5 NBA MVPs in the regular season who went on to lose in the NBA finals

#3 Allen Iverson, 2001

69th NBA All-Star Game

Allen Iverson announced himself to the world during the 2000-01 NBA season, showcasing his exemplary dribbling and playmaking skills throughout the regular season. He averaged a stellar 26.8 points per game that year and led an above-average Philadelphia 76ers team to the NBA finals.

The 76ers squared off with a mighty LA Lakers squad featuring the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. O'Neal was also a candidate for the NBA MVP award that year and his stellar performance ensured that Iverson's team could not cross the finish line, as the Lakers comfortably won the series.

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#2 Karl Malone, 1997

Timberwolves v Lakers

Utah Jazz's Karl Malone is often mentioned in the category of players who unfortunately missed out on a championship despite having a brilliant career. A two-time NBA MVP, the power forward first won the accolade in 1997, tallying 27 points and 10 rebounds for the season.

The Jazz, led by Malone and point guard John Stockton, came out of the West that season and squared off with a Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Despite the duo's brilliant showing in the series, the Bulls' star-studded team proved to be too much for the Utah Jazz, who lost the series in six games.

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#1 Magic Johnson, 1989

World Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Two

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are credited with popularizing the NBA in the '80s, with the pair's rivalry bringing audiences to both basketball courts and in front of TVs. The 6'9 point guard won three MVP trophies in his career, the second of which came in 1989.

The LA Lakers had a strong team then, which was coached by now-Miami Heat president Pat Riley. The franchise consistently won games in the playoffs and reached the NBA finals to play Eastern Conference champions Detroit Pistons. Chuck Daly's Pistons turned out to be the better team, and Johnson had to satisfy himself with just the NBA MVP trophy that year.