Who Deserves Finals MVP? Pacers’ Championship Run Sparks Tight Race Between Siakam, Haliburton, and McConnell
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As the Indiana Pacers prepare for a potential crowning moment in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, one question looms just as large as the outcome:
If the Pacers win it all, who deserves the Finals MVP?
It’s a question without an easy answer. Unlike other championship runs led by a clear-cut superstar, Indiana’s march to the brink of a title has been a collective effort, headlined by Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and T.J. McConnell — each bringing a different dimension to the Pacers’ unlikely Finals surge.
📊 The Contenders: Breaking Down the Stats
🥇 Pascal Siakam — The Steady Force
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19.8 PTS | 8.3 REB | 4.0 AST | 49% FG
Siakam, a 2019 champion with the Raptors, has brought poise, experience, and two-way reliability to the Pacers. Often guarding the opposing team’s best forward while shouldering scoring duties in crunch time, he’s been Indiana’s most consistent performer across the Finals.
“He’s been our rock,” head coach Rick Carlisle said.
“Big plays, tough shots, and leadership every night.”
Siakam’s Finals experience shows — he’s cool under pressure and quietly putting together a resume that could earn him his second career NBA title and first Finals MVP.
🥈 Tyrese Haliburton — The Engine and Emotional Leader
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14.8 PTS | 6.8 AST | 5.3 REB | 1.8 3PM
While his shooting has dipped slightly, Haliburton remains the heartbeat of the Pacers. He orchestrates the offense, controls tempo, and delivers timely buckets when it matters most. His floor vision, creativity, and calm demeanor have stabilized Indiana through hostile road crowds and tight fourth quarters.
Though his scoring hasn’t exploded, his impact on the flow of every possession has been unmistakable.
“We don’t play this way without Ty,” said Siakam after Game 5.
“He sets the tone and finds everyone.”
If Indiana clinches the title and Haliburton delivers a standout Game 7 performance, he could very well secure Finals MVP honors in a storybook rise.
🥉 T.J. McConnell — The Unexpected X-Factor
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11.3 PTS | 4.5 AST | 2.3 STL | 62% FG
Every championship team has a surprise hero, and for the Pacers, it’s been T.J. McConnell. Coming off the bench, he’s brought incredible energy, on-ball pressure, and clutch scoring when the starters have stalled.
His Game 4 performance, where he had 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals, helped swing momentum back to Indiana. More than numbers, McConnell has been the emotional spark plug, infusing the Pacers with toughness and fearlessness.
“He’s been unbelievable,” Haliburton said.
“When T.J. checks in, the game changes.”
A win paired with another breakout game in Game 7 could make McConnell one of the most unlikely Finals MVPs in modern NBA history.
🔥 A True Team Effort
This Finals MVP race isn’t just tight — it’s a reflection of how Indiana got here. No one player has dominated; instead, the Pacers have leaned on shared responsibility, depth, and grit. Whether it’s Myles Turner’s interior defense, Andrew Nembhard’s clutch threes, or Obi Toppin’s hustle, every piece has mattered.
Still, the Finals MVP honor usually goes to the face of the championship. This year? That face is split three ways.
🏁 Final Word: One Game Will Decide Everything
As Game 7 looms, the answer to “Who’s the Finals MVP?” is still unwritten. If Siakam scores 25+ with clutch defense? He’s the front-runner. If Haliburton dishes out 10+ assists and hits big fourth-quarter shots? The torch is his. If McConnell swings momentum once again off the bench? The voters may have no choice but to reward hustle and heart.
One thing is certain: No matter who lifts the trophy, Indiana’s run has already made history — and their MVP won’t be measured by stats alone, but by the resilience, teamwork, and belief that brought them to this point.
