2021 NBA Finals: Top 3 contenders for Finals MVP award

Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently the top scorer in the NBA Finals
Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently the top scorer in the NBA Finals

#2 Devin Booker

Devin Booker has put on an offensive masterclass in the 2021 NBA playoffs
Devin Booker has put on an offensive masterclass in the 2021 NBA playoffs

To combat the Milwaukee Bucks' size and length, the Phoenix Suns have had to look to their consistent shooters to stay in these ball games. None more so than young superstar Devin Booker.

Booker made just three field-goals in Game 3 and sat out the entire fourth quarter as the Suns lost heavily on the road. However, the two-time All-Star once again proved that he belongs on the biggest stage amid his first postseason run. In Game 4, Booker made tough shot after tough shot and largely kept the Suns in the contest in the first half.

He finished with 42 points, the most of any player in the contest, on 60% shooting from the field and made all but one of his nine free-throws.

Despite his struggles in Game 3, Booker remains firmly in contention for the NBA Finals MVP award and looks the most likely Suns player to lift the trophy should they win the championship. Prior to Game 3, the shooting guard had a combined 58 points in the first two fixtures, six assists in both and three steals in game one. He gets to the line more than any other Phoenix player (6 times per game) and rarely misses.

If he does want to win the NBA Finals MVP, though, he will need to stay out of foul trouble. Booker had to miss sections of Game 4 due to his foul count and is too valuable to Monty Williams' side to be unnecessarily sitting on the bench.


#3 Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton played like an NBA Finals MVP in game four
Khris Middleton played like an NBA Finals MVP in game four

Outside of the top two picks for the NBA Finals MVP is Giannis Antetokounmpo's right-hand man Khris Middleton. The two have played in Milwaukee for eight years and know each other's game inside out. Most importantly for the Bucks, Antetokounmpo has immense trust in Middleton's shot-making ability in clutch moments.

When the Greek star was sidelined at the end of their Conference Finals battle with the Hawks, Middleton stepped up and carried the offensive load for his team. Oftentimes, his elite shot-making ability is forgotten with the attention that Giannis receives, but the former 2nd round pick has shown time and time again that he can be the star on the floor at any time.

In Game 1, he led all Milwaukee Bucks' scorers with 29 points and after struggling from the field in games two and three came back with a bang in Game 4 by netting 40 points. It became a case down the stretch of getting the ball into Middleton's hands and letting him do the work.

He made 7 of 8 free throws and connected with 15 field-goal attempts. Most importantly, he hit numerous shots deep into the fourth quarter and avoided getting into foul trouble.

Quick Links