Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award: A Legacy of Excellence
The History of the Award
The Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, formerly known as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, was established in 1969 to honor the outstanding performer in the NBA Finals. The award was renamed in 2009 in honor of the legendary Boston Celtics center, Bill Russell, who won a record 11 NBA championships during his illustrious career.
The winner of the Finals MVP award is determined by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NBA Finals. The voters consider the player's overall performance, including his statistical contributions, leadership, and impact on the game.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, some of the most iconic players in NBA history have won the Finals MVP award. These include:
- Michael Jordan (6 awards)
- Lebron James (4 awards)
- Shaquille O'Neal (3 awards)
- Kobe Bryant (2 awards)
- Magic Johnson (2 awards)
- Larry Bird (2 awards)
Recent Winners
The most recent recipients of the Finals MVP award are as follows:
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
| 2021 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2020 | Lebron James | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2019 | Kawhi Leonard | Toronto Raptors |
| 2018 | Kevin Durant | Golden State Warriors |
Celtics Legacy
The Boston Celtics have a proud tradition of having their players win the Finals MVP award. Five Celtics have been named NBA Finals MVP:
- Larry Bird (1984, 1986)
- Havlicek (1974)
- Cousy (1957)
- Bill Russell (1968)
- Sam Jones (1965)
The Celtics' success in the NBA Finals is a testament to their commitment to teamwork and execution. They have been able to consistently produce great players who can make a significant impact in the most important games of the season.
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