Paul Pierce: Most undeserving Finals MVP ever?

[CJ Mustard]

Pierce was their leading scorer by a point over Ray Allen, and Allen shot the ball significantly better from both the field and the 3 point line (and obviously, the FT line). Allen also outrebounded him, and spent more time defending Kobe yet for some reason there's this myth that Pierce matched up with Kobe. Garnett also played elite defense on the Laker bigs, although he shot the worst out of the three his impact was probably greater than Pierce's.

[OldSkoolball#52]

Pierce was their leading scorer by a point over Ray Allen, and Allen shot the ball significantly better from both the field and the 3 point line (and obviously, the FT line). Allen also outrebounded him, and spent more time defending Kobe yet for some reason there's this myth that Pierce matched up with Kobe. Garnett also played elite defense on the Laker bigs, although he shot the worst out of the three his impact was probably greater than Pierce's.


Pierce created a lot for Ray and others, while scoring his own points on riasonable efficiency.


Im not saying it isnt debatable but I have no issue with it. Often times there is no one single MVP, but for some dumb reason they always have to pick one anyway. Which I think is stupid. But that being the case, sometimes sentmentality and historic significance play into it.

Theres no way that Pierce wasnt gonna be given MVP if Boston won and he had a decent series.


That all bein said, Ive long said Ray was criminally underrated in boston by the general public

[icewill36]

Theres no way that Pierce wasnt gonna be given MVP if Boston won and he had a decent series.


That all bein said, Ive long said Ray was criminally underrated in boston by the general public

this. paul pierce WAS boston all those years and stuck it through the good and bad, so it was about more than just that series. also pierce was better overall throughout the playoffs. ray struggled until late in the detroit series if im not mistaken.

[CJ Mustard]

Pierce created a lot for Ray and others, while scoring his own points on riasonable efficiency.


Im not saying it isnt debatable but I have no issue with it. Often times there is no one single MVP, but for some dumb reason they always have to pick one anyway. Which I think is stupid. But that being the case, sometimes sentmentality and historic significance play into it.

Theres no way that Pierce wasnt gonna be given MVP if Boston won and he had a decent series.


That all bein said, Ive long said Ray was criminally underrated in boston by the general public

Which is a crime IMO. If Pierce and Allen swapped statlines, Pierce would still get the award. It basically didn't matter who the actual best player was.

[CJ Mustard]

this. paul pierce WAS boston all those years and stuck it through the good and bad, so it was about more than just that series. also pierce was better overall throughout the playoffs. ray struggled until late in the detroit series if im not mistaken.
It's a Finals MVP, not a Playoff MVP. If it was, Garnett would get it easily. It just makes the award look like a joke if a player can win it on sentimental value.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Which is a crime IMO. If Pierce and Allen swapped statlines, Pierce would still get the award. It basically didn't matter who the actual best player was.

Happens all the time. If Miami wins again and Wade outplays him, you better bet your ass LeBron is getting that FMVP. If the Lakers miraculously win another championship somehow before Kobe retires, he will get it. FMVP is a joke accolade to measure players.

[Bigsmoke]

Pierce was their leading scorer by a point over Ray Allen, and Allen shot the ball significantly better from both the field and the 3 point line (and obviously, the FT line). Allen also outrebounded him, and spent more time defending Kobe yet for some reason there's this myth that Pierce matched up with Kobe. Garnett also played elite defense on the Laker bigs, although he shot the worst out of the three his impact was probably greater than Pierce's.
Paul Pierce impacted the finals more

-clutch shots in game 1
-clutch block in game 2 and the was the best player that game
-played great defense on Kobe in game 4 in the 2nd half and outperformed him that game
-again outperform Kobe in game 5 but lost because KG and Allen didn't know want to play. It was really Paul Pierce vs the Lakers that game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Happens all the time. If Miami wins again and Wade outplays him, you better bet your ass LeBron is getting that FMVP. If the Lakers miraculously win another championship somehow before Kobe retires, he will get it. FMVP is a joke accolade to measure players.

