The Finals MVP Award and Iverson’s Regret

The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP) has been media-voted since 1969, awarded to the series’ best performer. Most years it goes to the champion’s side — the winner usually owns the strongest individual. For Iverson, 2001 was a great exception.

That year the 76ers fell 1-4, and FMVP went to the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal (a dominant 33+15 line). Iverson got no trophy, but delivered a Game 1 for the ages: 48 points, an OT dagger, stepping over Tyronn Lue. He played the winner’s part from the losing side, making his "no FMVP" more memorable than many who have one.

The FMVP logic honors "the best among winners." But basketball history has such mismatches: a great performance need not belong to the winning side. Iverson’s 2001 averaged 35.6 across the Finals — among the highest by any losing-side player in Finals history.

So when you see the "NBA Finals MVP" list, Iverson is absent — yet he remains many fans’ "uncrowned FMVP." Some greatness needs no trophy; some answers are written beyond the scoreboard.

Related Reading

• 2001 NBA MVP: Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers)
• Allen Iverson: Most Valuable and Legacy
• Allen Iverson: Hard Work and Role Model
• Allen Iverson: Glory and Idol
• 2001 Finals Game 1: Stepping Over Tyronn Lue, Burying the Mighty Lakers