With the New York Knicks just a win away from the championship, the chatter about who should be Finals MVP has gotten louder.
Obviously, the Knicks need to finish off the San Antonio Spurs, but history is on New York’s side, as only one team has climbed back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
Karl-Anthony Towns was an early frontrunner for Finals MVP after his strong showing in the first two games. He, however, has tapered off. Unless Towns delivers an iconic performance, it seems the prestigious award—should the Knicks win the title—is a toss-up between Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.
While many would pick Brunson, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe believes Anunoby is the leading candidate for Finals MVP.
“What a playoffs for OG Anunoby. He is averaging 21 points and six rebounds. Here’s his playoff shooting splits: 58% shooting, 51% on threes, 64% on twos,” said Lowe.
“In the finals, he is averaging 24 points a game on 58% shooting and 57% on threes, and despite averaging five and a half points less than Jalen Brunson and three and change assists less than Jalen Brunson, and Jalen Brunson having big moments in Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio, I think the Finals MVP right now would be OG Anunoby with a bullet.”
Who’s the leading candidate for Finals MVP? @ZachLowe_NBA on why it’s OG Anunoby.
Presented by @StateFarm. #ad Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability and eligibility vary by state. pic.twitter.com/UEoX0IYnFA
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 11, 2026
Not to mention, Anunoby was utterly heroic in their historic comeback in Game 4, making a crucial block on De’Aaron Fox and sinking the game-winning putback.
Of course, Brunson was highly instrumental as well, stepping up anew in the clutch and leading the fight for the Knicks despite a 29-point deficit in the first half.
Brunson is averaging 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in the NBA Finals. He is shooting 39.6% from the field, including 34.5% from three-point range.
The post Zach Lowe makes case for Knicks’ OG Anunoby as NBA Finals MVP after Game 4 heroics appeared first on ClutchPoints.
