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NBA Finals MVPs Who Were Not Unanimous Winners Since 1996
By Eddie Bitar,
15 hours ago
Winning the NBA Finals MVP is the pinnacle of individual achievement on basketball's biggest stage. While legends like Michael Jordan , LeBron James , and Kevin Durant have each earned unanimous recognition for their Finals heroics, not every superstar has been so universally celebrated. In fact, since 1996, there have been six Finals MVP winners who did not receive unanimous votes. Were these choices truly controversial, or was there more to the story? Let's dive into the surprising list of Finals MVPs who weren't unanimous and explore what that means in NBA history.
1996 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. SuperSonics 4-2
Finals MVP Votes: Michael Jordan (6), Shawn Kemp (3)
Michael Jordan won his fourth NBA Finals MVP award in 1996, leading the Chicago Bulls to their fourth championship after a record-breaking 72-win season. Although his scoring average was solid, Jordan shot just 41.5% from the field, partly due to the suffocating defense of Gary Payton in the latter games of the series. Jordan still had several signature moments, including his 36-point outburst in Game 3, which helped establish the Bulls' commanding 3-0 series lead. His leadership and ability to hit key shots when needed, especially in the clinching Game 6, were enough for most voters to view him as the series' standout performer.
However, Shawn Kemp's stellar play for the Seattle SuperSonics made the Finals MVP vote closer than expected. Kemp was a dominant force throughout the series, finishing with averages of 23.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 55.1% from the field. His athleticism and energy were crucial in leading the Sonics to back-to-back wins in Games 4 and 5, staving off elimination and making the series competitive. Kemp's ability to score consistently in the paint and his defensive presence against the Bulls' formidable frontcourt earned him three votes, making a strong case for an upset in the Finals MVP race.
2005 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Pistons 4-3
Finals MVP Votes: Tim Duncan (6), Manu Ginobili (4)
Tim Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP in 2005, but it was far from a unanimous decision. Duncan was the steady force for the Spurs, anchoring the defense and providing crucial scoring and rebounding throughout a grueling seven-game series against the Detroit Pistons. His 25 points and 11 rebounds in Game 7, combined with his defensive presence, made a strong case for his MVP candidacy. However, Duncan struggled with shooting efficiency at times, particularly when faced with the Pistons' rugged defense led by Ben Wallace.
Manu Ginobili's dynamic play created a compelling argument for him as a legitimate alternative for Finals MVP. Ginobili had standout performances in the first two games, scoring 26 and 27 points on impressive efficiency and providing a spark that set the tone for the series. His flashy drives, crucial three-pointers, and overall playmaking electrified fans and kept the Spurs’ offense flowing when it seemed to stagnate. The split in votes reflected Ginobili's impact, with many voters feeling his contributions were equally, if not more, valuable than Duncan's during key moments of the Finals.
2015 NBA Finals: Warriors vs. Cavaliers 4-2
Finals MVP Votes: Andre Iguodala (7), LeBron James (4)
Andre Iguodala's surprising selection as the 2015 Finals MVP was one of the most debated in NBA history. While his scoring wasn't elite, Iguodala's insertion into the starting lineup in Game 4 transformed the series, providing the defensive presence and versatility that helped the Warriors overcome a 2-1 series deficit. His defense on LeBron James, while not completely shutting him down, was impactful enough to slow the game's pace and disrupt Cleveland's rhythm. Combined with his timely shooting and ability to guard multiple positions, Iguodala's all-around play was vital to Golden State's championship run.
On the other hand, LeBron James had one of the greatest Finals performances ever despite the Cavaliers losing the series. Without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, LeBron shouldered an immense load, leading all players in points, rebounds, and assists. His Herculean efforts included three 40+ point games and near triple-double averages, which left many wondering if he should have been named Finals MVP even in defeat. The split in votes reflects how impactful LeBron was, as he nearly single-handedly willed his injury-plagued Cavaliers to a championship against a stacked Warriors squad.
