Basketball

List of NBA Finals MVP Winners

The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is presented annually to the best performing player of the NBA Finals series. Established in 1969, this prestigious honor recognizes the player whose exceptional contributions led their team to victory. This list compiles all 54 winners, showcasing the legends of basketball.

54 itemsUpdated Mar 14, 2026

The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award stands as one of basketball's most coveted individual honors, recognizing the player who delivers the most outstanding performance in the league's championship series. Instituted in 1969, the award has since been bestowed upon 54 unique talents, each etching their name into the annals of NBA history through their clutch play, leadership, and statistical dominance on the grandest stage. From its inaugural recipient, Jerry West, to the modern-day titans, the Finals MVP trophy symbolizes the pinnacle of individual achievement within a championship team context, often defining legacies and cementing superstar status. Recent years have seen a remarkable display of talent at the forefront of the NBA Finals. Players like LeBron James, with his record four Finals MVP awards, exemplify sustained excellence and the ability to elevate teams to championship glory across different eras. Stephen Curry's long-awaited recognition in 2022 underscored his revolutionary impact on the game, proving that even established legends can add new chapters to their storied careers. Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominant two-way play in 2021, culminating in a historic 50-point performance in the decisive Game 6, showcased a rare blend of power and skill that few can match. Nikola Jokić's masterful all-around game in 2023, leading the Denver Nuggets to their first title, further highlighted the evolving nature of the game and the diverse skill sets capable of earning this prestigious honor. The most recent addition to this illustrious list, Jaylen Brown, captured the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, a testament to his growth, resilience, and pivotal contributions to his team's championship run. Brown's performance throughout the series demonstrated exceptional two-way play, combining crucial scoring with tenacious defense against the opposing team's top threats. His ability to perform under immense pressure, making timely baskets and defensive stops, was instrumental in securing the title. Winning the Finals MVP requires more than just statistics; it demands leadership, composure, and the ability to consistently impact winning when it matters most, qualities Brown displayed in abundance. This award not only celebrates individual brilliance but also the collective effort and strategic execution that define an NBA champion.

