Introduction to the NBA Champions
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in North America. Every year, the best teams compete for the title of NBA champion. Since its inception in 1947, the NBA has featured some of the best players in the world, from superstars like LeBron James to legends like Michael Jordan. Throughout its history, the NBA has seen many different champions and dynasties, with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors all having multiple championships.
The 2020-2021 season marked the 74th season of the NBA and the fourth consecutive season with a different champion. In this article, we will take a look at the last four NBA champions and how they managed to reach the top of the basketball world.
The 2017-2018 NBA Champion: The Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most successful teams in NBA history since their move to the Bay Area in 1962. During the 2017-2018 season, the Warriors finished with a 58-24 record and the second seed in the Western Conference. Led by four All-Stars, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant, the Warriors were the favorites to win the championship.
The Warriors breezed through the playoffs, sweeping the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 4-1 in the second round, and beating the Houston Rockets 4-3 in the Western Conference Finals. In the Finals, they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were led by LeBron James and had beaten the Warriors in the Finals the previous season. The Warriors managed to win the series in 4-0, winning their third championship in four years.
The 2018-2019 NBA Champion: The Toronto Raptors
The 2018-2019 season marked the first time in NBA history that a Canadian team won the championship. The Toronto Raptors had a strong season, finishing with a 58-24 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by All-Stars Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors were a force to be reckoned with.
In the playoffs, the Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 4-1 in the first round, the Philadelphia 76ers 4-3 in the second round, and the Milwaukee Bucks 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the Finals, they faced the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, who were without Kevin Durant due to injury. The Raptors managed to win the series 4-2, winning their first championship in franchise history.
The 2019-2020 NBA Champion: The Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had a rollercoaster of a season in 2019-2020, starting the season with a slow start before turning it around and finishing with a 52-19 record and the first seed in the Western Conference. Led by All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers were the favorites to win the championship.
In the playoffs, the Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 in the first round, the Houston Rockets 4-1 in the second round, and the Denver Nuggets 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals. In the Finals, they faced the Miami Heat, who had beaten the Lakers the previous season. The Lakers managed to win the series 4-2, winning their 17th championship in franchise history.
The 2020-2021 NBA Champion: The Brooklyn Nets
The 2020-2021 season marked the first time in NBA history that the Brooklyn Nets made it to the Finals. The Nets had a strong season, finishing with a 48-24 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by All-Stars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets were the favorites to win the championship.
In the playoffs, the Nets beat the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the first round, the Milwaukee Bucks 4-3 in the second round, and the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the Finals, they faced the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Nets managed to win the series 4-2, winning their first championship in franchise history.
The Last Four NBA Champions
- 2017-2018: Golden State Warriors
- 2018-2019: Toronto Raptors
- 2019-2020: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2020-2021: Brooklyn Nets
Conclusion
The last four NBA champions have all been unique and have all had their own stories. The Golden State Warriors managed to win three championships in four years, while the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets managed to win their first championships in franchise history. The Los Angeles Lakers managed to win their 17th championship, tying the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.
These last four NBA champions have all been special in their own way and have all had a huge impact on the league. As we look ahead to the 2021-2022 season, we can only hope that the next champion will be just as special as the last four.