History of NBA Finals in Timeline

The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association. The Eastern and Western Conference champions compete in a best-of-seven series to determine the NBA champion. The winning team is awarded the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.

1946: Basketball Association of America founded

In 1946, the Basketball Association of America was founded.

April 1947: Philadelphia Warriors win BAA Finals

In April 1947, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Chicago Stags in the 1947 BAA Finals in five games.

1947: Championship Era Begins

From 1947 to 1956, five franchises won a championship.

1947: Inaugural NBA Title

In 1947, the Philadelphia Warriors won the inaugural title.

1948: Minneapolis Lakers win NBL Championship

In 1948, the Minneapolis Lakers, led by George Mikan, won the championship of the rival National Basketball League before joining the BAA.

1949: Minneapolis Lakers win BAA Championship

In 1949, the Minneapolis Lakers won the third and final BAA championship, defeating the Washington Capitals.

1949: BAA Finals

In 1949, the series was known as the BAA Finals.

1950: NBA World Championship Series

In 1950, following the merger of the BAA and NBL, the competition's name changed to NBA World Championship Series.

1950: Minneapolis Lakers win inaugural NBA championship

In 1950, the Minneapolis Lakers won the inaugural NBA championship, becoming the first team to repeat as champions.

1951: Rochester Royals defeat New York Knicks

In 1951, the Rochester Royals defeated the New York Knicks in the only Finals contested between two teams from the same state.

1952: Minneapolis Lakers win NBA Finals

In 1952, the Minneapolis Lakers won the NBA Finals.

1954: Minneapolis Lakers win NBA Finals

In 1954, the Minneapolis Lakers won the NBA Finals, marking their third straight victory and fifth title in six seasons.

1956: Championship Era Ends

From 1947 to 1956, five franchises won a championship.

1956: Boston Celtics Dominance Begins

In 1956, the Boston Celtics began a period of dominance.

1956: Philadelphia Warriors Championship

In 1956, the Philadelphia Warriors won another championship.

1957: Celtics Dynasty

In 1957, the establishment of the Celtics dynasty, spearheaded by Bill Russell, led to the team's great success.

1959: Boston Celtics Dynasty

From 1959 through 1966, the Boston Celtics won eight straight NBA championships.

1964: Relocation of NBA Franchises

By 1964, of the five franchises that won a championship from 1947 to 1956, one folded, and the other four relocated.

1964: Chamberlain leads Warriors

In 1964, Wilt Chamberlain led the San Francisco Warriors to a Western Division championship but failed to beat the Celtics.

1966: Boston Celtics Championship streak

From 1959 through 1966, the Boston Celtics won eight straight NBA championships.

1966: 76ers Record

In 1966, the Philadelphia 76ers previously held the record for most wins in a season.

1966: Celtics beat 76ers in playoffs

In 1966, the first clash between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs resulted in a 4–1 series victory for Boston.

1967: 76ers win the NBA Finals

In 1967, the Philadelphia 76ers, with a tactical change and a record of 68 wins, defeated the Celtics and went on to win the NBA Finals.

1968: Celtics defeat Lakers in Finals

In 1968, the Boston Celtics overcame a 3–1 deficit against Philadelphia to reach the Finals, where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to become NBA champions.

1968: Boston Celtics Championship

In 1968, the Boston Celtics won another NBA championship.

1969: Celtics win NBA Championship

In 1969, despite being underdogs, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 to win their eleventh championship in 13 years. Lakers owner Jack Cooke hung balloons in the arena in anticipation of a Lakers victory, but the Celtics won 108-106.

1969: Last Back-to-Back Champions

The Lakers became the first team to win back-to-back NBA titles since 1969.

1970: Knicks win against Lakers in classic final

In 1970, the New York Knicks faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a classic Finals series. The Knicks eventually won the series in 7 games, with an injured Willis Reed returning to action in Game 7 and inspiring his team to victory.

1970: New York Knicks win their first title

In 1970, the New York Knicks won their first title.

1971: First Finals Since 1971 to feature no players who had previously won a championship.

2021 marked the first Finals since 1971 to feature no players who had previously won a championship.

1971: Milwaukee Bucks win their first title

In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first title.

1974: Celtics win 12th title

In 1974, the Celtics won their 12th title.

1975: Golden State Warriors Sweep

In 1975, the Golden State Warriors swept the Washington Bullets in the NBA Finals after a 48–34 regular season.

1976: Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy introduced

In 1976, the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy replaced the original Walter A. Brown Trophy as the award for the NBA champions.