2018 NBA Finals: Warriors vs. Cavaliers 4-0
Finals MVP Votes: Kevin Durant (7), Stephen Curry (4)
Kevin Durant won his second consecutive Finals MVP in 2018 after a stellar all-around performance, but Stephen Curry’s dynamic contributions created enough doubt to prevent a unanimous vote. Durant's consistency in scoring, coupled with his versatility on defense, was highlighted by his 43-point outburst in Game 3, where he hit a dagger three-pointer from deep to seal the victory. His ability to efficiently score while facilitating for his teammates was crucial, making him the clear choice for many voters.
However, Stephen Curry also had a significant case for the Finals MVP. Curry’s 33-point Game 2 performance, where he set an NBA Finals record with nine three-pointers, was a testament to his shooting prowess. While he struggled in Game 3 (11 points), his bounce-back 37-point effort in Game 4 was a reminder of his impact and leadership. Curry's votes came from those who believed his explosive scoring runs and gravitational pull on the defense were as essential to the Warriors' sweep as Durant's steadier contributions.
2019 NBA Finals: Raptors vs. Warriors 4-2
Finals MVP Votes: Kawhi Leonard (10), Fred VanVleet (1)
Kawhi Leonard was the clear leader of the Raptors' first championship run, earning Finals MVP honors with his dominant two-way play and ability to deliver in clutch moments. Leonard's scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions, including his work against a hobbled Warriors team, were critical in nearly every game of the series. His ability to control the tempo and consistently make key plays when it mattered most solidified his status as the Finals MVP.
However, one voter found Fred VanVleet deserving of recognition for his crucial role, especially in the series' later stages. VanVleet's tenacious defense on Stephen Curry and his ability to hit timely three-pointers, particularly in Game 6 where he scored 22 points with five three-pointers, swung momentum in favor of Toronto. For some, his gritty performances coming off the bench made a substantial enough impact to merit a vote for Finals MVP.
2024 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavericks 4-1
Finals MVP Votes: Jaylen Brown (7), Jayson Tatum (4)
Jaylen Brown took home the 2024 NBA Finals MVP in a competitive voting decision that reflected the balanced contributions of the Boston Celtics' star duo. Brown's defense and clutch performances throughout the series gave him the edge over teammate Jayson Tatum . While Tatum posted better overall numbers with averages of 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, it was Brown’s timely steals, defensive intensity, and knack for hitting big shots late in games that swung the Finals MVP voting in his favor.
Despite strong efforts from Luka Doncic (29.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.6 APG) and Kyrie Irving (19.8 PPG), the Mavericks were overwhelmed by the Celtics’ depth and versatility. With Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White all stepping up in significant roles, the Celtics proved to be too stacked for Dallas to handle. Tatum’s scoring consistency helped set the tone early in the series, but it was Brown who provided the finishing touches, including several game-sealing baskets and defensive stops.
Here Is The List Of All Unanimous MVP Winners Since 1996:
1997 - Michael Jordan
1998 - Michael Jordan
1999 - Tim Duncan
2000 - Shaquille O'Neal
2001 - Shaquille O'Neal
2002 - Shaquille O'Neal
2003 - Tim Duncan
2004 - Chauncey Billups
2006 - Dwyane Wade
2007 - Tony Parker
2008 - Paul Pierce
2009 - Kobe Bryant
2010 - Kobe Bryant
2011 - Dirk Nowitzki
2012 - LeBron James
2013 - LeBron James
2014 - Kawhi Leonard
2016 - LeBron James
2017 - Kevin Durant
2020 - LeBron James
2021 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
2022 - Stephen Curry
2023 - Nikola Jokic
The list of unanimous NBA Finals MVP winners since 1996 showcases a collection of the game's most dominant and clutch performers on basketball's grandest stage. Players like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal , LeBron James, and Stephen Curry earned their unanimous selections by delivering outstanding performances that left no doubt about their status as the most valuable player of their respective series. Their unanimous votes symbolize their unchallenged impact and leadership, demonstrating how these players left a lasting mark on the Finals and NBA history.
Being named a unanimous Finals MVP winner is a rare and prestigious achievement that signifies a player's undeniable dominance throughout a series. Whether it's LeBron James orchestrating a historic comeback, Shaquille O'Neal overpowering every opponent in his path, or Stephen Curry shooting his way into history, these players have each crafted unforgettable Finals legacies that will be celebrated for generations.
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