When did the NBA start awarding Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP award began in 1969, with Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers becoming the first winner.

How is the NBA Finals MVP decided?

The Finals MVP is voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters after the series, based on overall impact and performance.

Has a player from the losing team ever won Finals MVP?

Yes, Jerry West in 1969 is the only player to win Finals MVP while on the losing team.

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Relentless and Exemplary: A Model Pro With No Off-Court Drama

FMVP Club

NBA

8 views07/01/2026, 02:54 ET

Known for tireless work and clean living, Brunson is a league-recognized model player and locker-room leader with virtually no off-court noise.

In a talent-rich but drama-prone NBA, Jalen Brunson is a breath of fresh air.

He has almost no negative off-court headlines. No flaunting wealth, no trouble, no controversy — his social feed is mostly training clips and family photos. Teammates and coaches repeat one word: professional. He trains obsessively, refining his shot and footwork every offseason, turning "hard work" into a personal brand.

That exemplary image earns him natural locker-room authority. Young players learn more watching how he prepares and handles loss than from ten speeches. Brunson proves a point: beyond the superstar glow, grit and discipline are themselves power.

While the league chases clout and clicks, Brunson earned the widest respect the old-fashioned way.