A Complete Timeline of NBA Finals All Years Champions and Results

Looking back at the NBA's rich history, I’ve always been fascinated by how each champion leaves an indelible mark not just on the sport, but on the culture surrounding it. Every June, as the Finals roll around, I find myself reflecting on the incredible stories—the dynasties, the upsets, the iconic shots—that define each era. It’s in these moments that players often reveal their truest selves, much like when a star declares, "I believe I’m in my prime right now, so I’ll try to show that come Saturday." That kind of confidence, that self-awareness in the heat of competition, is what separates the greats from the merely good. And honestly, it’s what makes tracking every single champion across the decades so compelling.

The NBA Finals timeline begins in 1947, back when the league was the Basketball Association of America, and the Philadelphia Warriors took home the first title. I’ve always thought those early years had a certain raw charm—no flashy marketing, just pure, gritty basketball. By the 1950s, the Minneapolis Lakers, led by George Mikan, dominated with five championships in six years. Mikan was a force, averaging around 27.4 points per game in the 1952 Finals, a staggering number for that era. Then came the Celtics dynasty of the 1960s, which, in my view, remains the gold standard for team success. Bill Russell’s Celtics won 11 titles in 13 seasons, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. I mean, try wrapping your head around that—it’s a level of consistency we might never see again.

Moving into the 1970s, the league expanded, and parity took center stage. Teams like the Knicks, Bucks, and Warriors all grabbed rings, but my personal favorite has to be the 1975 Warriors. They were underdogs, sweeping the Bullets in a stunning upset. That series showed me that heart can trump talent on any given night. Then the 1980s brought the iconic Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird rivalry, which, let’s be real, saved the NBA from obscurity. The Lakers and Celtics traded blows, with Magic’s "Showtime" Lakers winning five titles and Bird’s Celtics grabbing three. I’ll never forget the 1987 Finals—Magic’s baby hook shot in Game 4 is etched in my memory as one of the clutchest plays ever.

The 1990s? That was the Michael Jordan era, plain and simple. As a kid watching those Bulls teams, I felt like I was witnessing perfection. Six titles in eight years, two separate three-peats—Jordan’s killer instinct was unmatched. His "prime" wasn’t just a statement; it was a reality he proved every June. And let’s not forget Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets, who capitalized during Jordan’s baseball hiatus to win back-to-back in 1994 and 1995. I’ve always argued that Hakeem’s footwork in the post is still the best I’ve ever seen.

Then came the 2000s, with the Shaq and Kobe Lakers dominating early, followed by the Spurs’ methodical excellence. Tim Duncan’s Spurs won four titles between 1999 and 2007, and I admire how they did it with zero flash—just fundamental basketball. But the decade closed with the rise of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry renewed, and Boston’s 2008 win felt like a throwback to the old days. Fast-forward to the 2010s, and LeBron James entered the conversation in a big way. His 2016 comeback with the Cavaliers, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Warriors, is, in my opinion, the greatest Finals performance of all time. LeBron’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most reminds me of that quote about being in your prime—it’s not just about skill, but timing and mentality.

In recent years, the Warriors’ dynasty reshaped the game with their three-point revolution, winning titles in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Steph Curry’s impact can’t be overstated; he changed how teams approach offense entirely. And let’s not overlook the 2019 Raptors, Kawhi Leonard’s clutch run that brought Canada its first chip—a testament to how one player in their prime can carry a team. The 2020 Lakers’ bubble win was surreal, a unique chapter in NBA history, and the Bucks’ 2021 victory felt like a long-overdue reward for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loyalty and growth.

As I wrap this up, I’m struck by how the NBA Finals serve as a mirror to the league’s evolution. From Mikan to Jordan to LeBron, each champion reflects the era’s style, struggles, and stars. That idea of being in your prime—of seizing the moment—is what ties it all together. Whether it’s a veteran making one last push or a young star announcing their arrival, the Finals are where legacies are forged. And as a fan, I’ll keep relishing every chapter, because each one adds to this beautiful, ongoing story.