1976: Celtics secure their 13th championship

In 1976, the Phoenix Suns overcame a losing record to reach the Finals, but the Boston Celtics managed to secure their 13th championship, defeating the Suns 87–80 in Game 6.

1977: Portland Trail Blazers win their first title

In 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers won their first title.

1978: Washington Bullets win their first title

In 1978, the Washington Bullets won their first title.

1979: Johnson vs. Bird NCAA Championship Game

In 1979, the NCAA Championship game between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had a very large TV audience.

1979: Seattle SuperSonics win their first title

In 1979, the Seattle SuperSonics won their first title, defeating the Washington Bullets.

1980: Lakers win NBA Finals

In 1980, Rookie Magic Johnson led the Showtime Lakers to the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, winning his first championship and Finals MVP honors.

1981: Celtics win NBA Finals against Rockets

In 1981, the Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, won the NBA Finals in 6 games against the Houston Rockets, who were carried by Moses Malone.

1982: Lakers win NBA Finals

In 1982, led by new coach Pat Riley, the Lakers returned to the NBA Finals in a rematch against the 76ers and defeated them in 6 games.

1983: 76ers win NBA Finals

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers, with the duo of Moses Malone and Julius Erving, won the NBA Finals in a sweep of the Lakers.

1984: Celtics defeat Lakers in NBA Finals

In 1984, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4–3 in the NBA Finals. The final game of this series attracted a very large TV audience.

1984: Walter A. Brown Trophy name change

In 1984, the Walter A. Brown Trophy, despite having been replaced by the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 1976, was officially renamed.

1985: Lakers defeat Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1985, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in 6 games in the NBA Finals, despite losing Game 1 by 34 points in the Memorial Day Massacre.

1985: NBA Finals format change

In 1985, the NBA Finals format was changed to 2–3–2 to reduce cross-country travel.

1985: NBA World Championship Series name

In 1985, the competition was named NBA World Championship Series.

1986: NBA Finals name change

In 1986, the competition was named NBA Finals.

1987: Lakers defeat Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals in 6 games. Magic Johnson hit a hook shot with two seconds left in Game 4 to give the Lakers a 107–106 win and a 3–1 series lead.

1988: Lakers win NBA Finals

In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals in 7 games against the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first team to win back-to-back NBA titles since 1969.

1988: Charlotte Hornets History Begins

In 1988, the history and records of the Charlotte Hornets organization began.

1989: Pistons Sweep Lakers

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons swept the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of the previous year's Finals.

1990: Pistons Back-to-Back Championships

In 1990, the Detroit Pistons won back-to-back championships, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.

1991: Bulls Era Begins

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls, led by Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen, began their dominant run, winning six titles in six Finals appearances until 1998.

1993: Bulls Win Championship and Jordan Retires

In 1993, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. The Bulls clinched the series in Game 6 with a score of 99–98, securing their third consecutive championship. Following this victory, Michael Jordan retired from basketball to pursue a baseball career.

1994: Rockets win NBA Title

In 1994, the Houston Rockets won the NBA title.

1994: Jordan Returns to Basketball

Late in the 1994–95 season, Michael Jordan returned to basketball after his stint in baseball.

1995: Rockets win NBA Title

In 1995, the Houston Rockets won the NBA title.

1995: Bulls Acquire Rodman and Dominate Season

In the 1995–96 season, Michael Jordan returned to pre-retirement form and the Bulls acquired Dennis Rodman. The Bulls finished the regular season with a 72–10 record and defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Finals, winning their fourth title.

1997: Bulls Defeat Jazz in Finals

In 1997, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals in six games, with Steve Kerr hitting the winning shot in Game 6 in Chicago.

1998: Bulls Era Ends

From 1991 to 1998, the Chicago Bulls, led by Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen, won six titles in six Finals appearances.

1998: Bulls Win Championship and Jordan Retires Again

In 1998, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals in six games, with Michael Jordan hitting the winning shot in Game 6 in Utah. This marked the Bulls' sixth NBA championship and their second three-peat. Jordan retired following the season.

1999: Spurs Win NBA Championship

In 1999, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship, finishing the playoffs with a 15–2 record. They defeated the New York Knicks in the Finals, holding them to an average of 79.8 points per game.

2000: Lakers Defeat Pacers in NBA Finals

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, defeated the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.

2001: Lakers Dominate Postseason and Win NBA Finals

During their 2001 postseason run, the Los Angeles Lakers swept their first three series and won the NBA Finals against the Allen Iverson-led Philadelphia 76ers in five games, finishing with a 15–1 record.

