Official update on the FMVP rankings before the Game 7: Alexander remains at the top, Haliburton is 4th, and McConnell rises to 5th.

On June 21, Beijing time, the NBA website announced the latest FMVP rankings before the crucial Game 7, with Alexander still in the lead, and Haliburton in 4th place. McConnell, the standout bench player for the Pacers, has climbed to 5th. Here is the detailed ranking and analysis from the official site—

1. Alexander, Thunder

2025 NBA Finals stats: 30.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists

Reason for nomination: Except for a poor performance in Game 6, if the Thunder ultimately wins the championship, Alexander is likely to secure this award. In this scenario, he is almost a shoo-in for the MVP title—because the Thunder will undoubtedly need this player, who has carried the team throughout the season and most of the playoffs, to step up in Game 7.

He is the leading scorer in this series and ranks high on the steals list. He has had only one subpar performance and one average game, with the rest being outstanding. The drive to become a champion for the first time and to add a significant accolade to his honors in 2025 will inspire him to perform at his best.

2. Jalen Williams, Thunder

2025 NBA Finals stats: 24.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists

Reason for nomination: He scored 40 points in Game 5, which remains the highest single-game score of the series, and as the team's "second-in-command," he has made his mark in Finals history. Like his teammates, Williams struggled in Game 6, but this was just an anomaly. His impact on both ends of the court is invaluable to the Thunder and greatly enhances his reputation in the basketball community.

At just 24 years old, Williams' few mistakes can be excused, while his numerous contributions are impressive. He is a rising star, and if he performs strongly in Game 7, the MVP race between him and Alexander will become very interesting.

3. Siakam, Pacers

2025 NBA Finals stats: 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists

Reason for nomination: He is the leading scorer and rebounder for the Pacers, and he is always the first choice when the team needs to break a deadlock. Siakam has posed significant challenges for the Thunder; in the playoffs, he is one of the top players posing a threat to the Thunder's elite defense, second only to Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards.

When the Pacers eliminated the Knicks, Siakam was awarded the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. If Indiana wins Game 7, he could add another trophy to his collection. He is the X-factor for the team. If all goes well, his acquisition from Toronto will automatically become one of the most successful signings in the NBA over the past 20 years.

4. Haliburton, Pacers

2025 NBA Finals stats: 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists

Reason for nomination: Had it not been for an unexpected calf strain, he would rank higher on this list. Nevertheless, Haliburton remains a strong candidate—his overall performance in the series far exceeds the 4 points he scored in the injury-plagued Game 5. His contributions were crucial in the three games that the Pacers won.

If he explodes in Game 7, Haliburton has a chance to win the Finals MVP; given his tendency to play the hero in the playoffs, he is fully capable of hitting a game-winning shot. Everything hinges on his health and whether he can make a pivotal shot that changes the game.

5. McConnell, Pacers

2025 NBA Finals stats: 11.3 points, 2.3 steals, 4.5 assists

Reason for nomination: McConnell has come off the bench and has been on fire in the last two games, helping the Pacers secure two victories (though they actually won one and lost one, which is not his fault). His energy displayed throughout the series has inspired the entire team and changed the pace of the games.

He has delivered "highlight moments"—stealing the ball from the sideline and hitting mid-range jumpers. When Haliburton and other Pacers guards were struggling, he provided stability for the team. If he delivers a winning performance in Game 7 on Sunday, he will surely receive votes for the Finals MVP.