See Kobe.

[MP.Trey]

Paul Pierce impacted the finals more

-clutch shots in game 1
-clutch block in game 2 and the was the best player that game
-played great defense on Kobe in game 4 in the 2nd half and outperformed him that game
-again outperform Kobe in game 5 but lost because KG and Allen didn't know want to play. It was really Paul Pierce vs the Lakers that game.

Ray impacted the Finals more

-Held Kobe to 9-26 shooting in Game 1 being the primary defender on him. Didn't get carried off in a wheelchair.
-While Paul Pierce threw up a stinker of a Game 3 (6 points on 2-14 shooting). Ray was the only one keeping them in the game (25/5/2 on 8/13, 5/7 from three)
- Ray was the primary defender of Kobe in the first half of game 4 and held him scoreless. Pierce guarded Kobe in the second half and he scored 17 points in the second half. So much for playing great defense on Kobe when you don't even acknowledge that they were sharing duties and Ray did the better job this game while also shooting better than Pierce and grabbing 5 more boards although Pierce had more assists.
-Pierce did carry the team in Game 5, but don't forget Pierce got stripped by Kobe in a clutch situation. Pierce kept them in that game, but also lost it at the end. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHYE8lf0QEw)
-And in the clinching Game 6, it was obvious it was Ray's night. He tied the record for most three point makes in a single NBA Finals game with 7. 26 points, 4 boards, 2 assists. Top that off with 3 steals and only 1 turnover.
-Did I mention he set the (at the time) NBA Finals Record for most three pointers made in a series with 21 (3 higher than the previous record).

[Reggie43]

Why are guys arguing on who was better between Pierce and Ray when it was pretty obvious that Garnett was their most impactful player?

[MP.Trey]

Why are guys arguing on who was better between Pierce and Ray when it was pretty obvious that Garnett was their most impactful player?
Throughout the playoffs I agree, but in the Finals he shot the ball terribly and was a non factor late in games. His rebounding and defense on Gasol was huge, no doubt. But Ray/Pierce's defense on Kobe as well as their own offensive production was ultimately what was going to seal the deal and Ray did better than Pierce on both ends of the floor in my opinion.

[NumberSix]

2010 Kobe.

[sc19]

Ray Allen was robbed. He was by far the most consistent player during that final series. Even when Celtics were blown out, he keeps on knocking down shot after shot to stage a come back. :bowdown:

[russwest0]

Ray Allen was robbed just like he was in 2013

[Reggie43]

Throughout the playoffs I agree, but in the Finals he shot the ball terribly and was a non factor late in games. His rebounding and defense on Gasol was huge, no doubt. But Ray/Pierce's defense on Kobe as well as their own offensive production was ultimately what was going to seal the deal and Ray did better than Pierce on both ends of the floor in my opinion.

I remember he averaged a similar number of points as compared to the other two while providing elite defense not only on gasol but the whole lakers team. He was their defensive anchor, the one player that erased all the defensive mistakes that pierce and allen had helping them do a decent job on kobe bryant

[PistonsFan#21]

Jerry West the year he won Finals MVP even though his team lost

[OldSkoolball#52]

For some reason people always have an obsession with pecking orders and ranks, and Ray definitely got the Chris Bosh treatment in Boston. No matter how important his contribution, he was pigeon holed into the marginalized "third banana" role, moreso based on perception than anything else.

This is what the league wants tho, debate over individual players. Its good for promotion. Thats why they give out silly awards like Finals MVP. Shit reminds me of a kids bball camp. "Most Improved Camper!" "Best dribbler!" "Best hustle!"

But they know the fans eat it up.

[TrueRob]

It seems like Finals MVP is more like Playoffs MVP. Pierce had some very memorable performances during their 2008 playoff run, like game 7 vs. Cleveland.

[bdreason]

KG was the Finals MVP.


And Duncan should have been the MVP over Parker.


Apparently defense isn't taken into consideration when deciding Finals MVP.

