Who are the Top Five Stars of the Finals?

Evaluating the Playoff Performers

Rick Carlisle recently provided insight into Tyrese Haliburton’s injury status, confidently stating, “he will be back.” (1:03)

With the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder have triumphed as champions for the first time since their establishment in the Sooner State 17 years ago. Now, it’s time to celebrate the standout players who left a mark throughout this intense two-month playoff journey.

Recognizing the Elite Players

While the NHL awards the Conn Smythe Trophy to the finest player of its playoffs, the NBA opts for a different approach. Instead, the league presents a Finals MVP alongside awards for the Eastern and Western Conference finals MVPs, acknowledging the top performers in each playoff segment. Our objective was to create a comprehensive five-player MVP ballot reflecting the overall excellence displayed throughout the playoffs.

Keeping this in mind, we present our five-player ballot, plus one honorable mention, that illustrates the playoff journey from the initial rounds up to the Thunder’s Game 7 win on Sunday night.

Star Performances that Shined

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025 playoff stats: 29.9 PTS, 6.5 AST, 5.3 REB, 1.7 STL)

Gilgeous-Alexander concluded one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history, earning both a championship and the Finals MVP title. This achievement places him among the elite, as he became the 11th player ever to secure both the regular-season and Finals MVP awards in the same year. He is the first since Stephen Curry achieved this feat a decade ago and the first to win both the scoring title and a championship since Shaquille O’Neal 25 years ago.

His crucial contributions during pivotal moments for the Thunder, especially in their Game 4 victories against the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers, were instrumental in their championship success. Despite Indiana’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm, he proved his worth in Game 7, solidifying his legacy in league history.

2. Tyrese Haliburton (2025 playoff stats: 18.6 PTS, 9.2 AST, 3.5 REB, 1.4 STL)

Despite Indiana narrowly missing their first NBA title, Haliburton’s playoff journey was nothing short of extraordinary. He orchestrated stunning comebacks and delivered memorable clutch shots, establishing himself as a key player in crucial moments. His tying shot in the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks and game-winners against the Cavaliers and Thunder are moments that fans will cherish.

Unfortunately, Haliburton’s Finals experience was marred by a calf strain and ultimately a torn Achilles, ending an exhilarating season on a heartbreaking note. Nevertheless, his impact and potential future in the league remain bright.

3. Pascal Siakam (2025 playoff stats: 20.5 PTS, 6.3 REB, 3.4 AST, 42.7 3P%)

Since joining the Pacers, Siakam has been a transformative presence, helping the team reach both the Eastern Conference finals and the Finals. His performance against the Knicks was commendable, consistently scoring high and proving vital in the championship round. His ability to exploit mismatches has been crucial for Indiana, especially as they look to navigate Haliburton’s absence next season.

4. Jalen Williams (2025 playoff stats: 21.4 PTS, 5.5 REB, 4.8 AST, 1.4 STL)

Williams’ development as a reliable scorer was crucial for the Thunder’s title run. He showcased his scoring ability with multiple high-scoring games, including a standout 40-point performance in Game 5 of the Finals. As he becomes eligible for a significant contract extension, his contributions will be vital for the Thunder’s future successes.

5. Jalen Brunson (2025 playoff stats: 29.4 PTS, 7.0 AST, 3.4 REB)

Brunson’s impressive playoff performance against Indiana highlighted his skills as one of the league’s top players. Averaging over 30 points in the Eastern Conference finals, he continues to elevate expectations and is poised to remain a cornerstone for the Knicks moving forward.

Context & Analysis

The 2024-25 NBA playoffs showcased numerous players rising to the occasion, with performances that may redefine their careers. As teams reevaluate their rosters in the offseason, the impact of these standout individuals will be felt for years to come in the league.