The NBA Finals is the championship series for the National Basketball Association (NBA) held at the conclusion of its postseason. All Finals have been played in a best-of-seven format, and are contested between the winners of the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference (formerly Divisions before 1970), except in 1950 when the Eastern Division champion faced the winner between the Western and Central Division champions. From 1946 through 1949, when the league was known as the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the playoffs were a three-stage tournament where the two semifinal winners played each other in the finals.[1][2][3] The winning team of the series receives the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, which is awarded since 1977 (between 1947 and 1976 the winning team received the Walter A. Brown Trophy).[4]
The current home-and-away format in the NBA Finals is 2–2–1–1–1 (the team with the better regular-season record plays on its home court in Games 1, 2, 5, and 7), which has been used in 1947–1948,[5] 1950–1952,[6][7][8] 1957–1970, 1972–1974, 1976–1977, 1979–1984, and 2014–present. It was previously in a 2–3–2 format (the team with the better regular season record plays on its home court in Games 1, 2, 6, and 7) during 1949, 1953–1955, and 1985–2013,[9][10] in a 1–1–1–1–1–1–1 format during 1956 and 1971,[11][12] and in a 1–2–2–1–1 format during 1975 and 1978.[13][14]
As of 2023, the Eastern champions have a 40–37 advantage in NBA titles over the Western champions, with their most recent being the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.[15] The Boston Celtics and the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers have won a combined total of 34 NBA championships, with 17 apiece in their rivalry.[16] As of 2023, the defending champions are the Denver Nuggets.
Champions
- The first parentheses in the Western champions and Eastern champions columns indicate the teams' playoff seed. The second parentheses indicate the number of times that teams have appeared in an NBA Finals as well as each respective team's NBA Finals record to date.
Bold | Winning team of the BAA/NBA Finals |
Italics | Team with home-court advantage |
Italics | Finals MVP was on losing team |
† | Only defunct team to win championship |
Results by team
- ↑ Includes record as Minneapolis Lakers
- ↑ Includes record as Philadelphia and San Francisco Warriors
- ↑ Includes record as Syracuse Nationals
- ↑ Includes record as Fort Wayne Pistons
- ↑ Includes record as St. Louis Hawks
- ↑ Includes record as Baltimore and Washington Bullets
- ↑ Includes record as Seattle SuperSonics
- ↑ Not affiliated with the present-day Washington Wizards, known as the Baltimore Bullets from 1963 to 1973.
- ↑ Includes record as Rochester Royals
- ↑ Includes record as New York and New Jersey Nets
Consecutive championships
Eight consecutive
Three consecutive
- Minneapolis Lakers (1952–1954)
- Chicago Bulls (1991–1993)
- Chicago Bulls (1996–1998)
- Los Angeles Lakers (2000–2002)
Two consecutive
Frequent matchups
See also
- List of ABA champions
- List of National Basketball Association longest winning streaks
- List of National Basketball League (United States) champions
- List of NBA championship head coaches
- List of NBA franchise post-season droughts
- List of NBA franchise post-season streaks
- List of NBA G League champions
- WNBA Finals
- List of NBA players with most championships
- NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
Notes
- ↑ The Finals MVP Award was first awarded in 1969.
- ↑ Minneapolis was the Central Division (now defunct, no relation to the current Central Division) playoff champion, while the Anderson Packers were the Western Division playoff champion.[20] Due to the NBA's realignment into three divisions,[21][22] the team with the best regular season record after the Divisional Finals advanced automatically to the NBA Finals, while the other two teams faced off in the NBA Semifinals to determine the other finalist. Eastern Division playoff champion Syracuse had the best regular season record among the division playoff champions, causing Minneapolis to face Anderson in the NBA Semifinals.[20][23]
- ↑ The trophy was renamed for Walter A. Brown.
- ↑ The trophy was replaced by a new design.[51][52]
- ↑ The trophy was renamed for Larry O'Brien.
- ↑ After a lockout, the season started on February 5, 1999, and all 29 teams played a shortened 50-game regular season schedule.[75]
- ↑ After a lockout, the season started on December 25, 2011, and all 30 teams played a shortened 66-game regular season schedule.[89][90]
- ↑ The 2019–20 NBA season was delayed and shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and finished in October 2020 with a bubble tournament.[99]
References
- ↑ Rosen, Charley (2008). The First Tip-Off: The Incredible Story of the Birth of the NBA. Mc-Graw Hill. pp. 211–212. ISBN 978-0-07-148785-6.