[livingby3's]

Forgot which year was it, but I rmb Ray got robbed for a all star mvp as well. not sure why but he has always been underrated by league standard

[CJ Mustard]

It seems like Finals MVP is more like Playoffs MVP. Pierce had some very memorable performances during their 2008 playoff run, like game 7 vs. Cleveland.
Then KG would have gotten it, he was their best player throughout the Playoffs by far.

[livinglegend]

It seems like Finals MVP is more like Playoffs MVP. Pierce had some very memorable performances during their 2008 playoff run, like game 7 vs. Cleveland.

Well, as the name suggest it, it should be given for the performance during the finals, not the whole playoffs. Therefore, Ray Allen deserved that award more than Pierce.

[Harison]

Finals stats:

Garnett 18.2/13.0/3.0/1.7/1.0, 42.9% FG
Pierce 21.8/4.5/6.3/1.2/0.3, 43.2% FG
Ray 20.3/5.0/2.5/1.3/0.7, 50.7% FG

1. Garnett was the sole focus of Lakers defense (double-tripple defenders), same as Kobe for the Celtics. Thats why KG numbers and efficiency dropped comparing to total Playoffs stats. Wide open Pierce and Ray had a field day, with Ray having a very efficient series.

What happened in '10 Finals when Pierce with Ray did face defense (single coverage)? They were terrible, and Ray was erased by much shorter Fisher.

2. Celtics won because of their defense, not offense. Who was anchoring that? Certainly not Ray or Pierce, who were never known for their defense before KG put some sense into them. When next season KG got injured, Celtics D became terrible even though they still had Thibodeau.

3. KG was BY FAR the best closer in the 4th in '08 Playoffs. Which is quite impressive with Ray and Pierce on the team.

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in all pivotal games where the series was tied and the winner would take the series lead: KG 22.6 ppg, Pierce 20.5 ppg in 10 such games (this includes, by the way, Pierce’s game 7 explosion against Cleveland. In the other 9 such games, KG averaged 23.7 ppg and Pierce 18.2 ppg).

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in the 4th quarter of the playoffs (128 points on 53% FG vs. Pierce's 103 points on 36% FG).

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in the 4th quarter of the 12 games in the playoffs decided by 7 points or less (i.e. close games): KG 66 points/49% FG, Pierce 54 points/31% FG.

KG was by-far the Celtics' leading 4th quarter scorer in the REALLY close games (i.e. 3 games decided by 4 points or less): KG 22 points/50% FG, Pierce 3 points/20% FG.

Bottom line: KG had better overall statline even when facing full attention of Lakers defense. Celtics won because of KG anchoring the defense. KG was the best closer too.

Therefore how can anyone pick Ray or Pierce over Garnett? Duncan was similarly robbed FMVP by Parker, but even Parker had a better case over Duncan than Ray/Pierce over KG.

[fpliii]

It was pretty bad. Not sure about worst though, I'd have to think about it.

[CJ Mustard]

Finals stats:

Garnett 18.2/13.0/3.0/1.7/1.0, 42.9% FG
Pierce 21.8/4.5/6.3/1.2/0.3, 43.2% FG
Ray 20.3/5.0/2.5/1.3/0.7, 50.7% FG

1. Garnett was the sole focus of Lakers defense (double-tripple defenders), same as Kobe for the Celtics. Thats why KG numbers and efficiency dropped comparing to total Playoffs stats. Wide open Pierce and Ray had a field day, with Ray having a very efficient series.

What happened in '10 when Pierce with Ray did face defense (single coverage)? They were terrible, and Ray was erased by much shorter Fisher.

2. Celtics won because of their defense, not offense. Who was anchoring that? Certainly not Ray or Pierce, who were never known for their defense before KG put some sense into them. When next season KG got injured, Celtics D became terrible even though they still had Thibodeau.

