As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off this Thursday, all eyes are on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who enters the series as the overwhelming favorite to claim the Finals MVP award.
After securing both the regular-season MVP and the Western Conference Finals MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to complete a rare MVP trifecta.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Gilgeous-Alexander holds -600 odds to win the Finals MVP, indicating a strong confidence in his continued dominance.
His closest competitor, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, stands at +700, while Pacers forward Pascal Siakam trails further at +2300.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to MVP dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander‘s ascent this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Leading the Thunder to a league-best 68-14 regular-season record, he averaged 32.7 points per game. His playoff performance has been equally impressive, averaging 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in the Western Conference Finals, earning him the series MVP honors.
The Thunder’s journey to the Finals included decisive victories over the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, they face the Indiana Pacers, who have made a surprising run to the Finals, overcoming the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.
While the Thunder are favored to win the championship, the Pacers‘ resilience cannot be underestimated. Haliburton and Siakam have been instrumental in Indiana’s playoff success, and their performances could influence the Finals MVP race.
As the series unfolds, Gilgeous-Alexander‘s pursuit of the MVP trifecta will be a focal point. Should he maintain his exceptional form, he could join an elite group of players who have achieved this rare feat, further solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s premier talents.
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