The current Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder features a highly anticipated matchup between the expected top two finishers in the 2025 NBA MVP voting: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a standout season for Oklahoma City, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds and leading the Thunder to the league`s best record of 68-14. Nikola Jokic, already a three-time MVP award winner, also had one of his best statistical campaigns, posting career highs in points (29.6) and assists (10.2) per game, alongside 12.7 rebounds.
This playoff series marks the eighth time since 1990 that the players who finished first and second in MVP voting have met in the postseason. Notably, five of these confrontations occurred in the NBA Finals, with Michael Jordan being involved in four of them. Historically, the team featuring the MVP winner has emerged victorious in five out of seven previous instances. This article revisits each of these rare and compelling playoff series matchups since 1990.
Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden, 2017
MVP: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Runner-up: James Harden, Houston Rockets
Series results: Rockets win 4-1
In 2017, Russell Westbrook captured the MVP award after averaging a historic triple-double (31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists). James Harden finished second in voting with an impressive statistical season of his own (29.1 points, 11.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds).
These former teammates faced off in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The #3 seed Houston Rockets defeated Westbrook`s #6 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in five games (4-1). Despite Westbrook`s incredible individual performance in the series (37.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 10.8 assists), Harden`s Rockets advanced, making it one of just two instances since 1990 where the MVP runner-up`s team eliminated the MVP`s team.
Stephen Curry vs. James Harden, 2015
MVP: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Runner-up: James Harden, Houston Rockets
Series results: Warriors win 4-1
Stephen Curry earned his first MVP award in 2015, leading the Golden State Warriors to a dominant 67-win season with averages of 23.8 points and 7.7 assists. James Harden was the runner-up after a breakout campaign for the Rockets, averaging a then-career-high 27.4 points per game.
The top two seeds in the Western Conference met in the Conference Finals. The Warriors quickly took a 3-0 lead and ultimately defeated the Rockets in five games (4-1). Both stars delivered strong individual performances throughout the series, including 40+ point games.
LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant, 2012
MVP: LeBron James, Miami Heat
Runner-up: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Series results: Heat win 4-1
LeBron James secured his third MVP award in four seasons in 2012, averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Kevin Durant finished as the runner-up with impressive stats (28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds), though James received significantly more first-place votes.
This highly anticipated matchup took place in the 2012 NBA Finals. James` Miami Heat defeated Durant`s Oklahoma City Thunder in five games (4-1). Despite the series score, the games were competitive, including a tight Game 2 where both players scored 32 points. Both superstars performed at a high level, with James averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in the Finals, and Durant averaging just over 30 points. This remains the most recent NBA Finals series to feature the top two finishers in MVP voting.
Michael Jordan vs. Karl Malone, 1998
MVP: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Runner-up: Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
Series results: Bulls win 4-2
Michael Jordan won his fifth MVP award in 1998, averaging 28.7 points per game, while Karl Malone was the runner-up with 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds. This classic matchup occurred in the 1998 NBA Finals, often considered one of the most iconic series in league history.
Jordan`s Chicago Bulls defeated Malone`s Utah Jazz in six games (4-2) to secure their sixth championship. Jordan demonstrated his MVP form throughout the series, scoring at least 30 points in four games and notably scoring 45 points and hitting the game-winning shot in the decisive Game 6. Malone also had a strong series, averaging 25.0 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Karl Malone vs. Michael Jordan, 1997
MVP: Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
Runner-up: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Series results: Bulls win 4-2
In one of the closest MVP races ever, Karl Malone won his first MVP award in 1997, narrowly edging out Michael Jordan in total points and first-place votes.
However, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls ultimately claimed the more significant trophy, defeating Malone`s Utah Jazz in six games (4-2) in the 1997 NBA Finals. Jordan delivered a stellar performance in the Finals, averaging 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, while Malone averaged 23.8 points and 10.3 rebounds.
Michael Jordan vs. Clyde Drexler, 1992
MVP: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Runner-up: Clyde Drexler, Portland Trail Blazers
Series results: Bulls win 4-2
Michael Jordan won MVP convincingly in 1992, with Clyde Drexler finishing as the runner-up. The two stars, often compared to each other at the time, met in the 1992 NBA Finals.
Jordan`s Chicago Bulls defeated Drexler`s Portland Trail Blazers in six games (4-2). Jordan delivered a dominant performance in the series, highlighted by his famous “shrug” moment in Game 1 after hitting multiple 3-pointers. He averaged 35.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds for the series, compared to Drexler`s 24.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson, 1991
MVP: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Runner-up: Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Series results: Bulls win 4-1
Michael Jordan earned his second MVP award in 1991, receiving a near-unanimous vote after a strong regular season averaging 31.5 points. Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers finished as the runner-up, averaging 19.4 points and 12.5 assists.
This iconic clash of eras took place in the 1991 NBA Finals. Jordan`s Chicago Bulls defeated Johnson`s Lakers in five games (4-1), securing Jordan`s first NBA championship. Jordan significantly elevated his game on the biggest stage, averaging 31.2 points and 11.4 assists per game in the series.
