Finals MVP Ladder: Jalen Brunson leads way after Game 1 barrage

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has taken the top spot in the NBA Finals MVP Ladder following a strong performance in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson's dominant showing helped lead New York to a Game 1 victory, with Knicks players occupying the top three positions on the MVP Ladder. The Finals MVP award remains undecided, as the series is expected to potentially go up to seven games.