Top 5 NBA Players: NBA Finals Edition

With the penultimate playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers around the corner, it’s time for the final edition of the top 5 players remaining in the playoffs. This year’s NBA Finals feature a wide array of talent, from superstars and all-star players to key role players, all playing vital roles in their respective teams’ playoff success thus far. Let’s examine and rank the top 5 players for the 2025 NBA Finals.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

If there were any remaining doubts about the greatness and brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander before the start of the playoffs, those doubts have been silenced emphatically. The league MVP is on the precipice of not only capping off a banner year in his career but also solidifying himself as an all-time NBA great. Only two players in NBA history have won the scoring title, league MVP, and a championship in the same year: Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan. If the Thunder can hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy, SGA will join that legendary list. That reason alone is why SGA takes the top spot on this list.

2. Tyrese Haliburton

When the Pacers traded for Haliburton back during the 2021-22 NBA season, many people expected Indiana to take a small step forward. Still, they mulled over the franchise’s ability to contend for a title anytime soon. Fast forward two and a half years, and the Pacers have reached heights that the franchise hasn’t seen in over 25 years. All of that is due in part to the impeccable leadership and playmaking ability of their superstar floor general. The Pacers will undoubtedly have their hands full against the vaunted Thunder, but with Haliburton on their side, they have a fighting chance.

3. Jalen Williams

An All-Star, All-NBA 3rd team member, and All-Defensive 2nd team member, Williams’ two-way prowess has catalyzed the Thunder this postseason. The third year forward is averaging a solid 20 points per game while also collecting nearly two steals per contest so far in these playoffs. That steal number has been the most vital aspect of his play, as the Thunder lead the playoffs in points off turnovers and turnovers forced. While SGA may be OKC’s Batman, Williams has very much established himself as the Robin for this squad.

4. Pascal Siakam

While the Pacers’ acquisition of Haliburton helped to change Indiana from a rebuilding franchise to a fringe playoff contender, the trade for Siakam last season firmly transformed the Pacers into legitimate title contenders. The Eastern Conference Finals MVP has been nothing short of a flawless fit alongside Haliburton during his short time in Indiana. While Haliburton sets the table for the Pacers’ offense with his passing ability, it’s Siakam’s scoring punch and non-stop offensive attack in transition that has served as the driving force for this potent Indiana offense. The three-time All-Star leads Indiana in both points and rebounds per game this postseason. The Thunder will have their hands full trying to contain Siakam in this series.

5. Chet Holmgren

The sleeping giant for this young Thunder team, these playoffs have served as a sort of coming-out party for Holmgren. The second year forward is averaging an impressive 16 points per game, while also providing tremendous rim protection with two blocks per game to boot. The Gonzaga product had a forgettable regular season due to a severe hip injury that limited him to only 32 games, but has had a memorable postseason for both himself and Thunder fans. With Holmgren seeming to improve with each series so far this playoffs, are we in for his best series yet? We will see if that’s the case when the NBA Finals tip off Thursday night.