Finals MVP Ladder: Karl-Anthony Towns tops list after Knicks take 2-0 lead

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SAN ANTONIO — All of the hints and signs and evidence leading into the 2026 NBA Finals suggested that a center would be the difference-maker and this player would factor heavily in the fortunes of his team — and spell doom to the opposition. And through two games, this has been proven correct. Although, raise your hand if you thought this was about Karl-Anthony Towns instead of Victor Wembanyama?

Such is the case in this series. The common thread in the New York Knicks’ 2-0 lead is Towns and his terrific play at both ends. Even more, he’s doing it against Wemby, who was such a force for San Antonio in the postseason, especially in the Western Conference Finals, where he denied the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Well, this is shaping up to be the crowning achievement for Towns, who arrived two years ago in a significant trade made by the Knicks to give them a, well, big edge in the East if not the entire NBA. They’re two wins away from certifying this vision because Towns has more than reassured them.

Again: Conversations can change because basketball often walks the tightrope this time of year. Should the Spurs, and more importantly Wemby, manage to produce winning basketball suddenly — and they’ve had chances to win these last two games — the scenario shifts almost overnight.

But as it stands, a big man stands tall on the Finals MVP ladder. How’s the air up there, KAT?

The stat to know
On Friday in San Antonio, Towns became the first Knick with a 20-point double-double in a Finals road game since Dave DeBusschere in 1973. Yes, that includes Patrick Ewing. And yes, that was the last year the Knicks lifted the championship trophy.

What they are saying
“He’s been great. He’s been phenomenal on both sides of the ball.”
—Jalen Brunson on Towns

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

2026 Finals stats: 19.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists

His case: Once you apply the context regarding who he’s playing against, this performance by Towns is even more special. Not only is he producing offensively, but his defense has helped keep Wemby in check for the most part.

Towns has produced these shooting percentage splits: 56-43-100. That’s from the floor, the 3-point line and the charity stripe. No one else is flashing this level of efficiency. His passing from the high post has produced timely assists. And he has dropped a double-double in each of the two games.

Where would the Knicks and Towns be if that swap with Minnesota wasn’t made? Julius Randle was an All-NBA performer in his time with the Knicks but didn’t bring the shooting that the Knicks ultimately needed in this series against Wemby.

2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

2026 Finals stats: 25.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists

His case: Let’s get right to the singular flaw first: Brunson is shooting 19-for-56 in this series. He’s had some chilly stretches, due in part to the constant double-teaming tactics being employed by the Spurs. They’re trying to make him as uncomfortable as possible. It’s surprising that, despite his misfiring, the Knicks are two games up on the Spurs.

And why is that? Well, let’s now get to the reason: Brunson has dropped the eventual game-winning points in each game. His fourth-quarter buckets stand much taller than his misses through three quarters. He’s clutch. And in The Finals, that’s all that matters. By the way, he also had six assists and five steals in Game 2.

3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

2026 Finals stats: 27.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks

His case: Purely from a numbers standpoint, Wemby is having a solid series. And there have been stretches where his impact has been significant at both ends. This is undeniable.

Of course, there’s the issue of his errant toss to a teammate with his back turned and crucial fourth-quarter missed shots, most vividly the mid-range jumper that would’ve given the Spurs the Game 2 win. He’ll need to atone for this in New York and in a hostile atmosphere for the Spurs to have a chance of climbing back into this series.

4. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

2026 Finals stats: 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists

His case: The silver lining for the team in silver and black has been the composure of a 20-year-old. Harper is fearless and it is showing on the biggest stage of the season. He was 3-for-3 from the floor in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and assisted on the Wemby basket that briefly put the Spurs ahead late in the game.

All told, Harper has dropped double-figure scoring in both games off the bench, is shooting 54.5%, and has only two turnovers in his 60 minutes of playing time. His role is growing by the game.

5. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

2026 Finals stats: 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists

His case: His ability to defend multiple players, even Wemby at times, has boosted the Knicks through two games. OG’s strength and athletic ability is coming through at the most important time, not that this has been a surprise to the Knicks.

He’s also shooting 45% from deep. While his scoring has taken a slight step backward versus his regular-season numbers, the dunk over Wemby was a Game 2 highlight.

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.