2025 NBA Finals MVP Showdown: Jokic, Embiid, Tatum, Siakam, and Doncics Battle for Supremacy
As we approach the climax of the 2025 NBA Finals, it's time to speculate on the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of this year's playoffs before Game 7. We've chronicled the Playoff MVPs at every step of the way, including the end of the first round, second round, and conference finals, so let's dive into our predictions.
Jokic has been a dominant force in the playoffs, averaging 27.3 points (on 54/39/86 shooting splits), 13.6 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.7 combined blocks and steals per game. He has been the driving force behind Denver's impressive run to the NBA Finals, leading them to a 12-4 record in the playoffs. If he can continue his dominant play and lead the Nuggets to a championship, he will join an elite list of players who have averaged a 25-10-7 on a championship run.
2: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has been a consistent force for the 76ers, averaging 29.8 points (on 51/35/85 shooting splits), 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 combined blocks and steals per game in the playoffs. He has been a key contributor throughout the playoffs by scoring at a high clip and protecting the rim on defense. His play has been crucial in helping the 76ers reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2001.
3: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Tatum has been a key player for the Celtics throughout the playoffs, averaging 26.3 points (on 47/36/85 shooting splits), 8.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 combined blocks and steals per game. He has been especially effective in the clutch, scoring 30 or more points in four of the last six games of the NBA Finals. If he can continue his strong play and lead the Celtics to a championship, he will be a strong candidate for Finals MVP.
4: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors (now with Indiana Pacers)
Siakam was a key contributor to the Raptors' championship run in 2019 and has proven he can be a borderline All-NBA player as the second-best player on a championship-caliber team. With the Pacers, he has averaged 24.0 points (on 46/35/84 shooting splits), 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 combined blocks and steals per game in the playoffs. His play has been crucial in helping the Pacers reach their first NBA Finals since 2000.
5: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Doncic has been a consistent performer for the Mavericks throughout the playoffs, averaging 28.0 points (on 44/35/86 shooting splits), 9.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.6 combined blocks and steals per game. He has been especially effective in the clutch, scoring 30 or more points in six of the last eight games of the NBA Finals. If he can continue his strong play and lead the Mavericks to a championship, he will be a strong candidate for Finals MVP.
