The Playoff MVP Conversation Heats Up
As Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prepare for a seismic Western Conference semifinal clash, a new debate is taking shape: who’s been the true MVP of the 2025 NBA Playoffs so far?
Here’s our updated top 10 based on performances from the Play-In through Round 1.
1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
24.0 PPG | 11.6 RPG | 10.1 APG | 45.2% 3P
Even in off shooting nights, Jokic manipulates the court like no one else. He’s averaging a triple-double while anchoring Denver’s offense with surgical precision.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
33.0 PPG | 15.4 RPG | 6.6 APG | 60.6% FG
Giannis was relentless despite Milwaukee’s early exit. With no Lillard and limited help, his stat lines were otherworldly, pure dominance in defeat.
3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
31.3 PPG | 11.3 RPG | 5.3 APG | 1.5 STL
Tatum shook off a wrist injury and carried Boston past a gritty Orlando team. His 35-point, 10-assist Game 5 closed the series in style.
4. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
31.5 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.0 RPG
Playing through an ankle issue, Brunson delivered clutch moments in nearly every game. No one has more fourth-quarter points this postseason.
5. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
26.8 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 6.2 APG
Game 6 was rough, but Edwards’ all-around impact continues to grow. His 43-point Game 4 was a superstar performance in every sense.
6. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
29.4 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 4.2 APG | 44.4% 3P
Orlando leaned on Banchero in every big moment. His elite shooting and foul-dodging finesse nearly carried the Magic past the Celtics.
7. Kawhi Leonard – LA Clippers
25.0 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 4.7 APG | 40.5% 3P
Leonard showed flashes of peak form in Game 2 with 39 points. His defense was disruptive throughout the series, leading all players in deflections.
8. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
25.6 PPG | 4.0 APG | 1.4 STL
Cleveland coasted past Miami, but Mitchell didn’t take his foot off the gas. He made history with his eighth consecutive playoff opener of 30+ points.
9. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
24.0 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 5.7 APG | 39.2% 3P
Despite a thumb injury and cold spells, Curry’s Game 7 against Houston was vintage. He remains the league’s most dangerous closer when hot.
10. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
18.3 PPG | 11.8 APG | 5.8 RPG | 1.2 BLK
While the shot hasn’t always fallen, Haliburton’s playmaking has been elite. He’s quarterbacking the Pacers’ high-octane offense and delivering in key spots.
Just Missed the Cut
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Dominated his first-round sweep, but the Thunder barely needed him at full throttle. Round 2 could elevate him quickly.
Jaylen Brown – Playing through a knee bruise, still dropped 36 in a must-win Game 2.
Julius Randle – A postseason revelation alongside Ant in Minnesota.
LeBron James & Luka Doncic – Great early numbers, but faded late due to injuries.
Cade Cunningham & Franz Wagner – Strong debuts, but inefficient from deep.
Karl-Anthony Towns – High efficiency but inconsistent due to foul issues.
Alperen Sengun – Versatile and steady in Houston’s near-upset.
Jamal Murray – Up-and-down series, but his 43-point Game 5 was pure magic.
