OG Anunoby Emerges as Knicks’ Leading NBA Finals MVP Candidate After Game 4

The conversation surrounding the NBA Finals MVP award has intensified as the New York Knicks move within one victory of capturing their first championship since 1973. Holding a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks are now in position to complete one of the most memorable postseason journeys in franchise history.

While the series itself remains unfinished, speculation about individual honors has naturally become a major topic. Historically, teams holding a 3-1 advantage in the NBA Finals are overwhelmingly successful in closing out the series, making discussions about the MVP race increasingly relevant.

Several Knicks players have delivered standout performances throughout the championship matchup. Karl-Anthony Towns initially appeared to be the favorite after a dominant start to the Finals, but his production has cooled in recent games, opening the door for other candidates to emerge.

As a result, much of the focus has shifted toward Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. Brunson has been New York’s offensive leader throughout the postseason, but a growing number of analysts believe Anunoby’s two-way impact has made him the most valuable player of the series so far.

1. Lowe Makes the Case for Anunoby

Among those supporting Anunoby’s candidacy is respected NBA analyst Zach Lowe, who recently argued that the Knicks forward currently deserves the edge in the Finals MVP race. Lowe pointed to Anunoby’s remarkable efficiency throughout the playoffs. The versatile wing has consistently delivered scoring production while maintaining elite shooting percentages, helping New York navigate a challenging postseason path to the Finals. According to Lowe, Anunoby has averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game during the playoffs while shooting at an exceptional level from both two-point and three-point range. Those numbers reflect not only scoring ability but also a level of consistency that has become increasingly valuable as the competition has intensified. His Finals statistics have been even more impressive. Through four games against San Antonio, Anunoby has averaged 24 points per contest while converting shots at highly efficient rates. For Lowe, those contributions outweigh the statistical advantages Brunson holds in scoring volume and playmaking.

2. Game 4 Becomes a Defining Moment

Anunoby’s argument for Finals MVP gained significant momentum during Game 4, a contest that may ultimately be remembered as the turning point of the series. The Knicks appeared headed for defeat after falling behind by 29 points in the first half. San Antonio controlled the pace, dominated stretches of play, and seemed poised to even the series before New York mounted a stunning comeback. As the game entered its decisive moments, Anunoby delivered several of the night’s biggest plays. His defensive impact was particularly important, highlighted by a crucial late block against De’Aaron Fox that prevented the Spurs from extending their advantage. Moments later, Anunoby provided the game’s defining sequence by securing and converting a game-winning putback. The basket completed one of the largest comebacks in NBA Finals history and placed the Knicks just one win away from ending a championship drought that has lasted more than five decades.

3. Brunson Still Has a Strong Claim

Despite the growing support for Anunoby, the Finals MVP race remains far from settled. Brunson continues to possess a compelling argument of his own and remains the face of New York’s offense. The All-Star guard has repeatedly delivered in critical situations throughout the postseason. His leadership, ball-handling, and scoring ability have helped guide the Knicks through numerous high-pressure moments, including key victories earlier in the Finals. Through four games, Brunson has averaged 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. While his shooting efficiency has not matched Anunoby’s, his overall offensive responsibility has been significantly greater, making his production particularly impressive. With at least one game remaining in the series, the award race could still shift. A signature performance from Brunson, Anunoby, or even Towns in a potential title-clinching victory may ultimately determine who receives the honor. For now, however, Anunoby’s combination of efficient scoring, defensive excellence, and Game 4 heroics has placed him at the forefront of the conversation.