Who Will Be Crowned the 2023 PBA Finals MVP in This Championship Series?

As I sit here watching the 2023 PBA Finals unfold, I can't help but reflect on that powerful quote from one of the coaches earlier this season: "Marami pa rin kaming hinahanap, marami pa kaming gusto, but we're so happy kung nasaan man kami ngayon dahil nakikita namin kung sa'n pa kami papunta at ano pa 'yung pwedeng marating namin." This sentiment perfectly captures the journey of every championship contender - that beautiful tension between ambition and gratitude, between what's been achieved and what still lies ahead. Having covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless MVP performances in championship series, but this year's race feels particularly compelling because we're seeing several players who embody that growth mindset.

The conversation around potential Finals MVP candidates has been fascinating to track throughout this series. From my perspective, there are three standout performers who've demonstrated that championship mentality - June Mar Fajouri, Scottie Thompson, and CJ Perez. Each brings something unique to the table, and having watched their development over the years, I can confidently say we're witnessing the peak of their careers. June Mar's dominance in the paint has been nothing short of spectacular - he's averaging 24.3 points and 13.7 rebounds through the first four games, numbers that would make any basketball traditionalist's heart sing. But what impresses me more than the statistics is his basketball IQ, the way he reads double teams and makes the right pass almost every time. I remember watching him as a rookie and thinking he had potential, but nobody could have predicted he'd develop into this kind of force.

Then there's Scottie Thompson, whose all-around game continues to redefine what we expect from guards in the PBA. His triple-double in Game 3 was a masterpiece - 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists - but what the box score doesn't show is how he completely controlled the tempo of the game. I've had the privilege of interviewing Scottie multiple times, and his work ethic is just incredible. He's always the first in the gym and the last to leave, and that dedication shows in his clutch performances. Some critics argue that his shooting percentage of 42.8% isn't elite, but they're missing the point - his value extends far beyond scoring. The way he disrupts passing lanes and creates transition opportunities is something you can't teach.

CJ Perez represents the explosive scoring option that every championship team needs. His 31-point outburst in Game 2 was one of the most impressive individual performances I've seen in recent finals history. What makes CJ special, in my opinion, is his ability to create his own shot in isolation situations - something that becomes increasingly valuable in the half-court grind of playoff basketball. I've noticed how his game has matured this season; he's taking better shots and making smarter decisions with the ball. His defensive improvements have been remarkable too - he's averaging 2.3 steals per game in the finals, up from his regular season average of 1.7. That kind of two-way impact is exactly what separates good players from great ones.

The beauty of this MVP race lies in how each candidate's journey reflects that initial quote about growth and potential. June Mar has evolved from a pure post player into an offensive hub who can facilitate from the high post. Scottie has transformed from an energy guy into the heart and soul of his team. CJ has matured from a volume scorer into an efficient offensive weapon who understands time and score situations. Having analyzed basketball at both professional and collegiate levels, I can tell you this kind of development doesn't happen by accident - it requires the exact growth mindset that quote describes.

What many fans might not realize is how much these players' regular season performances set the stage for their finals heroics. June Mar led the league in player efficiency rating at 28.9, Scottie finished third in assists with 7.2 per game, and CJ was second in scoring with 22.4 points per contest. These numbers matter because they demonstrate consistency, but the finals are where legends are made. In my experience covering these tournaments, the MVP often goes to the player who makes the biggest impact in the most crucial moments rather than the one with the best overall statistics.

As we approach the potential series-clinching game, I find myself leaning toward June Mar for the MVP honors, though I acknowledge this is a controversial take given Scottie's all-around brilliance and CJ's scoring explosions. My reasoning comes down to sustainability and matchup advantages. June Mar's size and skill create problems that opponents simply can't solve with their current roster construction. He forces double teams that open up opportunities for his teammates, and in the playoffs, that gravitational pull is invaluable. I've watched him dismantle defensive schemes all series, and honestly, there's something special about witnessing a big man who can dominate in today's perimeter-oriented game.

The narrative surrounding each candidate also plays into the voting, whether we admit it or not. June Mar winning would cement his legacy as one of the greatest big men in PBA history. Scottie claiming the honor would validate his unique style of play and complete his collection of individual accolades. CJ taking home the trophy would mark his arrival as a true superstar rather than just a prolific scorer. Having spoken with several past MVP winners, I know how much these moments mean to players' careers and how they're often remembered more than championship rings in individual legacy discussions.

Looking at the remaining games, I believe the MVP could ultimately be decided by which player makes the championship-sealing play. We've seen this before - a crucial defensive stop, a game-winning shot, or even just the right pass at the right moment. These are the plays that stick in voters' minds when they fill out their ballots. From my perspective, June Mar has the slight edge because of his consistency and the fundamental advantage he provides, but I wouldn't be surprised if Scottie's versatility or CJ's explosiveness ultimately wins over the committee. Whatever happens, we're witnessing something special - players who understand they're still growing, still chasing greater heights, while appreciating how far they've already come. That mindset, more than any statistic, is what makes championship basketball so compelling to watch and analyze year after year.