NBA's official first FMVP list: Haliburton leads the quasi-stunner, Alexander is second, Sika is third

On June 7, Beijing time, after the G1 battle in the finals, the Pacers narrowly defeated the Thunder, leading 1-0 in the overall score. The NBA's official website updated the first phase of the FMVP (Finals MVP) list, Haliburton, who contributed the quasi-stunner, ranked first, Alexander ranked second, and Siakam, Dort and Nembhard ranked third to fifth, respectively.

1. Haliburton (Pacers)

First game stats: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists

Competitive analysis: He scored "that key shot" and that's it, and that's all there is to it for him to lead the list. Haliburton once again seized the opportunity to be a hero, surpassing the game itself in key moments.

Despite being lackluster for most of the game, this was a common pattern for Haliburton – he wasn't a high-production scorer, but a playmaker for the team. As a point guard who prioritizes passing, he excels at stringing up his teammates and inspiring their confidence before then taking over the game when the time comes, and he usually lives up to his chances.

2. Alexander (Thunder)

First game stats: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals

Competitive analysis: If Haliburton had missed that stunner, Alexander would have topped the list. Admittedly, he created opportunities for opponents with his 18-foot jumper before Haliburton's shot, but before that, he was like a "blizzard" with the ball, the only consistent offensive core of the Thunder.

The Pacers still need to find a way to limit him in the series — a defensive goal they've had since the Finals, and that task remains urgent after Game 1. If Alexander remains efficient, he will become an unsolvable problem; Otherwise, the Pacers' tactics worked.

3. Siakam (Pacers)

Game 1 stats: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals

Competitive Analysis: He influences the game in multiple dimensions – rebounding, defending, as the first offensive option. When the Pacers need to score, Siakam is the primary endpoint. He also helped the team beat the Thunder with Holmgren and Harden with a 56-39 rebounding advantage, which was somewhat unexpected.

A notable moment of controversy came just before the end: his enthusiasm to scramble for the floor ball was blown out of bounds by the referee, while coach Rick Carlisle's challenge was dismissed. Of course, the plot then turned in his favor - Alexander missed, Haliburton completed the stunner.

4. Dort (Thunder)

First game stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals

Competitive analysis: In the first game, he perfectly interpreted the definition of a "3-D player" - 5 of 9 shots from beyond the three-point line, and 4 steals on the defensive end can be called a "steal machine". The Pacers didn't dare to let his three-pointers go away, and he never let the Pacers ball-handler get rid of it easily.

Dort currently has a low probability of winning the award, but if he eventually comes, he will become the first non-draft Finals MVP. As the longest-serving player in Thunder history, he continues to break the question and continue to create miracles.

5. Nembhard (Pacers)

Game 1 stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists

Competitive analysis: At least he can put two key defensive shots in the final quarter of the opening game into the "Highlight Reel Library": the first was against Alexander, where he used a couple of clever dribbles to get rid of his Canadian national team teammates and hit a three-pointer with two minutes left in the game; The second time was in the Thunder's fatal attack, where he defended Alexander, did not miss the position, did not foul, and forced the opponent to make a difficult step-back jumper.

Nembhard's defense against Alexander will be key in the series. If the MVP struggles, Nembhard's value and ranking will rise dramatically — similar to former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala's role as the Warriors' defense against the Cavaliers.