their first NBA championship in 12 years, defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-2.
- Dominated the paint with his size and athleticism, earning the nickname “Diesel.”
Kobe Bryant’s Legendary Game 5 in 2010
- Scored 38 points, including 10 in the final quarter.
- Led the Lakers to a 103-94 victory over the Boston Celtics, tying the series at 2-2.
- Displayed incredible resilience and determination, playing through pain and fatigue.
LeBron James’ All-Around Brilliance in 2016
- Averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game.
- Led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors 4-3.
- Became the first player in NBA history to lead both teams in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in the Finals.
Stephen Curry’s Unprecedented Shooting in 2018, Nba finals mvp
- Averaged 27.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
- Led the Warriors to their third NBA championship in four years, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0.
- Shot 40.3% from three-point range, setting a record for the highest three-point percentage in NBA Finals history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Defensive Prowess in 2021
- Averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
- Led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, defeating the Phoenix Suns 4-2.
- Dominated both ends of the court, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
The NBA Finals MVP race is heating up, with several players putting up impressive performances in the early games of the series. One of the frontrunners is Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who has been a force on both ends of the court.
However, the Mavericks have also had their moments, and they will need to continue to play well in mavs vs celtics game 4 if they want to stay in the series. The MVP race is still wide open, and it will be interesting to see who ultimately takes home the hardware.
The NBA Finals MVP is the player who has had the greatest impact on their team’s success throughout the playoffs, and this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With the Celtics having tied the series 2-2 in Celtics game 4 , the race for the NBA Finals MVP is wide open.
Will it be Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, or someone else who ultimately takes home the hardware?
The NBA Finals MVP award is given to the player who has the most impact on his team’s success in the Finals. In the 2023 NBA Finals, the MVP was awarded to Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. Tatum led the Celtics to a 4-2 victory over the Miami Heat, averaging 26.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
He also had several key plays down the stretch in close games, including a game-winning three-pointer in Game 6. Tatum’s performance in the Finals was a major reason why the Celtics were able to win their 18th NBA championship. Mavs Celtics Game 5 was a particularly impressive performance by Tatum, as he led the Celtics to a come-from-behind victory on the road.
Tatum’s MVP performance in the Finals is a testament to his talent and leadership, and he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
