Sunday 26 May 2019 08:02, UK
NBA TV analysts Greg Anthony and Jason Terry discuss their choices for the most valuable player in the playoffs so far. Read their comments then vote in our poll.
The NBA rewards the most valuable player in the NBA Finals, but has no similar award for the playoffs as a whole. Who would be the MVP in this season's playoffs if such an award was given today?
NBA TV analysts Greg Anthony and Jason Terry identified Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard and Milwaukee Bucks' regular-season MVP favourite Giannis Antetokounmpo as their top three candidates but disagreed over the No 1 choice.
Speaking on NBA Gametime, Anthony said: "It's Kawhi Leonard. [Toronto are] a team that hasn't had much impact off their bench or a consistent second scoring option for the entire postseason. For Kawhi to have got his team to where they are with what he has done, to me it's not even close in terms of overall impact.
"Stephen Curry has been great but he is playing with a guy [in Kevin Durant] who is averaging 34 points per game in the playoffs. Giannis has been terrific as well. Like Kawhi, he is a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Kevin Durant would also be on my list had he played but you can't get on the list if you miss an entire series!"
Former NBA champion Terry disagreed with Anthony, hailing "Stephen Curry's impact since half-time in Game 6 [of the Western Conference semi-final series] against Houston…. taking over in Houston after going scoreless in the first half, dominating in the second half and winning the series."
"[Curry's] imprint in Golden State's sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers was one of pure dominance - 27 points per game throughout the playoffs, five assists, six rebounds," he said. "In that [Western Conference Finals] series, Curry averaged over 35 points per game. He was automatic.
Do you agree with Anthony or Terry? Or do you think Antetokounmpo is the postseason's most valuable player? Vote for your playoffs MVP in the poll below.
The NBA Finals kicks off on Sky Sports Arena in the early hours of Friday morning - watch Golden State Warriors @Toronto Raptors LIVE from 2am.