#	Name
1	Jaylen Brown 2024, Boston Celtics, Guard Brown was named the 2024 Finals MVP for his consistent, clutch performances and strong defense throughout the series, helping the Boston Celtics win their record 18th NBA Championship.
2	Nikola Jokić 2023, Denver Nuggets, Center Jokić made history by leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship, delivering a dominant and historic playoff run where he led in total points, rebounds, and assists.
3	Stephen Curry 2022, Golden State Warriors, Guard Curry finally secured his first Finals MVP, leading the Warriors to their fourth championship in eight years with exceptional shooting and playmaking against the Boston Celtics.
4	Giannis Antetokounmpo 2021, Milwaukee Bucks, Forward Antetokounmpo delivered an all-time great Finals performance, including a 50-point Game 6, to lead the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.
5	LeBron James 2012, Miami Heat, Forward James won his first NBA championship and Finals MVP, delivering dominant all-around performances to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.
6	Kawhi Leonard 2014, San Antonio Spurs, Forward Leonard emerged as a star, winning Finals MVP for his exceptional defense on LeBron James and efficient scoring, as the Spurs defeated the Heat in a dominant series.
7	Kevin Durant 2017, Golden State Warriors, Forward Durant won his first Finals MVP in his debut season with the Warriors, showcasing exceptional scoring to defeat his former teammate LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
8	Kevin Durant 2017, Golden State Warriors, Forward Durant won his first Finals MVP in his debut season with the Warriors, showcasing exceptional scoring to defeat his former teammate LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
9	LeBron James 2012, Miami Heat, Forward James won his first NBA championship and Finals MVP, delivering dominant all-around performances to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.
10	Andre Iguodala 2015, Golden State Warriors, Forward Iguodala unexpectedly won Finals MVP for his pivotal defense on LeBron James and timely offensive contributions, helping the Warriors win their first title in 40 years.
11	Jerry West 1969, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard The inaugural Finals MVP, West is famously the only player to win the award while on the losing team, averaging 37.9 points per game in a seven-game series loss to the Boston Celtics.
12	Willis Reed 1970, New York Knicks, Center/Forward Reed famously returned from a thigh injury in Game 7 to lead the Knicks to their first championship, scoring the first two baskets and inspiring his team to victory against the Lakers.
13	Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1971, Milwaukee Bucks, Center In his second NBA season, Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, led the Bucks to a dominant sweep over the Baltimore Bullets for the franchise's first championship.
14	Wilt Chamberlain 1972, Los Angeles Lakers, Center Chamberlain led the Lakers to their first NBA title in Los Angeles, defeating the New York Knicks, and averaged 19.4 points and 23.2 rebounds in the championship series.
15	Willis Reed 1973, New York Knicks, Center/Forward Reed secured his second Finals MVP award by leading the Knicks to another championship victory in a rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers.
16	John Havlicek 1974, Boston Celtics, Forward/Guard Havlicek's 36-point performance in Game 6 was crucial in leading the Celtics past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Bucks, marking Boston's first title in the post-Bill Russell era.
17	Rick Barry 1975, Golden State Warriors, Forward Despite the Washington Bullets being heavily favored, Barry led the Warriors to a surprising sweep, averaging 29.5 points per game in the series.
18	Jo Jo White 1976, Boston Celtics, Guard White was instrumental in the Celtics' championship run, showcasing clutch performances throughout the Finals series.
19	Bill Walton 1977, Portland Trail Blazers, Center Walton led the Trail Blazers to their only NBA championship, dominating with his all-around play and commanding presence in the paint.
20	Wes Unseld 1978, Washington Bullets, Center/Forward Unseld's leadership and rebounding prowess were key in guiding the Washington Bullets to their lone NBA championship.
21	Dennis Johnson 1979, Seattle SuperSonics, Guard Johnson's stellar defensive play and offensive contributions propelled the Seattle SuperSonics to their first and only NBA title.
22	Magic Johnson 1980, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard As a rookie, Johnson famously stepped in at center in Game 6, delivering a dominant 42-point, 15-rebound, 7-assist performance to clinch the championship, becoming the youngest Finals MVP.
23	Cedric Maxwell 1981, Boston Celtics, Forward Maxwell's efficient scoring and tenacious rebounding were critical for the Celtics in their championship victory.
24	Magic Johnson 1982, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard Johnson earned his second Finals MVP award, leading the Lakers to another championship with his exceptional all-around play.
25	Moses Malone 1983, Philadelphia 76ers, Center Malone's dominant post-play and rebounding were essential to the 76ers' 'Fo' Fo' Fo'' almost-sweep, leading them to an NBA title.
26	Larry Bird 1984, Boston Celtics, Forward Bird led the Celtics to a seven-game victory over the Lakers in an iconic rivalry series, averaging 27.4 points and 14 rebounds per game.
27	Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1985, Los Angeles Lakers, Center At 38 years old, Abdul-Jabbar became the oldest Finals MVP, leading the Lakers to victory against the Celtics, averaging 25.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