2002: Hornets Relocation Suspension

In 2002, as a result of the original Hornets franchise's relocation to New Orleans, the NBA team in Charlotte suspended operations for the 2002–03 and the 2003–04 seasons.

2002: Lakers Sweep Nets in NBA Finals

In 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals.

2003: Hornets Relocation Suspension

In 2003, as a result of the original Hornets franchise's relocation to New Orleans, the NBA team in Charlotte suspended operations for the 2002–03 and the 2003–04 seasons.

2003: Spurs Defeat Nets in NBA Finals

In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Jersey Nets in six games in the NBA Finals. In Game 6, Tim Duncan nearly recorded a quadruple-double with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks.

2003: Payton and Malone Sign with Lakers

In the 2003 off-season, veteran stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2004: O'Neal Traded to Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat.

2004: Bobcats Established

In 2004, a new NBA team, named the Bobcats, was established for the 2004–05 season, following the suspension of operations due to the original Hornets franchise's relocation to New Orleans.

2004: Pistons Defeat Lakers in NBA Finals

In 2004, the Detroit Pistons, coached by Larry Brown, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals.

2005: Spurs Defeat Pistons in NBA Finals

In 2005, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons in seven games in the NBA Finals.

2006: Heat Win NBA Championship

In 2006, the Miami Heat, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, won the NBA Championship against the Dallas Mavericks.

2007: Spurs Sweep Cavaliers in NBA Finals

In 2007, the San Antonio Spurs swept the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Tony Parker won the Finals MVP award, becoming the first European-born player to do so.

2008: Celtics Defeat Lakers in NBA Finals

In 2008, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals, marking the 11th Finals matchup between the two teams.

2009: Lakers Win NBA Finals

In 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in five games in the NBA Finals.

2010: Heat Form "Big Three"

During the 2010 off-season, the Miami Heat re-signed Dwyane Wade and added LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form a new "Big Three."

2010: Lakers Defeat Celtics in NBA Finals

In 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in seven games in the NBA Finals. Head coach Phil Jackson surpassed Red Auerbach's record for most NBA titles with eleven.

2011: Mavericks Defeat Heat in NBA Finals

In 2011, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals. Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas was named Finals MVP.

2013: Heat Win NBA Championship

In 2013, the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship over the San Antonio Spurs, featuring a Heat comeback in Game 6.

2013: Hornets Renamed Pelicans

In 2013, the original Hornets were renamed the Pelicans and retained the history and records during their time in New Orleans and Oklahoma City from 2002 to 2013.

2014: Bobcats Become Charlotte Hornets

In 2014, the Bobcats became the second incarnation of the Charlotte Hornets and obtained the history and records of the Hornets organization from 1988 to 2002.

2014: NBA Finals format restored

In 2014, the NBA Finals format reverted to the original 2–2–1–1–1 format.

2014: Spurs Defeat Heat in NBA Finals

In 2014, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games in the NBA Finals, winning Tim Duncan's fifth and final title.

2014: James Returns to Cavaliers

In the 2014 off-season, LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

2015: Warriors Win NBA Finals

In 2015, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the NBA Finals.

2016: Cavaliers Win NBA Championship

In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the NBA Finals, ending Cleveland's championship drought.

2017: Warriors Win NBA Championship

In 2017, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the NBA Finals, setting a playoff record of 15 consecutive wins.

2018: LeBron James Joins Lakers

In 2018, LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

2018: YouTube TV Sponsors NBA Finals

In 2018, YouTube TV became the presenting sponsor of the NBA Finals as part of a multiyear partnership.

2018: Warriors Sweep Cavaliers in NBA Finals

In 2018, the Golden State Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

2018: NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV

In 2018, the NBA Finals was officially known as the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV due to sponsorship.

2019: Raptors Win NBA Championship

In 2019, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to win their first NBA title.

2020: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals, claiming their 17th title. LeBron James was named Finals MVP.

2021: Bucks Win NBA Championship

In 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games in the NBA Finals.

2022: Warriors Win NBA Championship

In 2022, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in six games to win their fourth championship in eight seasons.

2023: Nuggets Win NBA Championship

In 2023, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in five games to win their first NBA championship. Nikola Jokić was named Finals MVP.

2024: Celtics Win NBA Championship

In 2024, the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks to win their record 18th NBA title.

2025: Thunder Win NBA Championship

In 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games, marking the seventh unique champion in as many years.

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