As the name suggests, the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) is bestowed upon a basketball player who performs exceptionally well in the Finals. Multiple legends have won the NBA Finals MVP over the years, like Michael Jordan, who won it six times after winning six NBA championships. LeBron James won it four times in his storied career. That said, are there any older players who have won the NBA Finals MVP?
It’s rare to see players above 35 winning the NBA Finals MVP award, but it has happened. Over the years, players have summoned their final ounce of energy to win the Larry O’Brien championship trophy. Here is a look at the oldest NBA Finals MVP winners in league history.
Oldest Players To Win the NBA Finals MVP Award
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, 2022 (34 Years, 94 Days)
Despite already winning three NBA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018, Stephen Curry had been unable to win the NBA Finals MVP award. During the 2015 NBA Finals, Andre Iguodala won the award, and Kevin Durant did it twice in 2017 and 2018.
In 2022, however, Curry finally did it. Against the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, Curry averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals to win the prestigious award. This feat further elevated Curry to a greater status as he won the NBA championship at age 34.
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, 1998 (35 Years, 119 Days)
At the end of the 1998 season, Jordan won his last NBA title after completing two three-peats from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. The Chicago Bulls conquered the Utah Jazz, and Jordan made history yet again — being named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth time. He’s still the only player to have more than five NBA Finals MVP awards to his name.
Jordan averaged 33.5 points and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 42.7% from the floor in this series. He retired for a second time after the historic victory and returned after three years to play for the Washington Wizards.
Wilt Chamberlain, Los Angeles Lakers, 1972 (35 Years, 265 Days)
When the Los Angeles Lakers faced the New York Knicks in the 1972 NBA Finals, there was only one winner. Sure, the Finals had Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Walt Frazier, and Dave DeBusschere, but Wilt Chamberlain showed why he was a cut above the rest.
MORE: Who Scored the Most Points in an NBA Finals Game?
Chamberlain scored 19.4 points, 23.2 rebounds, and shot 60% from the floor. It was his second NBA title, and the icon became the oldest Finals MVP, which stood for a long time.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, 2020 (35 Years, 287 Days)
After winning NBA titles with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, it was time for James to head to the Lakers. He showcased his undying spirit to bring the title back to Los Angeles.
After six games, James won the Finals MVP award for the fourth time in his career. He averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks in the series. His excellent performance gave the Lakers their 17th NBA championship.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers, 1985 (38 Years, 54 Days)
Finally, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the oldest player to win the NBA Finals MVP. He won his fourth NBA title in 1985 against the Celtics and gave their rivals a crash course on effectively scoring using the skyhook.
Abdul-Jabbar dominated the paint and posted 25.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks. With Magic Johnson and James Worthy on the team, the trio became known as the “Showtime Lakers” and entertained audiences with highly entertaining play on both ends of the floor.
