Here are the top performers on June 14 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Jalen Brunson NYK PG 45 PTS | 3 AST | 2 STL | 56.1 FPS
The Finals MVP saved his best for last as he powered the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years. He completely took over in the second half, scoring 29 points—including multiple clutch baskets in the fourth quarter—for his highest-scoring game of the playoffs. The Knicks superstar has been sensational in their playoff run, averaging 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 46.5% shooting, and he should continue to play at an elite level next season.
BREAKOUT:
Dylan Harper SAS SG 25 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 40.0 FPS
The rookie has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent players through the first four games of this series. Today, however, he elevated his game to another level, finishing as the team’s top scorer while also recording his highest point total of the series. He has been one of the best players in the Finals, averaging 18.0 points on 49% shooting, along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Given how well he’s played in his rookie year, he should be poised for a much bigger campaign next season.
SLEEPER:
Julian Champagnie SAS SF 14 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 22.9 FPS
For most of Game 5, Champagnie showed up, contributing positively on both ends of the court. Unfortunately, he was unable to do the same in the fourth quarter, finishing scoreless while committing two turnovers. Nonetheless, the forward has been an excellent role player for the Spurs this year and should solidify his place as a core part of their lineup.
ELITE ASSET:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 19 PTS | 14 REB | 5 BLK | 51.8 FPS
Like he did throughout the playoffs, Wemby turned in another dominant stat line in Game 5, leading all players in rebounding and blocks. Offensively, however, the Knicks have done an impressive job of limiting him, as he shot under 40% in the last two games, including going 3-for-14 from three. Despite falling short, Wemby was incredibly impressive this season, and he should only get more dangerous in the future.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Josh Hart NYK SG 13 PTS | 11 REB | 2 AST | 28.2 FPS
Obviously, scoring isn’t one of Hart’s strong suits, as he mostly failed to deliver in this series, totaling just nine points in three of the first four games. In Game 5, however, he stepped up in a major way, going 3-for-6 from three-point range. Still, he was most impressive on the boards, where he recorded a team high and his sixth 10-rebound game of the playoffs.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Devin Vassell SAS SG 12 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL | 32.4 FPS
The Spurs’ wing has been relatively steady in this series. In the last two games, however, he stepped up his game further. In Game 4, he was on fire offensively, hitting five threes for a series-best scoring performance. Today, he recorded a full stat line and made a much bigger impact defensively. That said, Vassell has proven his worth for the Spurs in these playoffs, and he should be able to do the same in the coming years.
STREAMER:
Keldon Johnson SAS SF 7 PTS | 2 3PM | 5 REB | 13.0 FPS
Though Johnson was huge for the Spurs this year, he was unable to maintain the same standard in the Finals. Offensively, he largely struggled in the series, scoring three points or fewer while shooting 25% or worse in three games and making minimal impact overall. While he came alive in Game 5, he still could have done more, particularly on offense. Despite that, Johnson has been reliable more often than not and should continue to be an important piece of the Spurs moving forward.
FLOPPER:
De’Aaron Fox SAS PG 7 PTS | 5 AST | 2 STL | 19.5 FPS
Fox picked the worst possible time to have his worst game of the playoffs. Aside from his playmaking, he was terribly ineffective in Game 5, shooting just 3-for-15 from the field and a dismal 1-for-8 from three-point range. His struggles were even more evident in the fourth quarter, where he finished scoreless after missing all four of his shots. For a veteran guard who was supposed to provide the young Spurs with stability, this performance was simply inexcusable. Regardless, Fox has been solid for the Spurs this year and has maintained his status as one of the top point guards in the league.
