Jun 01, 2025 02:05 PM IST

#Indiana Pacers ahead #Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player, and was seen hoisting the Larry Bird Trophy as followers cheered.

#Indiana Pacers ahead #Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player, scoring 31 factors within the Pacers’ Game 6 victory over the #New York Knicks. Averaging 24.8 factors on 52.4% taking pictures (50% from 3) within the collection, Siakam edged teammate #Tyrese Haliburton for the award 5 votes to 4. Pacers followers cheered as Siakam hoisted the Larry Bird Trophy. 

#Indiana Pacers ahead #Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after receiving the Larry Bird MVP Trophy after sport six of the japanese convention finals towards the #New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at #Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)(IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Connect)

The NBA yearly honors probably the most worthwhile gamers (MVPs) of each of its convention finals. The Larry Bird Trophy is awarded to the MVP from the Eastern Conference. 

Why was the Eastern Conference Finals MVP named the Larry Bird Trophy?

The Eastern Conference Finals MVP is known as the Larry Bird Trophy to honor Hall of Fame participant Larry Bird, who made his NBA debut in 1979. Back in 2022, Bird’s nice affect on the sport of basketball went on to cross a brand new threshold when the NBA named the trophy in his honor. Notably, the award’s Western Conference counterpart was named after Lakers icon Magic Johnson, Bird’s greatest pal and rival.

At the time the award’s identify was unveiled, Bird expressed his gratitude upon listening to the information from NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum. “Well, thanks Mark. I just wish I could win one of them Magic Johnson trophies. That’d be a highlight of my career,” Bird stated, earlier than laughing.

Meanwhile, Siakam was elated after his current victory. “Shoutout Indy, man,” he stated on the TNT broadcast after receiving the award. “It’s been such an amazing experience for me so far. From the first day I landed here, the love has been amazing. Just unbelievable, man. First-class organization. I’m just so happy to be here. And tonight, after a bad Game 5, we wanted to bounce back. I have, like, 100% belief in my teammates. Whenever we’re down, we always find a way. And we did that tonight.”