Who is the NBA Finals MVP?

The 2015 NBA Finals have presented us with one of the best Finals series in a while. The first two games went into overtime, and was the first time in NBA history such an occurrence had happened. The next three games started off close, only for the winners to win convincingly in the end. And as always, the focus has been on the superstars: Stephen Curry and LeBron James, as fans everywhere try to pick who has been the most impressive player in the series.

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Stop me if you’ve heard this question by now: If the series were to end today, who would win the Finals MVP?

If you were to take the superstar stance on the issue, the battle would be a head-to-head between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. James has played some of the best individual basketball in a Finals series, averaging 36.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. He had three 40-point games, two triple doubles, and has been the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sole source of offense through the series. On the other hand, Curry had a slow start to the series, but has found his rhythm as the series has gone on. His best performance came in Game Five, where he took over in the fourth quarter, draining 3 of his 5 three-point attempts.

Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

On the surface, the battle for the MVP is between the two “best players” of the teams. James undoubtedly has been the MVP of the series, but there has only been one occurrence where a player on the losing team is awarded the Finals MVP (Jerry West in 1969). During that series, West’s Los Angeles Lakers went seven games against the Boston Celtics, but ultimately lost. LeBron’s stats provide for an easy enough explanation as to why he should win it, but can you really give him the award if his team only ends up winning two games?

On the other hand, Curry’s performances have been somewhat underwhelming. Heading into the Finals, Curry was averaging 29.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Currently, he is averaging 28.5 points, 4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His play has been steadily improving, but if Curry were to win Finals MVP now, it would be largely due to his team’s success rather than his individual performance in the series. It’s not a slight against Curry, as many Warriors’ fans will agree that he hasn’t been his best so far.

Jun 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the fourth quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

But is there another candidate for the title? Andre Iguodala’s name has come up in this discussion since he was asked to start Game Four. The Warriors have managed to limit LeBron’s impact on the game by assigning Iguodala as his defensive cover. In fact, it was his addition to the starting lineup that has helped catalyse the Warriors, and helped provide more ball-handling alongside Curry. Iggy has been the Warriors’ best all-round player in the series, and while he doesn’t receive the “superstar” vote and recognition that Curry does from the media, he would make a worthwhile winner.

Often one of the most underrated and underappreciated players on the court, Iguodala’s off-ball defense has been given a platform to shine in the NBA Finals. Known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Iggy excels at denying his opponents the ball, and using a combination of strength and agility to physically dominate them. Going up against LeBron, Iggy doesn’t have the physical advantage, but is still able to use his defensive skillset to bother him. Just look at how he plays James on this potential game-winning play from Game One.

Iggy forces LeBron as far away from the basket as he can, which makes his defensive assignment a lot easier. He denies LeBron the penetration, and challenges the shot well, forcing him to take an off-balance three. This is just one of many great defensive possessions by Iggy against LeBron – which is why many are calling for him to be the Finals MVP.

Last season, we saw Kawhi Leonard win Finals MVP on the back of his impressive defensive performance against LeBron. Averaging 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, his stats didn’t scream “Finals MVP”, but his on-court performance was superb. For the second year in a row, we could see the best “LeBron” defender win Finals MVP, just based on their defensive performance.

The frontrunner for the award now has to be Andre Iguodala. But if Curry comes out with an explosive Game Six, which leads to the Warriors winning, don’t be surprised to see the regular season MVP add another trophy to his cabinet. However, the door is open for a LeBron James’ award if the Cavaliers are able to make it to Game Seven, where they lose in a closely-fought battle.

So there you go, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP: clear as mud.

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