3. KG was BY FAR the best closer in the 4th in '08 Playoffs. Which is quite impressive with Ray and Pierce on the team.

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in all pivotal games where the series was tied and the winner would take the series lead: KG 22.6 ppg, Pierce 20.5 ppg in 10 such games (this includes, by the way, Pierce’s game 7 explosion against Cleveland. In the other 9 such games, KG averaged 23.7 ppg and Pierce 18.2 ppg).

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in the 4th quarter of the playoffs (128 points on 53% FG vs. Pierce's 103 points on 36% FG).

KG was the Celtics' leading scorer in the 4th quarter of the 12 games in the playoffs decided by 7 points or less (i.e. close games): KG 66 points/49% FG, Pierce 54 points/31% FG.

KG was by-far the Celtics' leading 4th quarter scorer in the REALLY close games (i.e. 3 games decided by 4 points or less): KG 22 points/50% FG, Pierce 3 points/20% FG.

Bottom line: KG had better overall statline even when facing full attention of Lakers defense. Celtics won because of KG anchoring the defense. KG was the best closer too.

Therefore how can anyone pick Ray or Pierce over Garnett? Duncan was similarly robbed FMVP by Parker, but even Parker had a better case over Duncan than Ray/Pierce over KG.

It's a Finals MVP though. KG was obviously the best player throughout the Playoffs, but Ray performed the best in the Finals. Garnett is one of my favorite players, but shooting that low from the field as a big man is just inexcusable.

The fact that he was the main focus of the defense isn't an excuse, every star big man is the main focus of the opposing defense. Yet guys like Shaq, Duncan, Hakeem, etc have had great Finals performances on BOTH ends and earned Finals MVP's for it. 18 on 42% for a big isn't Finals MVP worthy, his defense was great though.

[KyleKong]

I see it as the same as for Billups. Better player and team leader in the Finals, but not throughout the playoffs.

[Bigsmoke]

Ray impacted the Finals more

-Held Kobe to 9-26 shooting in Game 1 being the primary defender on him. Didn't get carried off in a wheelchair.
-While Paul Pierce threw up a stinker of a Game 3 (6 points on 2-14 shooting). Ray was the only one keeping them in the game (25/5/2 on 8/13, 5/7 from three)
- Ray was the primary defender of Kobe in the first half of game 4 and held him scoreless. Pierce guarded Kobe in the second half and he scored 17 points in the second half. So much for playing great defense on Kobe when you don't even acknowledge that they were sharing duties and Ray did the better job this game while also shooting better than Pierce and grabbing 5 more boards although Pierce had more assists.
-Pierce did carry the team in Game 5, but don't forget Pierce got stripped by Kobe in a clutch situation. Pierce kept them in that game, but also lost it at the end. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHYE8lf0QEw)
-And in the clinching Game 6, it was obvious it was Ray's night. He tied the record for most three point makes in a single NBA Finals game with 7. 26 points, 4 boards, 2 assists. Top that off with 3 steals and only 1 turnover.
-Did I mention he set the (at the time) NBA Finals Record for most three pointers made in a series with 21 (3 higher than the previous record).

Actually, the Celtics were doubling Kobe in game 4 which lead to the Lakers getting that big ass lead in the first place. They switch and put Pierce on Kobe and Kobe didn't get the easy passes from the double teams. Pierce numbers would have been better if it wasnt for game 3

[Harison]

It's a Finals MVP though. KG was obviously the best player throughout the Playoffs, but Ray performed the best in the Finals.

Ray scored the best (while wide open), but thats not the same as the best Finals performance, nor scoring should be the sole determination of The Most Valuable Player.

Recent examples, Danny Green was killing Heat from 3PT (when he was open), does it make him the Most Valuable Player? Open Jason Terry was killing Heat before that, was he more valuable than superstars on the court?

Scoring is just one aspect of the game, and situation when/how they score, matters too.

Its completely different when superstar gets swarmed with defense (KG, Kobe), and when other players scorch when left open (Ray, Green, Jet, etc). As soon as those players get defensive attention, they are gone, like Ray, Green, etc.



