Who Deserves Finals MVP? Pacers’ Championship Run Sparks Tight Race Between Siakam, Haliburton, and McConnell……
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers capped off a historic postseason by clinching their first-ever NBA championship last night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling six-game series that will go down in franchise history. But as the dust settles and the city celebrates, a new debate is already heating up: Who deserves the honor of Finals MVP?
The Pacers’ improbable title run has been fueled by a balanced, team-first approach all season long, and nowhere was that more evident than in the NBA Finals. Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and T.J. McConnell all had breakout performances when it mattered most, making this one of the most intriguing and close MVP races in years.
Pascal Siakam: The Versatile Scoring Machine
Siakam was the unquestioned star at times during the postseason, putting up a Finals series average of 24.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The veteran forward often carried the scoring load in key moments, showcasing his ability to punish smaller defenders with a polished mid-range game while also stretching the floor with timely three-pointers.
“Pascal was incredible,” head coach Rick Carlisle said after the win. “When we needed a bucket, when we needed someone to take control of the game, he was there. That’s exactly what you want from your most experienced player.”
Siakam’s leadership and two-way prowess — especially his ability to switch onto LeBron James and Anthony Davis defensively — put him firmly in the MVP conversation. Every game in this series had at least one highlight-reel play by Siakam, making him a fan favorite for the award.
Tyrese Haliburton: The Floor General and Heart of the Team
While Siakam provided the scoring, Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the Pacers’ offense with surgical precision. The All-Star point guard averaged 18.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 2 steals per game in the Finals, often pushing the tempo and finding open shooters in transition.
More than the numbers, it was Haliburton’s intangibles that shined through. Known as one of the most vocal leaders on this young squad, he held teammates accountable and kept the team’s energy high during momentum swings. Throughout the series, Haliburton’s elite playmaking and leadership were the glue that held the team together.
“He’s our engine,” Carlisle said. “When Tyrese is on, we’re on. He elevates everyone around him.”
Despite deferring scoring opportunities to his teammates, Haliburton showed he could step up as a closer too — like in Game 5, when he scored the last seven points to seal the victory.
T.J. McConnell: The X-Factor Off the Bench
And then there’s T.J. McConnell — the unsung hero of the Pacers’ championship. The veteran guard injected instant energy every time he checked into the game, spearheading the second unit with relentless defense and timely baskets. McConnell averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 assists off the bench, shooting an astonishing 58% from the floor over the series.
His scrappy style swung multiple games in Indiana’s favor, especially when the starters needed a breather or struggled with turnovers. Perhaps most telling was his game-sealing steal in the closing moments of Game 6 that led directly to the Pacers’ victory.
“Every team needs a guy like T.J.,” Siakam said postgame. “He doesn’t care about the spotlight. He just comes in, does his job, and inspires everyone else to do the same.”
The Verdict
So who deserves Finals MVP? It depends on what one values most. Siakam brought star power and scoring, Haliburton offered leadership and orchestrated the team’s success, and McConnell was the sparkplug who made the Pacers deeper and more dangerous than ever before.
Regardless of who takes home the trophy, one thing is certain — this was a true team win. The Pacers’ championship proves that sometimes, the most valuable player is whoever steps up when the team needs it most.