Introduction
Basketball has captivated audiences worldwide, granting people the freedom to enjoy the sport without any constraints. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball competition, in which players showcase their skills and entertain people from all over the world. Over the years, numerous teams have battled relentlessly to claim the esteemed title of NBA Champions. This article provides a comprehensive list of all the NBA Champions, showcasing the league’s rich history and honoring the teams that have achieved greatness.
The NBA, founded in 1946, has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting some of the most talented athletes and devoted fans. The quest for the NBA Championship has witnessed legendary teams, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Let’s delve into the history of NBA Championships and explore the impressive list of winners throughout the years.
Early times of NBA
In its early years, the NBA faced challenges and transformations. The league initially operated as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) until merging with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form the NBA. The BAA era saw teams like the Philadelphia Warriors and the Minneapolis Lakers achieve success, with the Lakers emerging as the inaugural NBA Champions in 1947.
The NBA Finals and Championship Format
The NBA Finals, the culmination of the NBA season, features the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences battling for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. The Finals traditionally follow a best-of-seven series format, with the team winning four games being crowned the NBA Champions.
List of NBA Champions: 1947-1959
During this period, iconic teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Minneapolis Lakers dominated the league. The Celtics, led by legendary coach Red Auerbach, established a dynasty and won several championships, including an extraordinary eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966.
1947 – Philadelphia Warriors
The Philadelphia Warriors won the inaugural NBA championship.
The team was led by Joe Fulks, who was the league’s leading scorer.
1948 – Baltimore Bullets
The Baltimore Bullets won the NBA championship in their first season after joining the league.
They were coached by Buddy Jeannette, who later became a Hall of Famer.
1949 – Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers won their first NBA championship led by George Mikan, one of the league’s first dominant centers.
This was the first year the NBA Finals was held in a best-of-seven format.
1950 – Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers successfully defended their title, winning their second consecutive championship.
The Lakers defeated the Syracuse Nationals in the NBA Finals.
1951 – Rochester Royals
The Rochester Royals won their first and only NBA championship in franchise history.
The Royals defeated the New York Knicks in a seven-game series.
1952 – Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers won their third championship in four years.
George Mikan was named NBA Finals MVP for the third time.
1953 – Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers won their fourth championship in five years.
This was the last NBA championship won by the Minneapolis Lakers before they moved to Los Angeles.
1954 – Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers won their fifth championship in six years.
The Lakers defeated the Syracuse Nationals in the NBA Finals.
1955 – Syracuse Nationals
The Syracuse Nationals won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
The Nationals were led by Dolph Schayes, who was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1956 – Philadelphia Warriors
The Philadelphia Warriors won their second NBA championship, defeating the Fort Wayne Pistons.
Warriors’ star forward Paul Arizin led the team in scoring.
1957 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ player and future Hall of Famer Bill Russell was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1958 – St. Louis Hawks
The St. Louis Hawks won their first and only NBA championship.
Hawks’ forward Bob Pettit was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1959 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their second consecutive championship.
Bill Russell won his second NBA Finals MVP award.
List of NBA Champions: 1960-1969
The 1960s witnessed a shift in power, as teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks etched their names into NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance propelled the Philadelphia 76ers to their first title in 1967, while the Knicks triumphed in 1970 under the leadership of Willis Reed.
1960 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their third consecutive championship.
Bill Russell was named the NBA Finals MVP for the third consecutive year.
1961 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their fourth consecutive championship.
Celtics’ guard Sam Jones emerged as a key contributor in the NBA Finals.
1962 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their fifth consecutive championship.
Bill Russell won his fourth NBA Finals MVP award.
1963 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their sixth consecutive championship.
Celtics’ forward Tom Heinsohn played a crucial role in the NBA Finals.
1964 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their seventh championship in eight years.
John Havlicek, a future Hall of Famer, had a breakout performance in the NBA Finals.
1965 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their eighth championship in nine years.
Bill Russell won his fifth NBA Finals MVP award.
1966 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their ninth championship in ten years.
Celtics’ guard Sam Jones was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1967 – Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers won their first NBA championship since moving from Syracuse.
76ers’ center Wilt Chamberlain was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1968 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their tenth championship in twelve years.
Bill Russell won his sixth NBA Finals MVP award.
1969 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their eleventh championship in thirteen years.
Celtics’ center Bill Russell retired as a player-coach after this victory.
List of NBA Champions: 1970-1979
The 1970s showcased teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and the Seattle SuperSonics. However, the decade will forever be associated with the transcendent talent of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, who propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships.
1970 – New York Knicks
The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Knicks’ center Willis Reed famously made a dramatic return from injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
1971 – Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship.
