Celtics Finals MVP History
The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 17 championships. A key component of their success has been the play of their Finals MVPs. Here is a look at each Celtics player who has won the NBA Finals MVP award:
Bill Russell
Bill Russell won the NBA Finals MVP award a record five times, in 1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, and 1963. He was a dominant force on the defensive end, leading the Celtics to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird won the NBA Finals MVP award twice, in 1984 and 1986. He was a versatile forward who could score, rebound, and pass. He led the Celtics to three NBA championships in five seasons.
Cedric Maxwell
Cedric Maxwell won the NBA Finals MVP award in 1981. He was a power forward who was known for his toughness and rebounding. He helped the Celtics win their 14th NBA championship.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce won the NBA Finals MVP award in 2008. He was a small forward who was known for his scoring and leadership. He led the Celtics to their 17th NBA championship.
Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2017, though he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time. He was a point guard who was known for his scoring and playmaking. He led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games.
Key Factors for Celtics Finals MVP Selection
The selection of the Celtics Finals MVP is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the player who has made the most significant contributions to the team’s success during the NBA Finals. Several key factors are considered when determining the recipient of this award, encompassing both statistical and qualitative criteria.
Statistically, the Celtics Finals MVP is typically the player who leads the team in several key categories, including points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, and steals per game. However, these statistical accomplishments are not the sole determinants of the award. The Celtics Finals MVP is also expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership, hustle, and determination on the court.
Statistical Criteria
- Points per game: The Celtics Finals MVP is typically the team’s leading scorer, averaging a high number of points per game. This demonstrates their ability to consistently put the ball in the basket and contribute to the team’s offensive success.
- Rebounds per game: The Celtics Finals MVP is often a strong rebounder, averaging a high number of rebounds per game. This demonstrates their ability to control the boards and give the team second chances on offense.
- Assists per game: The Celtics Finals MVP is often a playmaker, averaging a high number of assists per game. This demonstrates their ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates and make the team’s offense more efficient.
- Steals per game: The Celtics Finals MVP is often a defensive stalwart, averaging a high number of steals per game. This demonstrates their ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense and create turnovers.
Qualitative Criteria, Celtics finals mvp
- Leadership: The Celtics Finals MVP is expected to be a leader on the court, both by example and by vocal encouragement. They are able to motivate their teammates and help them perform at their best.
- Hustle: The Celtics Finals MVP is expected to play with great hustle and determination on the court. They are willing to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means sacrificing their own personal statistics.
- Determination: The Celtics Finals MVP is expected to be a determined player who never gives up. They are able to overcome adversity and lead their team to victory.
Some notable Celtics players who have exemplified these criteria and won the Finals MVP award include:
- Bill Russell: Russell won the Finals MVP award a record 11 times during his 13-year career with the Celtics. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, leading the team in rebounds and blocks while also contributing offensively.
- Larry Bird: Bird won the Finals MVP award three times during his 13-year career with the Celtics. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass with equal effectiveness.
- Paul Pierce: Pierce won the Finals MVP award in 2008, leading the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 22 years. He was a clutch performer who hit several big shots in the Finals.
Contenders for Celtics Finals MVP in the Current Season
The Boston Celtics are poised to make a deep run in the 2023 NBA Finals, and several players on their roster are strong contenders for the Finals MVP award. Let’s analyze the current Celtics roster and identify the potential contenders, discussing their individual strengths, weaknesses, and how they might contribute to the team’s success.
Jayson Tatum
- Strengths: Tatum is a versatile and dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and get to the rim at will. He is also a good rebounder and passer, making him a complete offensive threat.
- Weaknesses: Tatum can sometimes be inconsistent with his shot, and he can be prone to turnovers. He also needs to improve his defense.
- Potential impact: Tatum is the Celtics’ best player and will be their go-to guy in the Finals. He has the potential to put up big numbers and lead the Celtics to a championship.
Jaylen Brown
- Strengths: Brown is a well-rounded wing who can score, rebound, and defend. He is also a good shooter and passer.
- Weaknesses: Brown can sometimes be streaky with his shot, and he can be prone to turnovers. He also needs to improve his consistency on the defensive end.
- Potential impact: Brown is the Celtics’ second-best player and will be a key contributor in the Finals. He has the potential to put up big numbers and help the Celtics win a championship.
Marcus Smart
- Strengths: Smart is a defensive stalwart who can guard all five positions. He is also a good rebounder and passer.
- Weaknesses: Smart is not a great scorer, and he can be prone to turnovers. He also needs to improve his shooting.
- Potential impact: Smart is the Celtics’ defensive leader and will be a key contributor in the Finals. He has the potential to shut down the opposing team’s best player and help the Celtics win a championship.
The Celtics’ Finals MVP has been a hotly debated topic since their victory. Many believe that Jayson Tatum is the clear frontrunner, while others argue that Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart deserves the honor. To find out who ultimately took home the coveted award, check out our article who got finals mvp 2024.
The Celtics’ Finals MVP has been a hotly debated topic since their victory.
As the confetti rained down on the Celtics’ victory parade, the question of who would claim the Finals MVP lingered in the air. While the focus now shifts to the 2024 NBA Finals, where a new crop of stars will vie for the coveted trophy, the legacy of the Celtics’ triumph will forever be etched in the annals of basketball history.
The 2024 NBA Finals MVP will undoubtedly face immense pressure to match the heroics of the Celtics’ Finals MVP, whose performance cemented their place among the legends of the game.
The Boston Celtics have won 17 NBA championships, tied for the most in league history. Their most recent title came in 2008, when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. The Celtics have had many great players over the years, but some of their most notable include Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce.
In recent years, the Celtics have been led by Jayson Tatum, who is one of the best young players in the NBA. Tatum is a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and pass. He is also a very good defender.
The Celtics are hoping that Tatum can lead them to their 18th NBA championship. For more information on the Celtics’ history in the NBA Finals, click here.
The Celtics’ quest for their 18th NBA championship continued with Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals. With the series tied 2-2, the Celtics needed a win to take control. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but the Celtics ultimately prevailed, winning 104-97.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was named the Celtics’ Finals MVP after the game. Game 5 of the NBA Finals was a thrilling affair, and the Celtics’ victory gives them a 3-2 lead in the series.
They will now have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 6.
The Celtics’ Finals MVP race is heating up, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both putting up impressive performances. In game 5 , Tatum led the team with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Brown added 24 points. The Celtics will need both players to continue to step up if they want to win the championship.