Garnett is one of my favorite players, but shooting that low from the field as a big man is just inexcusable.
The fact that he was the main focus of the defense isn't an excuse, every star big man is the main focus of the opposing defense. Yet guys like Shaq, Duncan, Hakeem, etc have had great Finals performances on BOTH ends and earned Finals MVP's for it. 18 on 42% for a big isn't Finals MVP worthy, his defense was great though.

Context my friend. EVERY single player in NBA history dropped in numbers and efficiency when swarmed with defense. Even Shaq, Dream or Jordan.

Example, when prime Shaq faced Spurs Twin Towers, his efficiency in some Playoffs series dropped to as low as 44%, and when facing teams with weaker frontlines, he went off to 60-65% FG. Thats massive difference, and Shaq is the most dominant post player of All-time. Should he be disqualified because such efficiency "isnt worthy"?

Jordan against Jazz had 42% FG, against Sonics 41%, against Knicks 40%.

Or recent spectacular (as called by many fans) run by Dirk, and he had 41% FG. Actually after Mavs went down 1-2 in series, in remaining games Dirk had 37% FG, and 20% from 3PT. FMVP should be taken away from him, right?

Context matters. Superstars impact will always be greater than role players due to defensive attention, and many other things they do, like anchoring D (not Dirk, but KG, Duncan, Hakeem, etc). Sure, superstars can disappear, like Lebron did a couple of times, but thats not the case with KG. One of the things you can count on is him bringing 110% effort.

[LAZERUSS]

Ray scored the best (while wide open), but thats not the same as the best Finals performance, nor scoring should be the sole determination of The Most Valuable Player.

Recent examples, Danny Green was killing Heat from 3PT (when he was open), does it make him the Most Valuable Player? Open Jason Terry was killing Heat before that, was he more valuable than superstars on the court?

Scoring is just one aspect of the game, and situation when/how they score, matters too.

Its completely different when superstar gets swarmed with defense (KG, Kobe), and when other players scorch when left open (Ray, Green, Jet, etc). As soon as those players get defensive attention, they are gone, like Ray, Green, etc.



Context my friend. EVERY single player in NBA history dropped in numbers and efficiency when swarmed with defense. Even Shaq, Dream or Jordan.

Example, when prime Shaq faced Spurs Twin Towers, his efficiency in some Playoffs series dropped to as low as 44%, and when facing teams with weaker frontlines, he went off to 60-65% FG. Thats massive difference, and Shaq is the most dominant post player of All-time. Should he be disqualified because such efficiency "isnt worthy"?

Jordan against Jazz had 42% FG, against Sonics 41%, against Knicks 40%.

Or recent spectacular (as called by many fans) run by Dirk, and he had 41% FG. Actually after Mavs went down 1-2 in series, in remaining games Dirk had 37% FG, and 20% from 3PT. FMVP should be taken away from him, right?

Context matters. Superstars impact will always be greater than role players due to defensive attention, and many other things they do, like anchoring D (not Dirk, but KG, Duncan, Hakeem, etc). Sure, superstars can disappear, like Lebron did a couple of times, but thats not the case with KG. One of the things you can count on is him bringing 110% effort.

Excellent post.

:applause:

[Real Men Wear Green]

The leading scorer on the team is somehow the most undeserving Finals MVP "ever?" Allen and KG had arguments but the hyperbole isn't justified. Pierce won it for the following reasons:

1. He was the top scorer, by 1 point or fifty that's a fact.

2. Pierce was the celtics best offensive player in at least 4 0f the 6 games and possibly five. Allen was better in Game 3, Pierce's one terrible game, and that's why the averages are closer. In the deciding Game 6 Allen was the better scorer(26 to 17 on much better percentages) but Pierce also put in 10 assists and the way LA was getting pounded no one was even noticing the stats on the evening at the time. Because the series was really over in

3. The pivotal Game 4. While Allen defended Bryant more than anyone throughout the series, the "myth that Pierce matched up with Kobe" is rooted in the fact that Pierce took turns on him and in Game 4 the Cs were down 18 at the half when Pierce took over defending Bryant for the rest of the game. That was a key to the massive come-from-behind victory that put LA into a 1-3 hole. After that, everyone knew that the Lakers were done.