Bucks’ star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1972 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their first NBA championship since moving from Minneapolis.
Lakers’ star Jerry West was named the NBA Finals MVP, despite being on the losing team.
1973 – New York Knicks
The New York Knicks won their second NBA championship.
Knicks’ forward Willis Reed retired from playing after this season.
1974 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their twelfth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ center Dave Cowens was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1975 – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors won their first NBA championship since moving from Philadelphia.
Warriors’ guard Rick Barry was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1976 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their thirteenth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ guard Jo Jo White played a pivotal role in the NBA Finals.
1977 – Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Blazers’ center Bill Walton was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1978 – Washington Bullets
The Washington Bullets won their first and only NBA championship.
Bullets’ forward Elvin Hayes had a standout performance in the NBA Finals.
1979 – Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics won their first and only NBA championship.
SuperSonics’ guard Dennis Johnson emerged as a key player in the NBA Finals.
List of NBA Champions: 1980-1989
The 1980s marked the emergence of the “Showtime” Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They engaged in epic battles with Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics, creating one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. The Lakers and Celtics combined for eight championships during this decade.
1980 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their sixth NBA championship.
Lakers’ rookie point guard Magic Johnson famously filled in at center in Game 6 and had a stellar performance.
1981 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their fourteenth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ center Robert Parish played a crucial role alongside Larry Bird.
1982 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their seventh NBA championship.
Lakers’ guard Magic Johnson was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1983 – Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers won their third NBA championship.
76ers’ center Moses Malone was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1984 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their fifteenth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ forward Larry Bird was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1985 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth NBA championship.
Lakers’ center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history during the playoffs.
1986 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their sixteenth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ forward Larry Bird and center Bill Walton were instrumental in their NBA Finals victory.
1987 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their ninth NBA championship.
Lakers’ guard Magic Johnson was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1988 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their tenth NBA championship.
Lakers’ guard Magic Johnson delivered a memorable performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
1989 – Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Pistons’ point guard Isiah Thomas played a pivotal role in their NBA Finals victory.
List of NBA Champions: 1990-1999
The 1990s witnessed the rise of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, who achieved six NBA Championships in eight seasons. Jordan’s greatness, along with the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, created an unforgettable dynasty that captivated the world and solidified Jordan’s status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
1990 – Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons won their second consecutive championship.
Pistons’ center Bill Laimbeer and forward Dennis Rodman anchored a strong defensive unit.
1991 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their first NBA championship with Michael Jordan.
Bulls’ guard Michael Jordan was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1992 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their second consecutive championship.
Bulls’ forward Scottie Pippen had a standout performance in the NBA Finals.
1993 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive championship.
Bulls’ guard Michael Jordan secured his third NBA Finals MVP award.
1994 – Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets won their first NBA championship.
Rockets’ center Hakeem Olajuwon was named the NBA Finals MVP.
1995 – Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets won their second consecutive championship.
Rockets’ guard Clyde Drexler joined the team mid-season and played a key role in their title run.
1996 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their fourth championship in six years.
Bulls’ guard Michael Jordan returned from his brief retirement and led the team to victory.
1997 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their fifth championship in seven years.
Bulls’ forward Scottie Pippen played a crucial role alongside Michael Jordan.
1998 – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls won their sixth championship in eight years.
Bulls’ guard Michael Jordan hit the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
1999 – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Spurs’ power forward Tim Duncan was named the NBA Finals MVP.
List of NBA Champions: 2000-2009
The new millennium brought forth a new wave of champions, with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and the Miami Heat dominating the NBA landscape. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, clinched three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002.
2000 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their twelfth NBA championship.
Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant emerged as a rising star in the NBA Finals.
2001 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their second consecutive championship.
Lakers’ center Shaquille O’Neal was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2002 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive championship.
Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant showcased his scoring prowess in the NBA Finals.
2003 – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs won their second NBA championship.
Spurs’ power forward Tim Duncan won his second NBA Finals MVP award.
2004 – Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons won their third NBA championship.
Pistons’ guard Chauncey Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2005 – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs won their third NBA championship.
Spurs’ forward Robert Horry hit a game-winning shot in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
2006 – Miami Heat
The Miami Heat won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Heat’s guard Dwyane Wade was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2007 – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs won their fourth NBA championship.
Spurs’ forward Tim Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP award.
2008 – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won their seventeenth championship in franchise history.
Celtics’ forward Kevin Garnett formed a formidable trio with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
2009 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their fifteenth NBA championship.
Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Finals MVP.
