Celtics Finals MVP History
Celtics finals mvp – Throughout the storied history of the Boston Celtics, several exceptional players have etched their names in the annals of the NBA Finals by claiming the coveted Finals MVP award. These individuals have showcased unparalleled brilliance on the grandest stage, leading the Celtics to numerous championship triumphs.
Jason Tatum has been a standout performer for the Celtics throughout the playoffs, and his impressive displays continued in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. His all-around contributions have been crucial for Boston’s success, and he will need to maintain his high level of play as the series progresses.
The Celtics now have a 3-2 lead heading into Game 6, and they will be looking to close out the series at home. Tatum will be key to their hopes of securing the championship, and his performance in game 5 was a testament to his importance to the team.
The following table presents a comprehensive list of Celtics players who have received the Finals MVP honor, along with their respective years of victory and notable statistics during those Finals series:
Celtics Finals MVPs
| Player | Year | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Russell | 1957 | 24.2 | 25.1 | 4.3 |
| Bill Russell | 1959 | 23.3 | 24.5 | 4.5 |
| Bill Russell | 1960 | 22.5 | 23.1 | 3.8 |
| Bill Russell | 1961 | 22.9 | 23.9 | 4.9 |
| Bill Russell | 1962 | 21.9 | 23.9 | 4.7 |
| Bill Russell | 1963 | 22.9 | 24.1 | 4.3 |
| Bill Russell | 1964 | 19.3 | 20.3 | 4.5 |
| Bill Russell | 1965 | 18.7 | 20.2 | 4.1 |
| Bill Russell | 1966 | 18.9 | 22.2 | 4.3 |
| Bill Russell | 1968 | 17.2 | 21.0 | 4.0 |
| John Havlicek | 1974 | 26.4 | 8.0 | 5.6 |
| Larry Bird | 1984 | 27.4 | 14.0 | 5.5 |
| Larry Bird | 1986 | 24.0 | 9.7 | 7.0 |
| Larry Bird | 1987 | 24.2 | 10.2 | 6.1 |
| Larry Bird | 1993 | 24.0 | 10.9 | 8.1 |
| Cedric Maxwell | 1981 | 17.8 | 8.8 | 3.3 |
| Dennis Johnson | 1984 | 22.4 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
| Paul Pierce | 2008 | 21.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
Criteria for Celtics Finals MVP
The Celtics Finals MVP is awarded to the player who has made the most significant contribution to the team’s success in the NBA Finals. The criteria used to determine the winner include:
- Individual performance: The player must have played at a high level throughout the Finals, averaging impressive stats in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
- Team success: The player must have helped the Celtics win the NBA championship. This means contributing to the team’s overall performance and making key plays in critical moments.
- Impact on the series: The player must have had a significant impact on the outcome of the Finals. This means making plays that directly led to Celtics victories or prevented the other team from winning.
Examples of Players Who Have Met These Criteria
Some of the players who have won the Celtics Finals MVP award in the past include:
- Bill Russell: Russell won the Finals MVP award 11 times during his career, leading the Celtics to 11 NBA championships.
- Larry Bird: Bird won the Finals MVP award three times, leading the Celtics to three NBA championships.
- Paul Pierce: Pierce won the Finals MVP award in 2008, leading the Celtics to their 17th NBA championship.
Contenders for Celtics Finals MVP 2023
The Celtics are a contender for the NBA championship in 2023, and several players have a chance to win the Finals MVP award. The Celtics have a deep and talented roster, so there are no shortage of candidates. Here are the top contenders for the Celtics Finals MVP award in 2023:
Jayson Tatum
Tatum is the Celtics’ best player and the most likely candidate to win the Finals MVP award. He is a do-it-all forward who can score, rebound, and pass. Tatum is also a very good defender. He is the Celtics’ leader and the player they will look to in the biggest moments.
Jaylen Brown
Brown is Tatum’s running mate and another All-Star caliber player. He is a dynamic scorer who can also rebound and defend. Brown is a key part of the Celtics’ success, and he could easily win the Finals MVP award if he has a big series.
Marcus Smart
Smart is the Celtics’ defensive leader and one of the best defenders in the NBA. He is also a good scorer and passer. Smart is the heart and soul of the Celtics, and he could win the Finals MVP award if he leads the Celtics to a championship.
Al Horford
Horford is a veteran center who is still playing at a high level. He is a good scorer, rebounder, and defender. Horford is also a great leader and a key part of the Celtics’ success. He could win the Finals MVP award if he has a big series.
Robert Williams III
Williams is a young center who has emerged as a key player for the Celtics. He is a good scorer, rebounder, and defender. Williams is also a very good shot-blocker. He could win the Finals MVP award if he has a big series.
With the Celtics’ recent Finals MVP triumph, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the 2024 Finals MVP race. 2024 finals mvp contenders will undoubtedly emerge from the league’s rising stars, but the Celtics’ MVP performance serves as a reminder that experience and leadership often prevail in the championship crucible.
The Celtics’ Finals MVP will have a lot to live up to after their dominant performance in the regular season. Jaylen Brown’s finals stats in 2024 will be a key factor in determining whether or not the Celtics can repeat as champions.
Click here to see Jaylen Brown’s finals stats from 2024. With his impressive scoring and rebounding numbers, Brown could be a major force in the Celtics’ quest for another title.
With the Celtics’ Finals MVP yet to be determined, all eyes will be on game 5 nba finals 2024 as the series shifts to Boston. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been the team’s leading scorers throughout the playoffs, but it remains to be seen who will step up and claim the coveted award.
The Celtics’ Finals MVP has yet to be determined, but the race is sure to be a close one. Several players have stepped up for the Celtics throughout the playoffs, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart. However, it is also worth considering who won the NBA Finals MVP in 2024 to get a sense of who might be the favorite this year.
The Celtics will need to continue to play at a high level if they want to win the championship, and the Finals MVP will likely play a key role in their success.