NBA Finals MVP After 5 Games

 

Approaching Game 6 of the NBA Finals on June 16, 2022, I have ranked the favorites for Finals MVP.

Players aren't judged by how well or poorly they played in losses, only by their contributions to victories.

For each team's victory, the top eight players were ranked, based on minutes played plus +/- (points scored minus points allowed when the player was on the floor). The player who led the team in a victory received 8 points, the eighth-best player received 1 point. 

Andrew Wiggings led the Warriors in two victories, and was second in their third victory. 8+8+7 means 23 MVP points. Steph Curry finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in those victories. 8+7+6 = 21 MVP points. Because they have only one victory to seal the title, these two are the only Warriors with a realistic chance of winning Finals MVP.

If the Celtics win the final two games and the title, as many as six of their players have a chance to catch and pass Wiggins and Curry and win the MVP.

Here are the rankings. Players tied in points are listed alphabetically.

Andrew Wiggins, Warriors 23 MVP points

Steph Curry Warriors, 21

Kevon Looney, Warriors, 15

Draymond Green, Warriors, 14

Jayson Tatum, Celtics, 14

Klay Thompson, Warriors, 14

Jaylen Brown, Celtics, 13

Marcus Smart, Celtics, 11

Al Horford, Celtics, 9

Gary Payton, Warriors, 9

Robert Williams, Celtics, 8

Otto Porter, Warriors, 7

Derrick White, Celtics, 7

Payton Pritchard, Celtics, 6

Jordan Poole, Warriors, 5 

Grant Williams, Celtics, 4

James Leroy Wilson writes The MVP Chase, Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, and JL Cells. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!