How Is The NBA Finals MVP Decided?
Find out how the NBA Finals MVP is decided. Discover the ins and outs in who has the power to vote, which specific criteria are used to evaluate candidates, and whether any controversies have arisen over the years.
The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in basketball. Given to the player deemed most valuable to their team during the series, it has been awarded since 1969. In this post, we’ll explore how the NBA Finals MVP is decided, who votes for it, and the criteria used to evaluate players. Not to mention, the controversies surrounding it!
Importance Of The NBA Finals MVP award
The NBA Finals MVP award goes to the player who has the most impact on their team’s performance during the NBA Finals. It recognizes the player’s exceptional performance, and it is highly regarded in the basketball community.
Winning the NBA Finals MVP is a significant achievement for any player. It not only recognizes a player’s individual performance but also indicates their contribution to the team. Winning the award often cements a player’s legacy and can have a significant impact on their career.
How Is The NBA Finals MVP Decided – The Voting Process
A panel of experts in the field decides the NBA Finals MVP award. Sportswriters, broadcasters, and other media members typically make up the panel. These are the people who cover the NBA on a regular basis. Their expertise is crucial in selecting the best player for the Finals.
The voting process takes place immediately following the conclusion of the NBA Finals. Each panel member has the opportunity to vote for one player, and the player with the most votes takes home the MVP title.
What Factors Do Voters Consider?
When voting for the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), voters consider several factors. The specific criteria and weighting can vary among voters, but here are some factors that commonly come into play:
- Statistics: Voters assess a player’s statistical production throughout the NBA Finals. These include points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, shooting percentages, and overall efficiency.
- Clutch moments: A player’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial situations such as fourth-quarter performances, game-winning shots, or key defensive stops often receives recognition.
- Impact On The Team: The player who contributes the most to his team’s success typically clinches the NBA Finals MVP. Voters measure how the player’s presence affects the team’s performance, on both ends of the court.
- Leadership: Voters consider a player’s leadership qualities, including their ability to inspire and motivate teammates, make crucial decisions, and lead by example.
- Matchup Performance: The panel takes into account how a player performs against their individual matchup. If a player consistently outperforms or effectively defends a key opponent, it can enhance their case for the MVP.
- Consistency: Consistency throughout the NBA Finals is important. Players who consistently contribute and perform well across the entire series, rather than having a few standout games, often get more consideration.
Controversies and Criticisms
The NBA Finals MVP award has not been without its controversies. In some instances, there were controversial winners. For example, in 2015, Andre Iguodala won the award despite coming off the bench for the entire series. Many believed the Golden State Warriors star shouldn’t have clinched it. They felt that LeBron James of the defeated Cleveland Cavaliers was the deserving victor. He led both teams in points, rebounds, and assists.
Some critics have argued that the NBA Finals MVP award overemphasizes individual performance. They reckon it does not adequately consider a player’s contribution to the team’s success. Others have criticized the voting process, arguing that the panel of media members is not always qualified to make such an important decision.
“File:Your 2008 NBA Finals MVP – The Truth.jpg” by Eric Kilby is under the license of CC BY-SA 2.0.