NBA playoff MVPs: Nikola Jokić, Jalen Brunson and the brightest stars this postseason. Who’s No. 1?
Two weeks after ranking our playoff MVP candidates, the NBA is nearly through two rounds of a thrilling and grueling postseason. It’s time to reexamine those candidates.
Your NBA playoff MVPs, ranked (so far) …
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Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Jokić is a bruising force, delivering and collecting bruises. He navigates defenses, finding open teammates or finishing at the paint. He punishes opponents from distance and has excelled in these playoffs, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers and pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to a seventh game in Round 2. Jokić has posted historic numbers, including a 42-point, 22-rebound, six-assist game, joining elite company. He leads in points, rebounds, and assists in these playoffs. If Jamal Murray were consistent, Denver might be favorites for a second championship in three seasons. Despite a strained rotation, Jokić remains the Nuggets’ best shot. -
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander is surgical, slicing to his spot and finishing with precision. He routinely scores 30 points and went toe-to-toe with Jokić in a pivotal Game 5, collecting 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. The Thunder rely heavily on him, outscoring opponents by 12.3 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court. His leadership is crucial for this young team. -
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson, a 6-foot-2 former No. 33 pick, has exceeded expectations. He moves like an old prizefighter, delivering in big moments. He has scored a league-leading 109 fourth-quarter points in these playoffs, almost as many as Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić combined. His 39-point game against the Boston Celtics and series-winning shot against the Detroit Pistons showcase his clutch performance. Brunson embodies the Knicks’ grit and toughness. -
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Haliburton is a high-speed luxury automobile, smooth and precise. He is efficient driving to the basket or pulling up from outside and can set up anyone. He may be the best facilitator not named Nikola Jokić, leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals. He has hit two game-winning shots in these playoffs, proving his critics wrong. -
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards embodies a young Michael Jordan, moving with agility and grace. He has led the Wolves to the Western Conference finals for two straight seasons, averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. He has a bright future and is building a winner’s resume. -
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Honorable mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks; Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic; Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons; Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets; Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers; Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers; Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets; Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets; Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers; Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder.