The National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed numerous legendary basketball stalwarts in the past few decades who have garnered enormous praise and recognition from the hardcore fans of the NBA for clinching the “MVP” (Most Valuable Player) and the “Finals MVP” award. However, interestingly, a few of these iconic basketball players have succeeded in creating history and have clinched both awards in the same calendar year, leaving the fans absolutely stunned by their spine-chilling exploits on the court. Have you ever wondered about the top four NBA stalwarts who have clinched the prestigious “MVP” and “Finals MVP” awards in the same calendar year? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four legendary NBA players who have won the “MVP” and “Finals MVP” awards in the same calendar year.
Top 4 NBA Stars Who Won Both MVP and Finals MVP in the Same Year
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Michael Jordan
The legendary American former professional basketball player Michael Jordan is at the firstspot on our list of the top four iconic NBA players who have created history and clinched both MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year. Often popularly referred to as “MJ” in the world of professional basketball, Michael Jordan played a total of fifteen seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and clinched a record total of six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Additionally, the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the NBA Finals MVP award for a record total of five times playing for the Chicago Bulls in the years 1991, 1992, 1996 and 1998.
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Shaquille O’Neal
At the second spot on our list of the top four legendary NBA players who have won the “MVP” and “Finals MVP” awards in the same calendar year, we have the trailblazing American former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional basketball players of all-time. Shaquille O’Neal played a phenomenal total of nineteen seasons in the National Basketball Association with a total of six teams, establishing himself as a four-time NBA champion.
Additionally, Shaquille O’ Neal witnessed one of the most decorated moments of his professional basketball career during the 2000-01 season when he was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the regular season and also NBA Finals MVP after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the Finals.
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Tim Duncan
Next, at the third spot on our list of the top four iconic NBA players who have created history and clinched both MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year, we have the American former professional basketball player and coach Tim Duncan, who witnessed one of the most flourishing NBA careers with the San Antonio Spurs. Often popularly referred to as “the Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan witnessed one of the finest seasons in his decades-old NBA career in 2004 when where he was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the regular season and also Finals MVP after leading the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in the Finals.
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Wills Reed
Finally, at the fourth spot on our list of the top four legendary NBA players who have won the “MVP” and “Finals MVP” awards in the same calendar year, we have the trailblazing American former professional basketball player, Wills Reed, who spent his entire decade-long National Basketball Association (NBA) career with New York Knicks (1964-1974).
Often hailed as one of the most prolific centres in the history of the National Basketball Association, Wills Reed was named as the NBA regular season MVP and the Finals MVP in the 1969–70 season in the final knock against the Los Angeles Lakers. Interestingly, in the same season, Wills Reed played game 7 despite being injured, speaking volumes about his unwavering commitment towards the game.