Had there been a Game 7 and Ray Allen had a huge night while Pierce didn't shine, maybe things are different. But as it stands, Pierce deserved that award as much as anyone. Worst choice in NBA history? That's a joke.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

If you think MVPs are based solely on how well the players played then you're beyond help. But any of the three would have been an acceptable choice.

[LAZERUSS]

Jerry West the year he won Finals MVP even though his team lost

You mean the West who averaged 38 ppg in that series, and who put up a 42-13-12 game seven in a two-point loss?

Yep...the WORST FMVP of all-time.

[secund2nun]

It was one of the most undeserving ones. Kobe is #1 on this list.

[nightprowler10]

You mean the West who averaged 38 ppg in that series, and who put up a 42-13-12 game seven in a two-point loss?

Yep...the WORST FMVP of all-time.

Haha yeah. Terrible post. Logo laid it all on the line like nobody ever.

[fefe]

stats:
Garnett 18.2/13.0/3.0/1.7/1.0, 42.9% FG
Pierce 21.8/4.5/6.3/1.2/0.3, 43.2% FG
Ray 20.3/5.0/2.5/1.3/0.7, 50.7% FG

I think the 3 statlines are the same level.
Pierce had 22 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 6.3 apg
How is that the most undeserving finals MVP?

Yes, Allen shot higher percentage, but had 2 less points, and 4 less assists.
Garnett was the anchor of their defense, but because of his low fg% I don't see his statline being more impressive than Pierce's

Pierce was the one who has always been there and he had the best statline. And it was a monster statline by the way.

KG might have had more impact, and Ray might have shot better, but Pierce was absolutely deserving of the finals MVP award.

If KG or Allen won the MVP award they would have deserved it too, But Pierce was not undeserving at all.

[I<3NBA]

no. because most undeserving ever was Kobe. TWICE. one over Gasol, and one over MWP.

[BoutPractice]

All three players had a decent claim for Finals MVP. Garnett was the true MVP of the team for the whole season though.

[TheBigVeto]

That would be Kobe.
/thread

[Fresh Kid]

No. Lebron James was most undeserving in 12 and 13.:no:

[TheMarkMadsen]

no. because most undeserving ever was Kobe. TWICE. one over Gasol, and one over MWP.

Leave it to Lebron stans to bring up Kobe


Leave it to this Idiot to say 11 ppg on 36% should have been FMVP

[Boston C's]

I thought ray should have won it but pierce was just as deserving of the award too...its not a crime that he won it hell even though I thought ray should of won it I was kind of expecting pierce to win it

[Champ]

The correct answer is another Celtic - Cedric Maxwell (1981).

[SamuraiSWISH]

Tony Parker and Cedric Maxwell

[3LiftHeatCurse]

Kobe 2010 was most undeserving

Pau Gasol outplayed him, big time

[russwest0]

No. Lebron James was most undeserving in 12 and 13.:no:

2012 they could have given it to Dan or Joey Crawford.

2013 Wade or Allen

[NumberSix]

2012 they could have given it to Dan or Joey Crawford.

2013 Wade or Allen
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:

[HomieWeMajor]

They should have given all of MJ's 6 FMVPs to Madonna or Scottie's dick.

[ripthekik]

Lebron James says hi.

[Mass Debator]

Jerry West in a losing effort.

[Fresh Kid]

Lebron James says hi.
i agree, lebron definitely don't deserve them mvps:no:

[Duranthebest]

Only Ray Allen fans think Pierce didn't deserve the 2008 finals mvp. SMFH @ giving the award to Ray because he got to shoot wide open 3s in a game 6 blowout.

