Why was Eastern Conference Finals MVP named Larry Bird Trophy? What we know about the award Pascal Siakam hoisted

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

Published on: Jun 1, 2025, 14:05:16 IST

By Sumanti Sen

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Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player, scoring 31 points in the Pacers’ Game 6 victory over the New York Knicks. Averaging 24.8 points on 52.4% shooting (50% from 3) in the series, Siakam edged teammate Tyrese Haliburton for the award five votes to four. Pacers fans cheered as Siakam hoisted the Larry Bird Trophy.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after receiving the Larry Bird MVP Trophy after game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

The NBA annually honors the most valuable players (MVPs) of both of its conference 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 called the Larry Bird Trophy to honor Hall of Fame player Larry Bird, who made his NBA debut in 1979. Back in 2022, Bird’s great influence on the game of basketball went on to cross a 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 best friend and rival.

At the time the award’s name was unveiled, Bird expressed his gratitude upon hearing the news 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 said, before laughing.

Meanwhile, Siakam was elated after his recent victory. "Shoutout Indy, man," he said 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.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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