NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson headline the 2026 NBA Finals MVP race as the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks prepare for a highly anticipated best-of-seven series that could define the next era of league stardom.

The Finals MVP award, known as the Bill Russell Trophy, carries special prestige because it is awarded exclusively to a champion — with one notable exception in 1969 when Jerry West won it despite a loss. This year’s matchup between two star-driven teams offers multiple candidates capable of claiming the honor alongside the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Wembanyama stands as the clear frontrunner on most MVP ladders entering the series. The 22-year-old Spurs phenom has dominated the postseason with averages of 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. His two-way impact, combining elite rim protection with perimeter shooting, positions him to control the outcome of games on both ends of the floor.

Few players reach the NBA Finals by their third season, a feat accomplished by legends such as Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Wembanyama joins that rare group through a combination of extraordinary talent, basketball IQ and competitive drive. His defensive presence alone forces opponents to alter shots and attack strategies, particularly around the rim where his length and timing disrupt even the most skilled finishers.

Offensively, Wembanyama has elevated his game in high-stakes moments. He averaged 27.3 points in the Western Conference finals and showed willingness to take — and make — critical three-pointers. His ability to finish lobs and stretch the floor creates matchup nightmares for the Knicks, who must decide how to contain him without sacrificing help defense elsewhere.

Brunson ranks a close second in the MVP conversation. The Knicks guard has posted strong playoff numbers of 26.9 points, 6.6 assists and steady leadership. Despite his listed height of 6-foot-2, Brunson overcomes physical limitations with exceptional skill, vision and clutch performance. His ability to create shots from all angles and make smart decisions under pressure has propelled New York to this stage.

Brunson’s signature moments include explosive fourth quarters and overtime heroics, such as his dominant display in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Cleveland. That resilience and big-shot capability make him a proven winner who thrives when games tighten in the Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns provides the Knicks with a vital third option on the MVP ladder. The big man contributes consistent double-doubles, averaging 16.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in the playoffs, along with an improved 5.9 assists. His shooting range and size create spacing that complements Brunson’s drives, while his passing from the high post has added a new dimension to New York’s offense.

Towns faces a formidable challenge matching up against Wembanyama. The Knicks plan to rotate defenders, but Towns’ ability to pull the Spurs center away from the paint with his perimeter shooting will be crucial. His consistency on the glass and willingness to adapt his game have been key factors in New York’s playoff success.

Stephon Castle emerges as a dark horse candidate for the Spurs. The 21-year-old guard has shown remarkable maturity, posting 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game in the postseason. His growth has been evident in reduced turnovers and increased aggression on both ends. Castle’s defense against primary ball handlers, including his containment of top scorers in earlier rounds, could prove decisive against Brunson.

OG Anunoby rounds out the top five on the ladder. The Knicks forward delivers elite two-way production at 19.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His versatility allows him to score effectively while providing strong perimeter and help defense. Anunoby’s strength and positioning could see him assigned to Wembanyama at times, using physicality to limit the big man’s effectiveness in the paint — reminiscent of past Finals standouts like Andre Iguodala.

The depth of talent on both rosters creates uncertainty around the eventual MVP. Additional candidates include Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and De’Aaron Fox for San Antonio, and Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges for New York. Each brings specific strengths that could shine in a long series.

The Knicks-Spurs matchup features contrasting styles. San Antonio relies on Wembanyama’s generational talent and a young, athletic supporting cast. New York counters with Brunson’s craftiness, Towns’ versatility and a tough, defensive-minded group. The series outcome likely hinges on which star imposes his will most effectively across multiple games.

Historical precedents show the Finals MVP often goes to the player who delivers the most memorable performances in decisive moments. While superstars usually claim the award, role players have surprised in the past when their contributions prove pivotal in a championship run.

Wembanyama’s defensive dominance gives him a slight edge in projections. His ability to alter shots and protect the rim could neutralize New York’s interior attacks, forcing the Knicks into difficult mid-range and perimeter shots. If he pairs that with efficient scoring, the trophy could be his to lose.

Brunson counters with proven playoff pedigree and leadership. His experience carrying a team through tough stretches and delivering in clutch situations makes him dangerous. Should the series extend deep and New York prevails, Brunson’s consistency and big moments could sway voters.

Towns’ evolution into a more complete player adds intrigue. His expanded passing and continued rebounding provide balance. Success for the Knicks may require him to stretch the floor and limit Wembanyama’s paint touches.

Castle represents the potential for youth to steal the spotlight. His poise and two-way contributions have already exceeded expectations. A strong series defensively against Brunson combined with scoring bursts could elevate his candidacy.

Anunoby’s value lies in quiet excellence. Even on nights when his shot is off, his defensive assignments and rebounding keep him impactful. His potential to guard Wembanyama effectively could mirror past defensive masterpieces that earned Finals MVP honors.

As the series begins, focus remains on execution over seven games. Factors such as home-court advantage, injuries, officiating and adjustments will influence individual performances. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, suggesting a competitive battle.

The NBA Finals MVP race adds narrative depth to an already compelling series. Fans and analysts will track every statistic and moment as candidates vie for the ultimate individual prize in a team sport. With two franchises seeking their next championship chapter, the spotlight on these five players — and others — will intensify with each game.

Observers note the rarity of such young talent colliding at this stage. Wembanyama and Castle highlight San Antonio’s bright future, while Brunson, Towns and Anunoby represent New York’s contention window. The winner of this series and its MVP will likely shape league conversations for years ahead.

As tip-off approaches, the basketball world awaits a series that promises drama, standout performances and, ultimately, one player hoisting both trophies in celebration of a championship run.

