NBA Finals: 5 Players with the most Finals MVP Awards

The Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award
The Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award

#3 Shaquille O'Neal - 3 NBA Finals MVP Awards

Jazz v Lakers
Jazz v Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal is one of the greatest centers of all time, and the most dominant player of all time. Originally drafted by the magic in 1992, he signed with the Lakers in 1996 and would go on to win his first three NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant.

The first of these championships came during his MVP season in 2000. The Lakers played against the Indiana Pacers and won the series in six games. Through these six games, O'Neal averaged a staggering 38 points, 16.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1 steal, and 2.7 blocks. For this incredible performance, he was awarded his first NBA Finals MVP award.

The following season, the Lakers would make it to the finals yet again to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Through the five games that it took the Lakers to beat the Sixers, Shaq averaged 33 points, 15.8 rebounds. 4.8 assists, 0.4 steals, and 3.4 blocks.

The Lakers would make it three in year in the 2001-02 season and swept the New Jersey Nets en route to their third consecutive championship. The sheer dominance of Shaquille O'Neal was on full display again as he averaged 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.8 blocks. This brought Shaq his third and last NBA Finals MVP award.

Shaq would go on to play for the Heat, the Suns, the Cavaliers, and the Celtics before retiring.

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