Oklahoma City Thunder’s Championship Glory
As the 2024-25 NBA playoffs conclude, the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate their inaugural championship, marking a historic milestone after 17 years in Oklahoma. In the spirit of recognizing standout talent throughout this intense postseason, we aim to highlight the players who exhibited the most extraordinary performances over the two-month duration.
Unlike the NHL, which bestows the Conn Smythe Trophy for overall playoff excellence, the NBA opts for a different approach by awarding a Finals MVP, as well as defining MVPs for the Eastern and Western Conference finals. In that context, we have crafted our own all-encompassing MVP list to reflect the players’ contributions throughout the playoffs.
Top Players of the 2025 NBA Playoffs
With that established, we present our selection of five top players worth mentioning, along with one honorable mention, to encapsulate the dramatic journey from the early playoff rounds to the Thunder’s triumphant Game 7.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2025 Playoff Stats: 29.9 PTS | 6.5 AST | 5.3 REB | 1.7 STL
Culminating a phenomenal individual season, Gilgeous-Alexander secured both the Finals MVP and his first championship title, achieving a level of success reached by only ten other players in NBA history. Notably, he became the first player since Stephen Curry to win both regular-season and Finals MVP in the same year, and he added his name to an elite group that includes legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan. His pivotal plays in crucial games, especially during the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets and the NBA Finals against the Pacers, highlighted his clutch gene. Despite Indiana’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm in Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact solidified his legacy within the league.
2. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
2025 Playoff Stats: 18.6 PTS | 9.2 AST | 3.5 REB | 1.4 STL
Despite Indiana’s painful loss in the Finals, Haliburton’s contribution as a key player during the playoffs was remarkable. He orchestrated some thrilling comebacks, notably with game-winning baskets against both the Knicks and the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, Haliburton’s performance was marred by injury; a torn Achilles cut his postseason short, casting a shadow over his potential return for next season. Nevertheless, his emergence as a clutch performer cements his stature as the future leading man for the Pacers.
3. Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
2025 Playoff Stats: 20.5 PTS | 6.3 REB | 3.4 AST | 42.7 3P%
Acquired 18 months ago, Siakam has made his trade worth every penny, significantly enhancing the Pacers’ offensive prowess as they advanced to the Finals this year. Averaging nearly 25 points during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, he proved vital in Indiana’s successful playoff run. As Haliburton recovers, Siakam’s role will expand further, making him an integral player for Indiana’s championship aspirations moving forward.
4. Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2025 Playoff Stats: 21.4 PTS | 5.5 REB | 4.8 AST | 1.4 STL
Williams has become a key asset for the Thunder, especially with his performances in the Finals, where he notably averaged over 25 points across several games. His emergence as the additional scorer beside Gilgeous-Alexander was crucial to Oklahoma City’s success this year. As Williams becomes eligible for a lucrative extension, he is poised to play a significant role in the team’s future successes.
5. Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
2025 Playoff Stats: 25.3 PTS | 7.8 REB | 5.5 AST
Brunson has solidified his legacy as one of the best players in Knicks history. Despite New York’s early exit against Indiana, he consistently delivered impressive performances throughout the playoffs, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking. The Knicks’ future appears bright with Brunson at the helm as they look to improve on their recent playoff outcomes and challenge for the title once again.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
2025 Playoff Stats: 29.4 PTS | 7.0 AST | 3.4 REB
Although his playoff run was stymied by the Thunder, Edwards’ contributions in leading the Timberwolves to consecutive conference finals should not be overlooked. As the franchise’s face and a vital component of their growth, his emergence as a star will be crucial for Minnesota as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in a competitive Western Conference.
Conclusion
As the postseason wraps up, these players’ performances will be remembered as defining moments in an exhilarating run of basketball, paving the way for future narratives in the NBA landscape.