Lord Abbett is an independent, privately held, global asset manager and one of the oldest money management firms in the United States. They manage assets across a full range of U.S. mutual funds, UCITS funds, institutional and separately managed accounts for clients around the world. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Lord Abbett, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Lord Abbett’s official channels.

The shares of NHPC jumped more than 5% as the offer for sale (OFS) through which the government is selling up to 6% stake in the company opens for retail investors today, after an overwhelming response from non-retail investors on the first day of subscription.

The government on Tuesday decided to exercise the green shoe option in the 6% stake sale in NHPC after the OFS was oversubscribed 3.47 times on the first day. “Offer for Sale in NHPC Limited received enthusiastic response from investors and was oversubscribed 3.47 times on the first day. Allocation will be on a price priority basis. The government has decided to exercise the entire green shoe option. Retail investors and employees get to bid on 3rd June 2026,” Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Arunish Chawla said in a post on X.

Also Read | NHPC OFS subscribed nearly 3.5 times on Day 1, Govt to exercise green shoe option

All about NHPC’s OFS

NHPC announced on Monday that the government aims to sell 3% of the company’s total paid-up equity capital as part of the base offer, along with an oversubscription option to sell an additional 30 crore shares, taking the total potential offer size to 60.27 crore shares or 6% equity. At the floor price of Rs 71 per share, this would be worth more than Rs 4,279 crore.The shares of NHPC had crashed over 6% on Tuesday as the OFS floor price of Rs 71 per share implied a discount of nearly 8% to Monday’s closing price, weighing on investor sentiment. However, the strong interest from institutional investors may have boosted confidence.

The government owned more than 67% stake in the PSU company as of March 31, 2026. The share sale by its promoter is being conducted through a separate window mechanism on BSE and the National Stock Exchange in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s OFS guidelines.
NHPC’s OFS comes days after the government divested some of its stake in state-run miner Coal India through an offer for sale at a floor price of Rs 412 per share. The government owned more than 63% stake in the PSU company as on March 31, 2026.

Also Read | NHPC shares tumble 5% as govt’s OFS worth up to Rs 4,300 crore opens at 8% discount. Check details

NHPC share price

NHPC shares have fallen around 7% in one week and 9% in one month. The stock is down more than 5% in 2026 so far. In the longer term, the shares of the PSU have fallen 12% in one year, but gained more than 74% in three years and 190% in five years.The company currently has a market capitalisation of more than Rs 75,709 crore. The stock’s P/E ratio stands at 17.

What lies ahead for NHPC shares?

For a long term, dividend oriented investor comfortable with a low yield utility, the entry at a discount is attractive, said Abhinav Tiwari, Research Analyst at Bonanza. NHPC’s earnings can be lumpy and seasonal (hydro depends on water flows), capex is heavy and project timelines often slip, he added.

“The stock does not appear particularly cheap on current valuations. However, the Rs. 71 level provides a reasonable margin of safety, as it is close to the stock’s 52-week low and limits downside risk relative to the current market price. Although its expanding project pipeline and capacity additions are positive long term drivers, current valuations already factor in a strong recovery. Returns will depend heavily on successful execution and improvement in operational profitability,” the analyst further said.

Technical view on NHPC

Virat Jagad, Senior Technical Research Analyst at Bonanza, said the NHPC’s recent sharp decline on exceptionally high volumes suggests aggressive selling activity and a breakdown of short-term support near Rs 78. He placed the immediate support near Rs 72–73, while resistance is seen around Rs 78–80.

“A sustained move above Rs 80 would be required to improve the technical outlook and open the possibility of a recovery towards Rs 84–86,” he added.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Bank of England is encouraging people to choose their favourites

The British public is being asked to pick their favourite mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish to appear on future banknotes. A buff-tailed bumblebee, European hedgehog and barn owl are among the creatures that could feature under plans by the Bank of England.

The central bank is working with a panel of wildlife experts from across the UK on the new design, which follows a public consultation last year. The shortlisted critters are all native to the UK and could be used on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.

“We are keen to hear your views, which will be an important consideration in making our final decision on the design,” the Bank of England said.

“The denominations (£5, £10, £20, £50) will need to be easy to tell apart. It is important that there are four distinct animals across all four denominations and that they represent different environments from across the UK.”

The list has been grouped into three categories, which cover a variety of species and environments. Members of the public can choose up to two animals from each category.

The mammals

• bottlenose dolphin
• brown hare
• European hedgehog
• grey seal
• pine martin
• red fox

The birds

• Atlantic puffin
• barn owl
• common kingfisher
• Eurasian curlew
• great spotted woodpecker
• white-tailed eagle

The amphibians, insects and fish

• Atlantic salmon
• basking shark
• buff-tailed bumblebee
• common frog
• Emperor dragonfly
• marsh fritillary butterfly

The bank said it may not necessarily choose the four animals that receive the highest number of responses. Andrew Bailey, the bank’s governor, will make the final decision while “taking into account” the public’s feedback.

“I very much hope the public will enjoy engaging in our consultation to choose the animals to feature on our next series of banknotes,” said Victoria Cleland, the bank’s chief cashier.

“The shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK.”

It will be a number of years before the next series of notes is launched. It is a detailed, multi-year process to design, test and print the notes, ensuring they are high-quality, resilient, accessible and incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology.

The next series will still include a portrait of the monarch. Representation of the Home Nations will also be an important feature in the design, the Bank of England said. Mackerel, red squirrels, otters and osprey already feature on Royal Bank of Scotland banknotes.

The outcome will be announced at the end of 2026.

The public can vote via the consultation form, by emailing enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk or writing to Banknote Imagery Consultation, Notes Directorate, Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH.