All NBA Champions in 21st century
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Kobe Bryant
A look at look the all the winners of the NBA Championship in the 21st century. From seeing the emergence of Lebron James to as young players as Luka Doncic. Here is presenting all the facts so it is up to you to decide who has been the most dominant team in the 21st Century.
- 1999-2000 Season
In the 1999-2000, Western Conference Giants Los Angeles Lakers ended their 12-year championship drought by defeating Eastern Conference Champions Indiana Pacers 4-2. Lakers were led by the magical pair of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was also the MVP for the season.
- 2000-2001 Season
Los Angeles Lakers defended their championship by defeating Philadelphia 76ers this time in the NBA Finals 4-1, with Shaq being the Finals MVP. Whereas Allen Iverson became the shortest player ever to win the regular season MVP.
- 2001-2002 Season
The pair of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal was on their prime as they guided the Los Angeles Lakers to their 3rd consecutive championship by defeating New Jersey Nets 4-1.
- 2002-2003 Season
It was the emergence of a new dominant force in the Western Conference, San Antonio Spurs defeated New Jersey Nets 4-2. These were the so called ‘Tim Duncan’ days for the Spurs. He was not only the Finals MVP but also the regular season MVP who led Spurs to another championship.
- 2003-2004 Season
The Detroit Pistons defeated Los Angeles Lakers 4-1. The was remembered as the fallout year for the Lakers magical pair. But this season was known for Lebron James announcing himself in the NBA by winning the Rookie of the Year.
- 2004-2005 Season
San Antonio Spurs stopped Detroit Pistons from winning back-to-back championships by defeating them in a nail-biting Game 7. The newly appointed head coach of Brooklyn Nets Steve Nash, then won the MVP for the 2004-2005 season.
- 2005-2006 Season
Dwayne Wade led his Miami Heat team to win 4-2 against Dallas Mavericks. Not only being named as the Finals MVP, a young Wade’s leadership for that particular season was spoken about for years after their championship triumph.
- 2006-2007 Season
One of the most dominant performances from a team in the NBA Finals as San Antonio Spurs clean swept Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0. Spurs only lost 4 games in their entire playoffs in that particular season.
- 2007-2008 Season
The Boston Celtics defeated Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in the NBA Finals. This season was notable for being one of the most competitive Western Conference playoff races in NBA history. Up until April 4, 2008, not a single Western Conference team had secured a playoff spot.
- 2008-2009 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers regained their crown by defeating Orlando Magic 4-1. This was the first time Lebron ‘King’ James won the MVP. However, Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard won the Defensive Player of the year. Whereas Derrick Rose won the Rookie of the year with Chicago Bulls.
- 2009-2010 Season
Coach Phil Jackson played an inspirational role in driving Los Angeles Lakers to beat Boston Celtics in Game 7. With Lebron James winning the MVP for the second consecutive season.
- 2010-2011 Season
This time it was the Dallas Mavericks who defeated Miami Heat 4-2 to win who were being led by Dirk Nowitzki. The player was also named as the Finals MVP. Heading into the finals Mavericks had lost only 3 games having played LA Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland TrailBlazers.
- 2011-12 Season
With Lebron James going to this franchise, Miami Heat defeated Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 to win the championship. Lebron was named as the MVP. But this was the year when Kyrie Irving was drought into the league by Cleveland Cavaliers as the top NBA Draft pick.
- 2012-2013 Season
Miami Heat won their consecutive championships this time by defeating San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of their series. Lebron James won the MVP. This was also the year Damian Lillard announced himself on the grandest stage by winning the Rookie of the Year.
- 2013-2014 Season
One of the most hard-fought championship triumphs for San Antonio Spurs. From being knocked out via the hands of Dallas Mavericks in the first-round of the playoffs, to winning the Finals against the much favourite Miami Heat 4-1.
- 2014-2015 Season
Get ready for Golden State Warriors’ dominance to be seen. Their first championship as they defeated their arch rivals Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2. With Stephen Curry being named as the MVP for the season. This was the Warriors’ First championship since 1975.
- 2015-2016 Season
As the rivalry between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors continued. This chapter saw the Cavs making a historical 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals. Lebron James and Kyrie Irving carried the team on their backs to defeated the much favourite Golden State 4-3.
- 2016-2017 Season
With the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors meeting for the third consecutive year in the NBA Finals. This time it was the Warriors who had the last laugh as they defeated the Cavs 4-1 in a dominant fashion.
- 2017-2018 Season
As suggested by many NBA fanatics, the most dominating display in the NBA Finals. Golden State Warriors clean swept Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to win their 4th championship in the 21st century. With Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in top form it seemed like an obvious prediction at the beginning of the season itself.
- 2018-2019 Season
The reign of the Golden State Warriors was brough to an end by Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry inspired Toronto Raptors as they won 4-2. With Giannis Antetokounmpo winning his first MVP, Toronto Raptors did not only beat the Milwaukee Bucks as the underdog. But went onto beat the Warriors in unexpected fashion.
- 2019-2020 Season
With Lebron James and Anthony Davis partnering up, the result was obvious as the Los Angeles Lakers beat underdog Miami Heat 4-2 to lift their 17th championship. With Giannis Antetokounmpo winning his consecutive second MVP award, it was Lebron James who created history by winning the Finals MVP with a third franchise.
Also Read: How many teams are there in the NBA?
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Yakshpat Bhargava
(3989 Articles Published)