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As the race for the NBA Finals MVP unfolds, tension has certainly heightened. One player succeeded, while the other fell short in the dramatic closing seconds of Game 1 between the Pacers and the Thunder.
The scoreboard reflected a narrow victory margin of just one point, a detail mirrored in the MVP Ladder for this playoff series, where the difference between those at the top is a single position—Tyrese Haliburton having made the decisive shot and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing his.
Both players entered the Finals as frontrunners for the MVP title, and their performances confirmed that expectation. Haliburton and Gilgeous-Alexander positioned their teams well for success, which is the hallmark of any MVP candidate.
What distinguishes this MVP Ladder from the regular season is clear: there’s little time to recover from setbacks or celebrate victories. This series is a best-of-seven sprint rather than the lengthy six-month marathon of the regular season, where fortunes can change in an instant, especially in the very next game.
This realization serves as a caution for Haliburton and the Pacers, as well as a source of comfort for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
Looking ahead to Game 2: The Thunder experienced only six losses at home during the regular season, and just one in the playoffs so far. Can they afford to lose back-to-back games at Paycom Center in this series? That’s the challenge for Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard—the trio of Pacers represented on the MVP list, particularly after their surprising Game 1 victory.
A noteworthy statistic: Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points rank as the third-highest tally for an NBA Finals debut, following Allen Iverson’s 48 in 2001 and George Mikan’s 42 in 1949.
Quotes to consider: “Some players claim they have it, but others truly demonstrate it, and he’s not shy about showing it. That’s something I respect deeply about him. He’s a true baller and gamer.” —Pacers center Myles Turner on Haliburton.
Tyrese Haliburton hits the game-winning shot in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Game 1 performance: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists
His argument: He made The Shot. That’s all it took to place him atop this list, as nothing else mattered in that crucial moment. Haliburton seized his opportunity to become a hero once more, elevating himself above the occasion.
Although he was relatively quiet for much of the game, this is typical of Haliburton’s style. He’s not a high-volume scorer; he excels as a game facilitator. As a pass-first point guard, he empowers his teammates and enhances their confidence. When the moment is right, Haliburton takes the shot—and more often than not, he delivers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended Game 1 with 38 points against the Pacers.
Game 1 performance: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
His argument: Had Haliburton not made That Shot, Gilgeous-Alexander would have risen higher on this list. His 18-foot attempt right before Haliburton’s hit the back rim, paving the way for the latter’s heroics. Until that moment, Gilgeous-Alexander was a force on offense, consistently providing scoring for Oklahoma City.
The Pacers need to find a strategy to contain him in this series. This was their primary defensive objective at the series onset, and Game 1 showed that little had changed. When Gilgeous-Alexander is on point, he poses a significant challenge; if he’s not, Indiana’s game plan is working.
Pascal Siakam emerged as a consistent force for the Pacers, recording a double-double in their Game 1 victory.
Game 1 performance: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals
His argument: Siakam left his mark in various aspects—rebounds, defense, and as Indiana’s go-to player on offense. Whenever the Pacers needed a basket, Siakam was their choice. He also played a pivotal role in helping Indiana dominate the boards (56-39), which was especially impressive against an OKC roster that includes Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Notably, a crucial moment went against him when his aggressive pursuit of a loose ball in the final seconds was ruled out, and coach Rick Carlisle’s challenge was denied. However, fortune favored him soon after: Gilgeous-Alexander’s missed shot followed by Haliburton’s success.
Game 1 performance: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals
His argument: He exemplified the classic 3-and-D role in the opening game, effortlessly excelling in both areas. With a 5-for-9 success rate from beyond the arc, he was also a significant defensive presence, tallying four steals. The Pacers had to respect his outside shooting, while he persistently challenged their ball handlers for turnovers.
Dort is a long shot for the MVP award, but should he secure it, he would become the first player not drafted to win. This would be an impressive feat for Oklahoma City’s longest-tenured player, who has consistently surpassed expectations.
Game 1 performance: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
His argument: Nembhard can take away a couple of fourth-quarter highlights from Game 1 and add them to his collection. The first was when he isolated against Gilgeous-Alexander, shaking off his Canadian national teammate with crafty dribbles before sinking a 3-pointer with two minutes remaining.
The second highlight: He made Gilgeous-Alexander work hard for his final, critical shot attempt, staying solid defensively without fouling, and forcing a fadeaway jumper. Nembhard’s defense against Gilgeous-Alexander will be vital in this series, and if the star from Oklahoma City struggles, Nembhard’s value and ranking on this list will rise. This defensive match-up resembles that of former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala’s assignments against LeBron James during the Warriors-Cavaliers finals.
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Shaun Powell has reported on the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, browse his archive here, and follow him on X.
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