NBA Playoffs 2025: Ranking 10 MVP Contenders After Round 1

As the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face off in the Western Conference semifinals, featuring two of the NBA`s top MVP candidates, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the focus shifts from the regular season race to playoff performance. While the official MVP award for the 2024-25 season will likely be announced soon, we`re looking at a different kind of MVP: the players who dominated the play-in and first round.

We`ve evaluated performances over the past few weeks, essentially hitting a reset button, to rank the top 10 players who have performed like MVP contenders during the initial phase of the 2025 NBA playoffs. This list will evolve as the postseason progresses, with players potentially moving up, down, or off the list entirely after each round. We`ll also give a nod to several players who just missed the top 10 but had noteworthy performances.

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

• 2025 playoffs (7 games): 24.0 PTS | 11.6 REB | 10.1 AST | 45.2 3P%

The Los Angeles Clippers presented a tough challenge for the three-time league MVP, particularly in Game 7 where Jokic started slowly. However, his overall impact on the series was undeniable. Even when defenses focused on limiting his scoring, his ability to facilitate and control the game remained supreme. His efficiency and near triple-double average for the series demonstrate his immense value, proving that even when contained, his presence elevates the entire team.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

• 2025 playoffs (5 games): 33.0 PTS | 15.4 REB | 6.6 AST | 60.6 FG%

Giannis faced one of the toughest first-round matchups against the Indiana Pacers` focused defense and had to carry an even heavier load after Damian Lillard`s injury. Despite the Bucks` elimination, Antetokounmpo delivered spectacular individual numbers, averaging 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists on over 60% shooting. While it wasn`t enough for his team to advance, his performance was undeniably MVP-caliber and cannot be faulted for their exit.

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

• 2025 playoffs (4 games): 31.3 PTS | 11.3 REB | 5.3 AST | 1.5 STL

Tatum was a star in the first round against the physical defense of the Orlando Magic. He averaged impressive scoring and assist numbers despite dealing with a wrist injury sustained early in the series that sidelined him for one game. His ability to maintain high-level production, including effective mid-range and timely 3-point shooting, showcased his resilience and importance to the top-seeded Celtics.

4. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

• 2025 playoffs (6 games): 31.5 PTS | 8.2 AST | 4.0 REB

Brunson battled through ankle issues throughout the six-game series against the Detroit Pistons, impacting his efficiency at times. Nevertheless, the Knicks` leader consistently found ways to score, reaching the 30-point mark in five out of six games, including a pivotal 40-point performance in the close-out game highlighted by a clutch late three-pointer. His scoring, especially his league-leading performance in the fourth quarter during the first round, solidified his status as a premier clutch player.

5. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2025 playoffs (5 games): 26.8 PTS | 8.4 REB | 6.2 AST | 1.2 STL

While his shooting was off in the decisive Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards` impact extends beyond scoring. His game has evolved, making him a significant playmaker as well. He recorded multiple games with eight or more assists in the first round. His dominant 43-point Game 4 also featured him facilitating for teammates in the crucial closing minutes, demonstrating his growing maturity and diverse contributions.

6. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

• 2025 playoffs (5 games): 29.4 PTS | 8.4 REB | 4.2 AST | 44.4 3P%

Banchero`s critical importance to the Magic was underscored in their final game against Boston; their challenge faded significantly after he got into foul trouble early in the third quarter. The 22-year-old forward is clearly the offensive engine for Orlando. His individual scoring and remarkable 3-point shooting efficiency in the series stood in stark contrast to his teammates` struggles from deep, highlighting how vital his offensive contribution is.

7. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

• 2025 playoffs (7 games): 25.0 PTS | 7.6 REB | 4.7 AST | 40.5 3P%

Despite playing a limited number of games leading up to the playoffs, Leonard delivered a highly impressive and efficient performance in the seven-game series against Denver, even outscoring three-time MVP Nikola Jokic on average. He had a standout 39-point game and showcased his well-known defensive prowess, leading the first round in deflections. Seeing Leonard healthy and playing at this level in the postseason was a major positive after recent injury-plagued runs.

