As the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face off in the Western Conference semifinals, the NBA`s top regular-season MVP candidates, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are set to meet on the court. While the official MVP award is expected to be announced early in this series, a different question emerges: Who has been the MVP of the playoffs *so far*?
Focusing strictly on performance from the play-in tournament through the first round, we`ve assessed the top stars and ranked the 10 players who have made the strongest case for playoff MVP contention based on their contributions in the early rounds. This list is dynamic and will be updated as the postseason progresses. Below the top 10, we also acknowledge several other players who just missed the cut but deserve recognition for their first-round play.
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
2025 Playoff Stats (7 Games): 24.0 PPG | 11.6 RPG | 10.1 APG | 45.2% 3P
Although the Clippers put up a strong defensive effort against the three-time MVP, particularly in Game 7 where he had a relatively quiet scoring night with 16 points, the final outcome of the series proved the point: even when you seemingly stop Jokic, his impact is undeniable. His remarkable efficiency and continuous triple-double threat underscore this. The attention he commands is so significant that even his misses can lead to winning plays for the Nuggets, highlighted by the dramatic Game 4 buzzer-beater.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2025 Playoff Stats (5 Games): 33.0 PPG | 15.4 RPG | 6.6 APG | 60.6% FG
Giannis faced arguably the toughest first-round challenge, battling the Pacers` defense and shouldering the offensive load without Damian Lillard for most of the series. While Indiana ultimately advanced, Antetokounmpo was dominant in individual matchups, posting an incredible statistical line. Although it wasn`t enough to win the series, his performance was clearly not the reason for the Bucks` exit.
3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
2025 Playoff Stats (4 Games): 31.3 PPG | 11.3 RPG | 5.3 APG | 1.5 STL
Tatum delivered a stellar first-round performance against the Magic, who boasted one of the league`s best and most physical defenses. He averaged over 31 points and 5 assists despite sustaining a wrist injury in Game 1 that forced him to miss Game 2. Even with the injury, Tatum maintained impressive shooting efficiency, including a strong finish from beyond the arc in the close-out Game 5.
4. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
2025 Playoff Stats (6 Games): 31.5 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.0 RPG
Brunson battled through ankle issues for much of the tough six-game series against the Pistons, which slightly impacted his efficiency compared to his usual standards. Nevertheless, the Knicks` leader consistently found ways to score, reaching the 30-point mark in five games. His 40-point performance in the deciding Game 6, sealed with a clutch three-pointer, further solidified his reputation as one of the league`s most decisive late-game players, reflected in his playoff-best fourth-quarter scoring average for the first round.
5. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
2025 Playoff Stats (5 Games): 26.8 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 6.2 APG | 1.2 STL
Edwards had an off-shooting night in the close-out Game 6 against the Lakers, particularly struggling from three-point range. However, his game has evolved beyond just scoring. He demonstrated improved playmaking, recording eight or more assists in three of the five games. In his explosive 43-point Game 4, he showed his maturity by using the defensive attention he drew to create opportunities for teammates in the final minutes, tallying key assists to secure the win.
6. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
2025 Playoff Stats (5 Games): 29.4 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 4.2 APG | 44.4% 3P
It was symbolic that Orlando`s season effectively ended shortly after Banchero fouled out early in the third quarter of their final loss to Boston. His absence highlighted just how crucial the 22-year-old is, especially to the Magic`s offense. While Banchero shot an excellent 44% from deep in the series, his teammates struggled mightily, making only 22% of their attempts, underscoring his unique offensive burden and efficiency.
7. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
2025 Playoff Stats (7 Games): 25.0 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 4.7 APG | 40.5% 3P
Despite playing only 37 regular-season games, Leonard delivered a remarkably effective playoff series. His Game 2 performance against Denver was standout, shooting 15-for-19 for 39 points. He led the series in scoring average while facing MVP candidate Jokic and also demonstrated his familiar disruptive defense, leading the first round in deflections. Seeing Leonard healthy and performing at this level in the postseason was a major positive after recent injury-plagued years.
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
2025 Playoff Stats (5 Games): 25.6 PPG | 4.0 APG | 1.4 STL
Like several others on this list, Mitchell`s team efficiently handled their first-round opponent (the No. 8 seed Miami Heat), allowing him to sit out some fourth quarters. Nonetheless, Mitchell was excellent, particularly stepping up to lead the backcourt in the final two games when Darius Garland was sidelined. His 30-point outburst in Game 1 against the Pacers marked his eighth consecutive playoff series opener with at least 30 points, setting a new NBA record previously held by Michael Jordan.
9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2025 Playoff Stats (7 Games): 24.0 PPG | 5.7 APG | 5.9 RPG | 39.2% 3P
The Rockets, coached by Ime Udoka, made it clear their primary goal was to contain Curry, throwing various aggressive defenses at him while he played through a thumb injury. This strategy impacted his efficiency later in the series. However, in the decisive Game 7, Houston`s focus on Curry opened up scoring opportunities for teammates like Buddy Hield early on. As he often does, Curry then caught fire late to seal the win and propel the Warriors into the next round.
10. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
2025 Playoff Stats (6 Games): 18.3 PPG | 11.8 APG | 5.8 RPG | 1.2 BLK
Haliburton`s scoring efficiency wasn`t at its peak in the first round, but he remained the undisputed floor general and driving force behind the Pacers` potent offense, averaging nearly 12 assists per game. He also made crucial defensive plays in the upset victory over top-seeded Cleveland, showcasing his all-around impact beyond scoring.
Honorable Mentions
A few other players deserve recognition for their first-round performances, though they didn`t quite crack the top 10:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Despite some scoring inconsistencies and slightly lower efficiency (40% FG, 25% 3P) in OKC`s sweep of Memphis, his impact was clear, especially with Jalen Williams also playing exceptionally well (23/5/5 on 54% FG). Both are likely to climb this list.
- Jaylen Brown: The reigning Finals MVP was highly efficient for Boston against Orlando despite dealing with a bone bruise. His 36-point performance in Game 2 on just 19 shots was a series highlight.
- Julius Randle: Had potentially his best playoff series with the Knicks, contributing 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on significantly improved shooting percentages (48% FG, 39% 3P) compared to previous postseasons.
- LeBron James and Luka Doncic: Both superstars faced injury and fatigue issues late in games against the Timberwolves, impacting their fourth-quarter efficiency (33% and 30% FG respectively). While their overall series stats were impressive, late-game struggles and defensive issues (for Doncic) kept them out of the top tier for this specific ranking period.
- Cade Cunningham: Posted remarkable numbers (25/8/8) for a player in their first NBA postseason, but needs to improve his outside shooting (18% 3P) and reduce turnovers (5 per game) going forward.
- Franz Wagner: Orlando`s second option mirrored some of Cunningham`s impressive statistical output but also struggled significantly with three-point shooting (19% 3P).
- Karl-Anthony Towns: His averages (19.7/10 on near 50/40/90 splits) look strong, but his performance against the Pistons was inconsistent, often complicated by foul trouble.
- Alperen Sengun: Was a consistent offensive force for Houston throughout their seven-game series, providing his typical versatile production and keeping the Warriors challenged, complemented by strong games from Green and VanVleet.
- Jamal Murray: While not consistently in the top 10 range, his exceptional 43-point, 7-assist performance in Game 5 against the Clippers was one of the best individual displays of the first round. He finished the series averaging nearly 23/6 on excellent 48/40/90 splits.
