Emirates NBA Cup MVP Ladder: Jalen Brunson Holds Top Spot Ahead of the Final
LAS VEGAS — Only one last opportunity remains for a player to grab the moment, steer the narrative, and erase any lingering doubt. The standout who climbs the ladder most decisively on Tuesday, in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship, is likely to claim not one but two forms of recognition. If he helps his team win the title in emphatic fashion, he’ll walk away with hardware in both hands. The contenders come from the Knicks and the Spurs, the final two teams remaining in Cup play, each offering a strong pool of MVP candidates.
This Cup MVP ladder spans every phase of the competition—from Group Play through the knockout rounds to the Las Vegas showdowns. Four of the top five remain in contention, and while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has earned nearly every accolade this past year, he sits as the odd man out in this race.
The eventual Cup MVP will have a defining moment in the championship. That moment could influence future seasons, perhaps later this year or next spring, but today is all about one game, one award, and the player who changes the outcome.
Setting the stage for the Final brings fresh pressure for both the Knicks and Spurs. Most players on these rosters lack experience in such a high-stakes moment, which may suit the two brightest stars: Jalen Brunson for New York and Victor Wembanyama for San Antonio.
Stat to watch: Brunson has been exceptionally accurate in this tournament, consistently finding his preferred spots. He’s shot at least 50% from the floor in every Cup game except one, a 12-for-25 performance against the Bulls.
Quoted spark: “Can you be Sixth Man of the Year and MVP?” — Wembanyama, after returning from a calf strain and coming off the bench in his first game back.
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks Last ranking: No. 2
Brunson erupted for 40 points to lift the Knicks past the Magic. His case is built on performing when it matters most: four consecutive games with 30+ points, including a 40-point explosion against Orlando. In the last two Cup games, he jumped out to a quick start, scoring 25 in the first half against the Magic and 20 in the first quarter against Toronto, helping New York secure a knockout-round berth with 37 versus the Bucks. Brunson combines savvy decision-making, clutch production, and contagious confidence for his teammates.
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks Last ranking: No. 5
Towns showcased his dual threat in the semifinals with a spectacular dunk and sustained offensive efficiency. Traditionally a scoring big, he has also taken on a pivotal defensive role in this Cup run, especially against Orlando where his defense set the tone while he produced 29 points. Earlier rounds saw him haul in 16 rebounds and two blocks in the quarterfinals against the Raptors and post a 19-10 line in Group Play versus the Hornets. If Towns maintains this balance on Tuesday, his odds of lifting the Cup—and winning MVP—rise accordingly.
- De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs Last ranking: No. 6
Fox has surged with a season-best 37 points in the Group Phase win over Portland, followed by a string of strong performances: 12 assists in a three-point win over the Nuggets, 20 points against the Lakers in the quarterfinals, and 22 in the semifinal against the Thunder. He’s been a stabilizing force for San Antonio, especially during Victor Wembanyama’s absence due to a calf strain. The Spurs’ Cup hopes have thrived with Fox’s play, placing him one win away from the championship.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Last ranking: No. 1
Shai closed the semifinal with 28 points in a win over Phoenix, but he missed the 30-point plateau in the semifinal against San Antonio by a single point. He has tallied 65 points across back-to-back Cup games against the Suns, including a 37-point performance in the first game and a 49-point blowout in the rematch. The fourth quarter efficiency in tight games against the Spurs highlighted his MVP-level impact, and he remains a formidable force as the Cup rolls to its conclusion.
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Last ranking: Unranked
Returning from a 12-game absence, Wembanyama put up 22 points in 21 minutes in his comeback. While he only played three Cup games, his impact is weighted by the Spurs’ success in those outings: two wins and a one-point loss, with his contributions pivotal to their title bid. He added 22 points and eight rebounds in a win over the Rockets, followed by 26 points and 12 rebounds in a close loss to the Warriors in Group Play. In his latest appearance, he posted 22 points and nine boards in 21 minutes as San Antonio defeated the Thunder in the semifinal. His presence dramatically enhances the Spurs’ championship chances.
Next five in the ladder include: 6. Stephon Castle (Spurs); 7. Desmond Bane (Magic); 8. Luka Dončić (Lakers); 9. Paolo Banchero (Magic); 10. OG Anunoby (Knicks).
Other notable candidates (in alphabetical order): Devin Booker (Suns); Chet Holmgren (Thunder); Brandon Ingram (Raptors); Ajay Mitchell (Thunder); Austin Reaves (Lakers).
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can reach him at spowell@nba.com, view his archive at http://www.nba.com/writer/archive/shaun-powell, and follow him on X at https://x.com/Powell2daPeople.