8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2025 playoffs (5 games): 25.6 PTS | 4.0 AST | 1.4 STL

Mitchell led the Cavaliers to a dominant sweep over the Miami Heat, a performance so comprehensive that he often didn`t need to play significant fourth-quarter minutes. He was exceptional throughout the series, particularly in the final two games when his All-Star teammate Darius Garland was sidelined. Mitchell also continued a remarkable personal streak, starting his eighth consecutive playoff series with a 30-point game, setting a new record.

9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

• 2025 playoffs (7 games): 24.0 PTS | 5.7 AST | 5.9 REB | 39.2 3P%

The Houston Rockets targeted Curry defensively throughout the first round, employing aggressive schemes to make him uncomfortable, especially as he dealt with a hand injury. While this affected his efficiency in some games, Curry`s gravity still created opportunities for teammates. In the decisive Game 7, Houston`s focus on Curry allowed Buddy Hield to have a hot start, and Curry himself still delivered clutch scoring late, helping the Warriors advance.

10. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

• 2025 playoffs (6 games): 18.3 PTS | 11.8 AST | 5.8 REB | 1.2 BLK

Haliburton`s scoring efficiency wasn`t at its peak in the first round, but he remained the clear engine driving the Pacers` potent offense. He averaged nearly 12 assists per game, showcasing his elite playmaking ability. Beyond facilitating, Haliburton also made crucial defensive plays in key moments, contributing significantly to Indiana`s upset victory in their series opener against Cleveland.

Honorable Mentions

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)

  While Shai`s scoring was inconsistent and less efficient than usual in OKC`s sweep of Memphis (40% FG, 25% 3P), the series outcome rendered it less critical. Jalen Williams was outstanding, averaging 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on efficient shooting (54% FG). Both players are poised to climb this ranking as competition stiffens.

• Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)

  The reigning Finals MVP was highly efficient during Boston`s sweep of Orlando, playing through a bone bruise that required pain management injections. He was particularly explosive in Game 2 with 36 points on just 19 shots, consistently impacting the game without needing excessive attempts.

• Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

  Randle had perhaps his best playoff series with the Knicks, pairing effectively with Anthony Edwards against Detroit. His averages of 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 48% shooting and 39% from three were a significant improvement over his previous postseason performances.

• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) & Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

  Both superstars concluded their series against Minnesota dealing with injuries (James with an MCL sprain, Doncic with a back issue) and showed signs of fatigue late in games. While their overall series metrics were impressive, their fourth-quarter efficiency suffered significantly (James 33% FG, Doncic 30% FG), with Doncic also struggling defensively and with turnovers in the final period.

• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)

  Cunningham posted historic numbers for a player`s first playoff appearance (25 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds per game). However, his series against the Knicks also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly his low 3-point percentage (18%) and high turnover rate (five per game).

• Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)

  As Orlando`s secondary option, Wagner put up numbers somewhat similar to Cunningham`s. Like Cunningham, a key area for growth highlighted by the series was his long-range shooting efficiency (19%).

• Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)

  Towns` stats (19.7 points, 10 rebounds per game on efficient shooting splits near 50/40/90) look solid, but his performance in the series against Detroit was inconsistent. Foul trouble complicated matters for the Knicks at times, including a crucial foul-out in Game 6.

• Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)

  Sengun provided consistent all-around production (scoring, rebounding, passing) for Houston throughout their seven-game loss. While teammates like Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had standout moments, Sengun`s efficient contributions were a steadying force for the Rockets against the Warriors.

• Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

  Murray wasn`t consistent enough over the whole series to crack the top 10, but his 43-point, seven-assist performance in Game 5 against the Clippers was one of the playoff highlights. He finished the series averaging nearly 23 points and six assists with efficient shooting percentages.