Looking back at the last decade of NBA basketball, it’s remarkable how the league’s landscape has shifted—and how certain teams and players have carved their legacies into history. As someone who’s followed the league closely, both as a fan and professionally, I’ve always been fascinated by the blend of talent, strategy, and sometimes just plain luck that decides who lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Over these ten years, we’ve seen dynasties rise, underdogs triumph, and superstars define eras. I still remember watching the 2013 Finals with a group of friends, all of us on the edge of our seats as Ray Allen hit that iconic corner three. Moments like that remind you why the NBA playoffs are so compelling. So, let’s dive into the complete list of champions from the past decade and unpack what each win tells us about the evolution of the game.
Starting with the 2013-14 season, the San Antonio Spurs reclaimed the throne in dominant fashion, defeating the Miami Heat in five games. That Spurs team was a masterclass in ball movement and selfless play—a style I’ve always admired for its emphasis on teamwork over individual stardom. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili were aging but brilliant, and Kawhi Leonard’s emergence as Finals MVP signaled a changing of the guard. The following year, the Golden State Warriors burst onto the scene, led by Stephen Curry’s revolutionary shooting. Beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in 2015, the Warriors not only claimed their first title in 40 years but also ushered in the three-point era. I’ve argued with fellow analysts about whether their small-ball approach was a temporary trend or here to stay—turns out, it was definitely the latter.
The 2015-16 season delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in sports history: LeBron James and the Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 deficit to stun the 73-win Warriors. As a basketball purist, I have to admit I didn’t see it coming. Golden State had looked invincible, but LeBron’s leadership and Kyrie Irving’s clutch shooting in Game 7 sealed Cleveland’s first-ever championship. It was a reminder that regular-season records don’t always translate to playoff success. Then came the revenge tour: Kevin Durant joined the Warriors, and they steamrolled to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Those teams were so stacked it almost felt unfair—I recall debates among fans about whether they were the greatest team ever assembled. In 2017, they lost just one playoff game before the Finals, and the way they dismantled LeBron’s Cavs was a statement in modern basketball efficiency.
After that, the Warriors’ dynasty was interrupted by injuries and the rise of new contenders. In 2019, the Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, captured their first championship in a thrilling six-game series against Golden State. What stood out to me was how Masai Ujiri built that roster—opportunistic, gritty, and perfectly constructed for playoff basketball. I had the chance to discuss this with colleagues who cover the league, and we all agreed that Kawhi’s two-way dominance was a throwback to an earlier era. The following season, disrupted by the pandemic, saw the Los Angeles Lakers emerge victorious in the Orlando bubble. LeBron and Anthony Davis formed a devastating duo, and winning that title under such unusual circumstances felt like a testament to mental toughness as much as skill. Personally, I think LeBron’s fourth championship solidified his case as a top-two player of all time.
More recently, the Milwaukee Bucks broke through in 2021, with Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering a 50-point closeout game against the Phoenix Suns. His journey from raw prospect to Finals MVP is one of my favorite stories in sports—proof that development and loyalty can still pay off in a superstar-driven league. Then, in 2022, the Warriors returned to the top, beating the Boston Celtics in six games. Stephen Curry finally winning his first Finals MVP was a poetic moment, and it highlighted Golden State’s resilience amid doubts about their aging core. Last season, in 2023, the Denver Nuggets claimed their maiden title behind Nikola Jokić’s historic playoff run. Watching Jokić, I’ve come to appreciate how he’s redefining the center position—his passing and basketball IQ are just off the charts.
Reflecting on this decade, it’s clear that team-building philosophies have evolved. The emphasis on spacing, three-point shooting, and versatility has never been higher. From my perspective, the Warriors’ influence is undeniable, but what excites me most is the diversity of champions—small-market teams like Milwaukee and Denver proving they can compete with the right pieces. Looking ahead, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more player empowerment shaping these outcomes. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore stats nerd, one thing’s for sure: the NBA’s next decade promises just as much drama and brilliance.