- ↑ Anderson, Corrie; Reheuser, Rob; et al. (2006). Sporting News Official 2006–2007 NBA Guide. Sporting News Books. ISBN 978-0-89204-854-0.
- ↑ Brown, Donald H. (2007). A Best of Basketball Story. AuthorHouse. pp. 4–5. ISBN 978-1-4343-4193-8.
- ↑ Rice, Nicholas (July 8, 2021). "What to Know About the NBA's Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, Created by Tiffany & Co". People. New York: Dotdash Meredith.
- ↑ "1948–49 Minneapolis Lakers Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1952–53 Minneapolis Lakers Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1953–54 Minneapolis Lakers Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1954–55 Syracuse Nationals Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ Ryan, Bob (June 23, 2005). "Time to turn back clock on format". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ Windhorst, Brian (October 23, 2013). "Vote is unanimous to change Finals". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ↑ "1955–56 Philadelphia Warriors Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1970–71 Milwaukee Bucks Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1974–75 Golden State Warriors Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ "1977–78 Washington Bullets Schedule and Results Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ↑ May, Jeffrey (June 7, 2023). "East vs West: which conference has won more NBA championships?". Diario AS.
- ↑ Lafferty, Scott. "Lakers vs. Celtics: Which team full of all time greats would prevail?". The Sporting News. Charlotte, North Carolina.
- ↑ "Warriors Win Inaugural Finals". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "NBA & ABA Champions". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
- ↑ "Mikan, Lakers Begin Championship Run". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- 1 2 "Anderson, Lakers Play for Shot at Syracuse Nationals". Mason City Globe Gazette. April 3, 1950. p. 11. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Season Review: 1949–50". NBA.com. April 24, 2017. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
- ↑ Hollander, Zander; Sachare, Alex (1989). The Official NBA Basketball Encyclopedia. Villard Books. pp. 49–51. ISBN 0-394-58039-7. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
- 1 2 "1949–50 NBA Season Summary". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 6, 2011. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
- ↑ "Lakers: First Champs of Newly Formed NBA". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Royals Reign, Despite Knicks' Unlikely Comeback". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Lakers Reclaim the NBA Crown". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Lakers Unstoppable in Big Apple". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Minneapolis Makes One Last Title Run". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Nats Win First Title of Shot-Clock Era". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Warriors Reign Over League's 10th Season". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Celtics Officially Launch Their Dynasty". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Pettit Drops 50 on Celtics in Game 6". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "Celtics Give Sharman Championship Sendoff". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Celtics, Lakers Work OT to Start Rivalry". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Cousy Retires as Six-Time Champion". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Boston 'D' at Center of Title Defense". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Celtics Win Seventh Straight Finals". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Red Lights Cigar to Close Coaching Career". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Prolific Sixers Bring Ring to Philly". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Boston is Alive and Well". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "West's Heroics Can't Deprive Russell of 11th Title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Gutsy Reed Rallies Knicks in Game 7". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "'Big O' Completes Bucks' Championship Run". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Lakers' Legendary Season Leads to Elusive Title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Knicks Win One for the 'Aged'". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 17, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Celtics Win First Title of Post-Russell Era". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Barry's Warriors Produce Epic Upset". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Triple-OT Classic Highlights Boston's 13th Title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy". NBA.com. National Basketball Association. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
- ↑ "The trophies". St. Petersburg Times. April 10, 2003. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
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- ↑ "'Fat Lady' Sings Victorious Tune for Bullets". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "Celtics Win First Bird-Magic Finals Showdown". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Kareem, Lakers Conquer the Celtic Mystique". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "Lakers Capture the Elusive Repeat". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Waiting Game Ends for Impatient Pistons". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Bad Boys Still the Best". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Bulls Finally Get That Championship Feeling". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Repeat is Extra Sweet for Bulls". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "Bulls' Record-Setting Season Ends in Victory". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "Jordan's Jumper Secures Chicago's Sixth Title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ "'Little General' Marches Spurs to First Title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Shaq Makes Mark in New Millennium". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
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- ↑ Cluff, Jeremy. "Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns: 2021 NBA Finals schedule". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix: Gannett. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ↑ "2022 NBA Finals Celtics vs. Warriors". Basketball Reference. Philadelphia: Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
- ↑ "2023 NBA Finals Heat vs. Nuggets". Basketball Reference. Philadelphia: Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved June 13, 2023.