Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, which saw the Oklahoma City Thunder claim their first championship since relocating, it`s time to evaluate the most impactful players throughout the two-month postseason journey. Unlike the NBA`s practice of awarding MVPs for individual series (Finals, Conference Finals), this ranking aims to identify the top 5 players based on their overall excellence across the entire playoffs, drawing inspiration from the NHL`s Conn Smythe Trophy.
With that criteria in mind, here is our final five-player ballot, plus one honorable mention, highlighting the standout performers from the first round all the way through the Thunder`s Game 7 victory.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
2025 playoff stats (23 games): 29.9 PTS | 6.5 AST | 5.3 REB | 1.7 STL
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander culminated one of the finest individual seasons in NBA history by securing his first championship and Finals MVP, placing him in elite company. He became just the 11th player to win both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same season, joining a roster exclusively comprised of inner-circle Hall of Famers. He is also the first player since Stephen Curry a decade ago to win the league MVP and a title in the same season, and the first since Shaquille O`Neal 25 years ago to claim the scoring title and a championship in the same year.
Furthermore, Gilgeous-Alexander joins a select group of only four players (O`Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to win the league MVP, scoring title, and a championship all in the same season. Given the outcome of this season and these playoffs, it`s no surprise that Gilgeous-Alexander is at the top of this list. He consistently delivered in critical moments for the Thunder, notably during decisive road victories in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets (Western Conference Semifinals) and the Indiana Pacers (NBA Finals) when OKC was trailing 2-1 in both series. Even when Indiana`s defense presented unique challenges in the Finals, he performed when it mattered most in Game 7. Whether this title is the beginning of a dynasty for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder or not, his playoff performance will be remembered as one of the best in league history.
2. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
2025 playoff stats (23 games): 18.6 PTS | 9.2 AST | 3.5 REB | 1.4 STL
Although the Indiana Pacers agonizingly fell short of their first NBA championship, this season marked a remarkable journey for the team and its star guard. Tyrese Haliburton spearheaded several stunning playoff comebacks and delivered iconic, clutch shots. His game-tying shot at the end of regulation in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks and his buzzer-beating winners in Game 2 against the Cavaliers and Game 1 against the Thunder stand among the most memorable moments of these playoffs, firmly establishing Haliburton as a clutch-time maestro, following in the footsteps of Reggie Miller in Indianapolis.
While Haliburton`s overall performance in the Finals was somewhat hindered – he had one standout game (22 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists in Game 3) but spent the latter games managing a persistent calf strain that limited his mobility – his impact throughout the playoffs was undeniable. He was the driving force as Indiana overcame the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks to reach the championship series. It was heartbreaking to witness Haliburton`s magical postseason end with a torn Achilles, an injury that not only concluded this season but also casts doubt on the next. It was a cruel end to one of the most entertaining playoff runs in recent memory, but it doesn`t diminish Haliburton`s lasting impact.
3. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
2025 playoff stats (23 games): 20.5 PTS | 6.3 REB | 3.4 AST | 42.7 3P%
When Pascal Siakam was acquired by the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors 18 months ago, questions arose regarding the wisdom of trading multiple first-round picks and subsequently offering him a max contract. Those doubts now seem unfounded. Since joining Indiana, Siakam has been instrumental in helping the team reach the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2025 NBA Finals, where he earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors and pushed Oklahoma City significantly in the championship round.
Siakam integrated seamlessly into the team. He scored 30 points in three of the six games against the Knicks and averaged 24.8 points across the series to lead the Pacers, before becoming Indiana`s most consistent performer in the Finals. His ability to attack mismatches and score in transition was a major factor in Indiana`s resurgence. The Pacers will rely even more heavily on Siakam next season as they navigate Haliburton`s injury absence.
4. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
2025 playoff stats (23 games): 21.4 PTS | 5.5 REB | 4.8 AST | 1.4 STL
While Jalen Williams experienced some variability in his playoff performance, his evolution into the reliable second perimeter scorer that Oklahoma City needed was crucial to the Thunder securing their first NBA title. Williams exceeded 25 points in three consecutive games in the Finals, including his explosive 40-point performance in Game 5. A key question surrounding the Thunder`s title aspirations entering the season was whether Williams could consistently provide secondary playmaking and scoring support for Gilgeous-Alexander. In the biggest moments of these playoffs, Williams repeatedly demonstrated he was more than capable. Eligible for a substantial rookie contract extension this offseason, Williams has proven he will be a central figure in the Thunder`s success moving forward.
5. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
2025 playoff stats (18 games): 29.4 PTS | 7.0 AST | 3.4 REB
Considering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s difficulties against Indiana`s high-pressure defense in the Finals, including his two worst turnover games of the playoffs in losses, Jalen Brunson`s performance against the Pacers takes on new significance. Brunson averaged over 30 points on better than 50% shooting in the Knicks` six-game loss in the Eastern Conference Finals. He scored at least 20 points in 15 of New York`s 18 playoff games, registered 30 or more points 10 times, and reached 40 or more points twice, leading the Knicks to their best season in a quarter-century. The fact that Brunson, the NBA`s Clutch Player of the Year, was perceived by some as slightly disappointing against Indiana despite these remarkable numbers highlights the incredibly high standard he has set since arriving in New York three years ago.
Brunson has already established himself as one of the top five players in Knicks history, and at just 29 years old (in August), he is poised to be the face of the franchise for years to come. With potential improvements in depth and tactical adjustments under a new coach replacing Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks will aim to challenge Indiana, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and other contenders in the East next season, aspiring to return to the Finals for the first time since 1999.
Honorable mention: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
2025 playoff stats (15 games): 25.3 PTS | 7.8 REB | 5.5 AST
Anthony Edwards was notably contained by the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, scoring below 20 points in three of their five games after surpassing that mark in nine of the ten games during Minnesota`s two earlier five-game series victories. Nevertheless, Edwards deserves credit for leading the Timberwolves to their second consecutive trip to the conference finals. It`s important to recall that before last season, the Timberwolves had won only a single playoff series in 35 years; they have now won four series in the past two years.
While Minnesota faces the challenge of catching up to the Thunder, the retooled Houston Rockets with Kevin Durant, the Denver Nuggets, and other strong contenders in the competitive Western Conference, having Edwards as their cornerstone provides a solid foundation to remain in the conversation.