Kyrie Irving's Game 3 overvalued in NBA's MVP ladder rankings

The NBA drops their latest MVP ladder on NBA.com and it reeks of recency bias.

2024 NBA Finals - Game One
2024 NBA Finals - Game One | Maddie Meyer/GettyImages

What were the questionable rankings?

Michael C. Wright, NBA columnist released the update to his Finals MVP ladder and I have issues and questions with his list. Kyrie Irving just showed up to the series yesterday after having two disastrous performances in Game 1 and Game 2. In what universe is 35 points in a loss worth taking the No. 3 spot on these rankings? In the first two games of the finals, Kyrie had eight assists to his five turnovers and just 28 points combined on an atrocious 13 for 37 shooting display.

There are two major issues with his ranking. First, Kyrie being ranked over Luka Doncic is unfathomable. There is no way the leader for the Mavs in points, rebounds, assists and three-point makes is below him. The decision completely disregards the prior two games of the series. Secondly, Uncle Drew has no business being on this list at all. There is an argument that no Dallas Maverick should be present on this list because they have not won a single game.

I would keep Luka at No. 5 because of the 1% oddity of the anything can happen factor of the NBA. I would include Derrick White at number four, the guard is averaging 16.3 points, 3.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks per game on 42% shooting from the field, 41% from three, and perfect from the foul line. Jrue Holiday moves up to No. 3 as he has been this series's third star averaging 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on 55% shooting from the field, 41% from three, and perfect from the stripe.

No. 1 and No. 2 are accurate. Jaylen Brown should be finals MVP unless he has a stinker Friday night and Jayson Tatum goes for 40 or 50 points.

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