LeBron Picks OG Anunoby Over Brunson as Knicks’ Finals MVP
LeBron James believes OG Anunoby was the Knicks’ most valuable Finals player, despite Jalen Brunson winning the award unanimously. Here’s his case.
Jalen Brunson received every official Finals MVP vote. LeBron James would have made a different choice.
Speaking with Steve Nash on Mind the Game, James identified OG Anunoby as his pick for the Knicks’ most valuable player in their championship series against the San Antonio Spurs.
His argument focused on Anunoby’s consistency, shooting and decisive defensive contributions during New York’s five-game victory.
James also acknowledged Brunson’s leadership. His assessment offered a different interpretation of the series rather than dismissing the captain’s importance to the championship.
Why LeBron’s Finals MVP Pick Was Anunoby
James highlighted the reliability of Anunoby’s performances and his ability to deliver plays that directly affected the outcome of games.
Anunoby averaged 21.2 points in the Finals, making 16 three-pointers at a 50% rate. Those numbers gave New York substantial offensive production alongside his defensive responsibilities.
For James, the combination mattered. Anunoby contributed through his shooting while also producing interventions that a scoring total cannot fully describe.
The debate therefore turns on how to weigh different forms of influence: leading an offense, supplying consistent production and making the individual plays that decide a close finish.
Game 4 Provides the Strongest Argument
Anunoby’s most compelling performance came during the Knicks’ extraordinary 107-106 victory in Game 4.
New York recovered from a 29-point deficit, with Anunoby scoring 33 points and making seven three-pointers. He then delivered two defining moments late in the game: a chase-down block on De’Aaron Fox and the winning tip-in.
James specifically pointed to those contributions when explaining his preference.
The sequence captured Anunoby’s value at both ends. His shooting helped fuel the comeback, while his defense and offensive rebounding influenced its conclusion.
The victory moved the Knicks within one win of the title and gave Anunoby a central place in one of the series’ most memorable games.
Brunson’s Unanimous Selection Still Had a Powerful Foundation
The official voting was decisive: all 11 Finals MVP voters selected Brunson.
His championship-clinching performance supplied a particularly strong closing argument. The Knicks captain scored 45 points in Game 5, helping New York secure its first title in 53 years.
James recognized Brunson as the team’s central leader even while favoring Anunoby’s steadiness across the series.
That distinction prevents the discussion from becoming a simple claim that one player carried the team while the other benefited. Both had major roles, expressed through different responsibilities and defining performances.
Brunson’s award remains the official judgment. James’ view adds a prominent alternative assessment.
Two Different Ways to Measure Finals Value
The LeBron James–OG Anunoby Finals MVP debate raises a familiar basketball question: which contributions deserve the greatest weight?
An offensive leader must repeatedly create answers against a defense preparing specifically to stop him. A versatile teammate can influence the same series through shooting, defensive assignments and timely possessions that change a game.
Anunoby’s Game 4 and Brunson’s Game 5 illustrate why those contributions can be difficult to separate.
The first helped complete an extraordinary comeback. The second delivered the championship-clinching scoring performance.
Anunoby’s Impact Gets Another Spotlight
James’ comments do not change the trophy presentation or the unanimous vote. They do bring renewed attention to how much Anunoby contributed to New York’s title.
His Finals included efficient perimeter shooting, a major scoring performance and crucial plays on both sides of the court.
Brunson finished the series holding the MVP award. Anunoby’s performance was strong enough that one of basketball’s most accomplished players believes he deserved it instead.