List of NBA Champions: 2010-2019
The 2010s featured the formation of super teams and the battle for supremacy among elite players. The Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, captured back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. The Golden State Warriors also left their mark, securing three titles in five seasons.
2010 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their sixteenth NBA championship.
Lakers’ forward Pau Gasol played a crucial role alongside Kobe Bryant.
2011 – Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Mavericks’ forward Dirk Nowitzki was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2012 – Miami Heat
The Miami Heat won their second NBA championship.
Heat’s forward LeBron James won his first NBA Finals MVP award.
2013 – Miami Heat
The Miami Heat won their third NBA championship.
Heat’s guard Ray Allen hit a game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
2014 – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs won their fifth NBA championship.
Spurs’ forward Kawhi Leonard was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2015 – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors won their fourth NBA championship.
Warriors’ guard Stephen Curry emerged as a league MVP and key player in their title run.
2016 – Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James led a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
2017 – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors won their fifth NBA championship.
Warriors’ forward Kevin Durant joined the team and was named the NBA Finals MVP.
2018 – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors won their sixth NBA championship.
Warriors’ forward Kevin Durant won his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.
2019 – Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Raptors’ forward Kawhi Leonard was named the NBA Finals MVP.
List of NBA Champions: 2020-2023
In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, captured the NBA Championship in 2020, ending a decade-long drought for the storied franchise. The Milwaukee Bucks claimed their first title in 50 years in 2021, while the Phoenix Suns triumphed in 2022. The list of NBA Champions continues to evolve as new teams etch their names in history.
2020 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won their seventeenth NBA championship.
Lakers’ forward LeBron James won his fourth NBA Finals MVP award.
2021 – Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks won their second NBA championship.
Bucks’ forward Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a historic performance in the NBA Finals.
2022 – Golden State
The Milwaukee Bucks won their seventh NBA championship.
Which team has won most times in NBA?
| Team | Number of NBA Championships |
|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 17 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 17 |
| Chicago Bulls | 6 |
| Golden State Warriors | 6 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 5 |
| Miami Heat | 3 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 3 |
| Detroit Pistons | 3 |
| New York Knicks | 2 |
| Houston Rockets | 2 |
| Toronto Raptors | 1 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 1 |
Players with most no. of NBA Championship
- Bill Russell – 11 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- Sam Jones – 10 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- Tom Heinsohn – 8 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- K.C. Jones – 8 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- Tom Sanders – 8 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- John Havlicek – 8 championships (all with the Boston Celtics)
- Robert Horry – 7 championships (2 with the Houston Rockets, 3 with the Los Angeles Lakers, 2 with the San Antonio Spurs)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 6 championships (1 with the Milwaukee Bucks, 5 with the Los Angeles Lakers)
- Michael Jordan – 6 championships (all with the Chicago Bulls)
- Scottie Pippen – 6 championships (all with the Chicago Bulls)
Teams that never won NBA Championships
- Atlanta Hawks
- Brooklyn Nets
- Charlotte Hornets
- Denver Nuggets
- Indiana Pacers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Orlando Magic
- Phoenix Suns
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Sacramento Kings
- Utah Jazz
- Oklahoma City Thunder
Notable Dynasties in NBA History
Throughout the NBA’s history, certain teams have established dynasties characterized by sustained success and multiple championships. The Boston Celtics of the 1960s, the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, and the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s stand out as iconic dynasties that left an indelible mark on the league.
Impact of NBA Championships
NBA Championships not only represent the culmination of hard work, skill, and teamwork but also leave a lasting legacy. Winning a championship elevates a team’s place in history, provides validation for players and coaches, and instils a sense of pride in fans. Championships often become pivotal moments in a player’s career and can shape their place in basketball lore.
Conclusion
The list of NBA Champions reflects the rich tapestry of basketball history. From the early years of the league to the modern era, countless teams have etched their names in the annals of greatness. NBA Championships represent the pinnacle of achievement in professional basketball, creating unforgettable memories and inspiring future generations of athletes.
FAQ
Q: How many championships did the Boston Celtics win?
A: The Boston Celtics have won a record 17 NBA Championships.
Q: Who has the most NBA Championships as a player?
A: Bill Russell, a former Boston Celtics player, holds the record with 11 NBA Championships.
Q: Which team has the longest championship drought in NBA history?
A: The Sacramento Kings hold the record for the longest championship drought, with their last title coming in 1951.
Q: Has any team ever won three consecutive NBA Championships?
A: Yes, several teams have achieved this feat, including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Q: Who is the youngest player to win an NBA Championship? – A: Andrew Bynum holds the record as the youngest player to win an NBA Championship, achieving the feat at the age of 21 with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009.