In the 2025 NBA Finals, all eyes are not only on the championship trophy but also on the race for Finals MVP—an award reserved for the player who delivers the most impactful and consistent performances on basketball’s biggest stage. Taking place in arenas across the country this June, the series features standout players from contending teams who have risen to the moment with leadership, poise, and clutch play. As the competition intensifies, several stars are emerging as frontrunners for this prestigious honor, each driven by the opportunity to etch their name into NBA history.
What Makes a Finals MVP?
Earning the title of Finals MVP goes beyond racking up impressive statistics. While strong numbers are certainly a key factor, the award ultimately honors a player’s complete impact throughout the series—often defined by leadership, mental toughness, and the ability to elevate their team when the stakes are highest. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about presence, decision-making, and delivering when the moment demands it. These qualities are what separate a great player from one who defines the outcome of a championship series.
● Consistency: Finals MVPs don’t just shine once—they perform at an elite level in every game, anchoring their team with reliable production,
● Clutch Factor: The ability to rise in the final minutes, delivering crucial plays and scoring when the pressure is at its peak, often defines their legacy,
● Leadership: Whether vocal or by example, true MVPs inspire confidence and focus among teammates, driving the collective effort forward,
● Game Impact: Beyond scoring, their influence is felt across the stat sheet—rebounding, facilitating, locking down opponents, and making smart decisions that shift momentum.
Now that we’ve covered the traits that embody a Finals MVP, let’s jump into the top contenders from this year’s NBA playoffs and why they’re in the conversation as potential winners of basketball’s highest individual postseason honor.
Leading Contenders for This Year’s Finals MVP
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
SGA is the driving force behind the Thunder’s league-best record and playoff run.
His elite scoring, clutch play, and all-around impact make him the current betting favorite for Finals MVP (+130 at FanDuel). If the Thunder reach the Finals, SGA’s performance will be central to their title hopes.
2. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Tatum’s blend of scoring, rebounding, and defense has kept Boston among the NBA’s elite. Despite battling through injuries, his postseason consistency and leadership have him as the second favorite (+250 to +300). If the Celtics make a deep run, Tatum is likely their MVP.
3. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell’s explosive scoring and ability to take over games have powered Cleveland’s playoff surge. He’s the top Cavs contender (+600 to +800), and if Cleveland keeps advancing, Mitchell’s heroics will be a big reason why.
4. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards has emerged as a true superstar, leading Minnesota with dynamic offense and improved playmaking. His odds (+1500 to +2400) reflect the Timberwolves’ underdog status, but if they make a run, Edwards will be at the center of it.
5. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
Brown’s two-way play and big-game mentality make him a key Celtics threat.
He’s a strong value pick (+1800 to +2000), especially if he delivers in clutch Finals moments.
What Separates Good Performers from Finals MVPs?
While these players all bring incredible skills and stats to the table, Finals MVPs go beyond individual brilliance—they define the heartbeat of their teams. They elevate those around them, perform with unwavering consistency, and deliver unforgettable moments when everything is on the line. It’s the type of impact that transcends the box score. Think Michael Jordan’s Flu Game, where sheer willpower outshined illness, or LeBron James’ gravity-defying chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals—each moment etched into NBA history not just because of skill, but because of what it represented: dominance under pressure.
More than just high scorers or highlight-makers, Finals MVPs are often the emotional and strategic anchors of their teams. They embody resilience, adapting to challenges mid-series and carrying the burden when the rest of the roster wavers. While role players can swing a game or two, MVPs carry the team through adversity, fueling comebacks, maintaining poise in chaos, and keeping championship dreams alive. Ultimately, the Finals MVP becomes the face of victory—not just the best player on the court, but the one who defined the narrative of the series and delivered when it mattered most.
Why Finals MVP Still Matters
The Finals MVP is more than a stat sheet honor—it’s a reflection of a player’s impact when everything is on the line. It highlights those who elevate their team with leadership, resilience, and clutch performances. As the 2025 NBA Playoffs reach their peak, this year’s contenders—led by stars like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo—have made strong cases, but the race is far from over. Others are rising, proving they belong in the conversation with game-changing moments. The road to the Finals MVP remains open, and the player who claims it will leave a lasting mark on this postseason. Fans can expect nothing less than a dramatic and defining end to an already unforgettable season.
