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- Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers — The scoring engine with MVP resume
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder — The reigning MVP chasing more hardware
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks — Carrying the offense when it matters most
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns — Elite scorer anchoring a resurging Suns squad
- Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers — Breakout star poised for bigger moments
The NBA Cup’s knockout round is about to deliver high-stakes basketball and a fresh MVP storyline. With group play wrapped and elimination games looming, a handful of stars have separated themselves. Fans and bettors alike are already debating who will lift the 2025 NBA Cup MVP trophy when the dust settles.
Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers — The scoring engine with MVP resume
Luka has stepped into a lead role in Los Angeles while teammates manage injuries. His Cup production has been eye-popping and impossible to ignore.
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- Top scorer: Luka leads eligible players with 36.5 points per game in NBA Cup matchups.
- Playmaking impact: He creates shots for others and controls tempo on both ends.
- Experience edge: Playing in a team that already knows how to win this tournament helps his case.
If the Lakers go deep, Luka’s numbers and visibility make him a front-runner for the NBA Cup MVP award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder — The reigning MVP chasing more hardware
Shai has been phenomenal again this season. His blend of scoring and leadership has Oklahoma City firing on all cylinders.
- Elite scoring: He averages about 34.5 points per Cup game, among the best.
- Team success: The Thunder’s historic start gives him a platform to be the tournament’s defining star.
- Momentum: Even with their lone loss coming in the Cup, OKC reached the knockouts and looks dangerous.
Given his MVP pedigree, another big performance in the knockout rounds could lock up the Cup MVP nod.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks — Carrying the offense when it matters most
Brunson has been crisp and efficient in limited Cup action. When he’s at his best, the Knicks look like contenders.
- High usage, high output: In three group games he averaged roughly 33 points and five assists.
- Basketball IQ: Brunson’s court awareness and finishing make him a clutch candidate.
- Eastern Conference context: Injuries around the league open the door for statement performances.
If he carries that scoring into the knockout stage, Brunson could become the Cup’s most talked-about player.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns — Elite scorer anchoring a resurging Suns squad
Booker remains one of the league’s purest scorers. He has shouldered a heavy load and helped Phoenix exceed expectations.
- Scoring versatility: Booker scores from distance, midrange, and at the rim.
- Leadership role: With new backcourt chemistry, he has driven Phoenix into the knockout stage.
- Supporting cast: Collin Gillespie’s Cup play has amplified Booker’s impact.
Deep Cup runs often reward the offensive workhorse. Booker fits that profile perfectly.
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers — Breakout star poised for bigger moments
Reaves has grown into a primary option this season. His Cup performances showed he can handle heavy responsibility.
- Surprising production: He’s averaging about 30.3 points per game in Cup play.
- Stepped-up role: With key teammates sidelined, Reaves matured into a closer and creator.
- Prior Cup success: He already has Cup hardware and the taste for postseason awards.
As the knockout stage begins, Reaves could be the dark horse for NBA Cup MVP if he keeps producing.