28	Larry Bird 1986, Boston Celtics, Forward Bird secured his second Finals MVP, leading the Celtics to another championship with strong all-around performances, nearly averaging a triple-double.
29	Magic Johnson 1987, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard Johnson earned his third Finals MVP with exceptional statistical contributions, including a memorable 'junior skyhook' in Game 4, in a six-game triumph over the Celtics.
30	James Worthy 1988, Los Angeles Lakers, Forward Worthy delivered a historic triple-double in Game 7 (36 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists) to help the Lakers win a thrilling series against the Detroit Pistons.
31	Joe Dumars 1989, Detroit Pistons, Guard Dumars' outstanding offensive and defensive play was crucial in the 'Bad Boy' Pistons' sweep of the Lakers for their first NBA title.
32	Isiah Thomas 1990, Detroit Pistons, Guard Thomas led the Pistons to their second consecutive championship, showcasing remarkable scoring and playmaking in a physical series.
33	Michael Jordan 1991, Chicago Bulls, Guard Jordan secured his first Finals MVP as he led the Bulls to their first NBA championship, dazzling with his scoring and iconic mid-air switch-hand layup.
34	Michael Jordan 1992, Chicago Bulls, Guard Jordan earned his second consecutive Finals MVP, highlighted by his 'shrug' game in Game 1, as the Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers.
35	Michael Jordan 1993, Chicago Bulls, Guard Completing the first 'three-peat', Jordan won his third straight Finals MVP with an exceptional scoring series against the Phoenix Suns.
36	Hakeem Olajuwon 1994, Houston Rockets, Center Olajuwon dominated defensively and offensively, outplaying Patrick Ewing to lead the Rockets to their first NBA championship and earning MVP, DPOY, and Finals MVP in the same season.
37	Hakeem Olajuwon 1995, Houston Rockets, Center Olajuwon led the Rockets to a sweep over Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic, securing his second consecutive Finals MVP with another commanding performance.
38	Michael Jordan 1996, Chicago Bulls, Guard Returning from retirement, Jordan led the Bulls to a dominant championship, earning his fourth Finals MVP against the Seattle SuperSonics.
39	Michael Jordan 1997, Chicago Bulls, Guard Jordan's iconic 'flu game' performance in Game 5 highlighted his fifth Finals MVP campaign, as the Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz.
40	Michael Jordan 1998, Chicago Bulls, Guard In his final game with the Bulls, Jordan hit the game-winning shot and clinched his sixth Finals MVP, securing Chicago's second 'three-peat'.
41	Tim Duncan 1999, San Antonio Spurs, Forward/Center Duncan led the Spurs to their first NBA championship in a lockout-shortened season, dominating the paint and earning his first Finals MVP.
42	Shaquille O'Neal 2000, Los Angeles Lakers, Center O'Neal began his 'three-peat' of Finals MVPs with a dominant series against the Indiana Pacers, showcasing unparalleled power and scoring.
43	Shaquille O'Neal 2001, Los Angeles Lakers, Center O'Neal continued his Finals dominance, leading the Lakers to their second consecutive title with overwhelming performances against the Philadelphia 76ers.
44	Shaquille O'Neal 2002, Los Angeles Lakers, Center O'Neal completed a 'three-peat' of Finals MVPs and championships with the Lakers, sweeping the New Jersey Nets with averages of 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds.
45	Tim Duncan 2003, San Antonio Spurs, Forward/Center Duncan delivered a near quadruple-double in the decisive Game 6, leading the Spurs to another championship and his second Finals MVP.
46	Chauncey Billups 2004, Detroit Pistons, Guard Billups' composed leadership and clutch play propelled the underdog Pistons to a stunning upset victory over the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.
47	Tim Duncan 2005, San Antonio Spurs, Forward/Center Duncan earned his third Finals MVP, anchoring the Spurs' defense and offense in a hard-fought seven-game series victory over the Detroit Pistons.
48	Dwyane Wade 2006, Miami Heat, Guard Wade's spectacular scoring and clutch performances in the final four games led the Miami Heat to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win their first NBA championship.
49	Tony Parker 2007, San Antonio Spurs, Guard Parker became the first European-born player to win Finals MVP, leading the Spurs to a sweep over LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers with his efficient scoring and playmaking.
50	Paul Pierce 2008, Boston Celtics, Forward Pierce led the 'Big Three' Celtics to their first championship together, defeating the Lakers in their renewed rivalry.
51	Kobe Bryant 2009, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard Bryant earned his first Finals MVP, leading the Lakers to a dominant championship victory over the Orlando Magic.
52	Kobe Bryant 2010, Los Angeles Lakers, Guard Bryant secured his second consecutive Finals MVP in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics, avenging the 2008 loss.
53	Dirk Nowitzki 2011, Dallas Mavericks, Forward Nowitzki famously led the underdog Mavericks to an upset victory over the Miami Heat's 'Big Three', showcasing incredible clutch scoring.
54	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 2025, Oklahoma City Thunder, Point Guard/Guard/Forward Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Finals MVP after an incredible season and an epic seven-game Finals, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA championship.

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 14, 2026.

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