Pierce lead the team in scoring and assists. GTFOH

[Boston C's]

Only Ray Allen fans think Pierce didn't deserve the 2008 finals mvp. SMFH @ giving the award to Ray because he got to shoot wide open 3s in a game 6 blowout.

Pierce lead the team in scoring and assists. GTFOH

nobody said he didn't deserve it...in fact the consensus in this conversation was that it could have gone to anyone from allen to pierce to k.g and it would have been fine...I'm not surprised pierce won it he was just as deserving as anyone and was the face of the celtics franchise for so long anyway that it would have probably seemed weird if he didn't win it

[ArbitraryWater]

KG was the Finals MVP.


And Duncan should have been the MVP over Parker.


Apparently defense isn't taken into consideration when deciding Finals MVP.

Bump (interesting, good thread)

Its funny how years later KG gets mentioned, if KG would have won it, he would have been one of the lowest TS% FMVP winners ever.

Here is what people said at the time:
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90510
^Spudjay guy is annoying, but not a SINGLE KG mention after 3 gms...

IMO, Allen was the FMVP. But Pierce wasnt far off, not much of a problem with him winning. Game 6 was a blowout, and before that one, Pierce's stats do look noticeably better than Allen's.

And we've heard so much shit on how Gasol got clowned, but really Gasol did his thing, significantly outshot Kobe through the first 2 gms, was the MOTM in game 5, and KG was the one who stunk it up.

[SouBeachTalents]

The truly egregious selections imo are

'76: White over Cowens
'80: Magic over Kareem
'88: Worthy over Magic

And I know others usually bring up Unseld over Hayes in '78 & Iggy over Curry, but you could argue both those players more "valuable" during their teams Finals comebacks

Other FMVP's that were close
'73: Several Knicks could have won it
'74: Hondo/Cowens
'79: DJ/Gus Williams
'81: Bird/Maxwell
'08: Big 3

'05 & especially '10 get brought up all the time, but I honestly never got the hype about those. Manu & Gasol both had great home performances, but both were straight up abysmal on the road. Not saying they weren't somewhat debatable selections, but I don't think it was controversial at all that Duncan & Kobe won FMVP, even with their terrible shooting performances in Game 7

[ArbitraryWater]

all that 'abysmal on the road' stuff is super weak reasoning.. Kobe looked like shit as well barring g5... Duncan was fckn awful in game 5... all in all, who cares, the whole series matter, and Ginobil/Gasol have better cases imo.

[houston]

iggy takes this title

[Elosha]

Paul Pierce deserved his Finals MVP. He was the most fearless Celtic, the one who stepped up the most and made the most big plays. He guarded Kobe fairly well and wasn't intimidated a bit, and he led the team in scoring and assists. The Celtics Big 3 all played wel and with true passion, but Pierce was the clear MVP in my mind.

[Stringer Bell]

I had no issues with Pierce winning it and I also would have no qualms if Garnett had won it either. Garnett did have some shooting struggles but he was very big on defense, and you could argue his presence and performance was the most "valuable" to the Celtics.

Actually, all of the big 3 were very important.

[PP34Deuce]

Ray was a consistent shooter and KG was our anchor.

but Paul was the guy that kept everything together in the finals. He was our most versatile scorer, had always plays Kobe really good in the 2nd half. He exploited lanes and he deserved Finals MVP.

KG ran out of gas in the finals but was still extremely effective.

[Bigsmoke]

Game 1-kg
Game 2- pierce
Game 3- Kobe
Game 4- pierce
Game 5- pierce
Game 6- allen

[ZMonkey11]

It's a Finals MVP, not a Playoff MVP. If it was, Garnett would get it easily. It just makes the award look like a joke if a player can win it on sentimental value.

News flash, the awards are a joke. They are voted on by the media. The legit awards are All-Star game reserves and All-NBA teams. (except for a few of Kobe's. He got some for his aura alone)

[Andrei89]

Lebron James says hi.
:wtf: :wtf:

I understand this guy used to be the biggest troll on this forum, but, in what world did Lebron not deserve finals mvp in 2012 and 2013?