2025-11-15 13:00
Looking back over the past decade of NBA basketball, it’s been a wild ride—full of dynasties, upsets, and unforgettable moments. As someone who’s followed the league closely, I’ve always been fascinated not just by who wins, but how they do it. So, let’s walk through the last ten NBA champions, step by step, and unpack what made each of their stories special. I’ll share my own take on each season, drawing from what I’ve seen and even referencing insights from TNT’s RR Pogoy, whose analysis often highlights the little details that casual fans might miss.
First up, the 2014 San Antonio Spurs. Man, what a team. After the heartbreak of losing the 2013 Finals, they came back with a vengeance. The key here was ball movement—the Spurs averaged over 25 assists per game in the playoffs, and their “beautiful game” style was just mesmerizing. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were aging, but they played with such intelligence. Gregg Popovich’s system was the star, honestly. If you want to replicate that kind of success, focus on unselfish play and discipline. One thing I’d caution, though: don’t underestimate the emotional factor. The Spurs used their previous loss as fuel, and that’s something you can’t really measure with stats.
Then came the Golden State Warriors in 2015, and man, did they change the game. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson started the three-point revolution, and their small-ball lineup with Draymond Green at center was revolutionary. The method here was simple: shoot threes, play fast, and switch everything on defense. But here’s the catch—they also had luck on their side. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were injured for the Cavaliers, which definitely helped. From my perspective, this win was a mix of innovation and circumstance. If you’re building a team, take notes: embrace new strategies, but remember that health is huge. TNT’s RR Pogoy often points out how the Warriors’ spacing created nightmares for defenses, and I totally agree—it’s a lesson in modern offense.
LeBron James and the Cavaliers snapped Cleveland’s championship drought in 2016, and wow, what a story. Down 3-1 against the 73-win Warriors? Nobody saw that coming. The method here was sheer willpower, plus some tactical adjustments. Tyronn Lue had the Cavs attack Steph Curry on switches, and LeBron was just unstoppable. But let’s be real—Draymond’s suspension in Game 5 was a massive turning point. In my view, this series showed that momentum and mental toughness can outweigh pure talent. If you’re coaching or playing, remember to stay focused under pressure; one slip can cost you everything.
The Warriors came back strong in 2017 and 2018, adding Kevin Durant to an already stacked team. Honestly, it felt almost unfair—they were like a video game team on easy mode. The strategy was simple: iso-ball with KD when needed, but mostly just unselfish, high-IQ basketball. They swept the Cavs in 2018, and it wasn’t even close. From my experience watching those teams, the lesson is that superstar talent can dominate, but chemistry matters too. Durant fit seamlessly, and that’s rare. On the flip side, though, some fans argue it ruined the competitive balance, and I kind of agree—it made the playoffs a bit predictable.
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors pulled off a stunning win, thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s iconic shot against Philly and a masterful game plan against the Warriors. The method here was defense and clutch performances. Nick Nurse mixed up zones and trapped relentlessly, and when KD and Klay went down with injuries, the Raptors took advantage. I’ve always admired how they built that team—trading for Kawhi was a gamble, but it paid off. If you’re managing a team, sometimes you have to take big risks. TNT’s RR Pogoy has mentioned how the Raptors’ depth was underrated, and I think that’s spot on; role players like Fred VanVleet stepped up huge.
The 2020 Lakers win in the bubble was surreal. LeBron and AD dominated, but the circumstances were weird—no home court, strict protocols, and the emotional toll of isolation. The key method was veteran leadership and size; the Lakers bullied teams in the paint. From my perspective, this championship deserves extra credit because of the mental fortitude required. I mean, playing in empty arenas? That’s tough. If you’re an athlete, this season teaches adaptability—sometimes you have to block out distractions and just ball.
Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 was all about Giannis Antetokounmpo. After years of playoff disappointments, he went off in the Finals, dropping 50 points in the closeout game. The method was inside dominance and improved free-throw shooting down the stretch. But let’s not forget Jrue Holiday’s defense—he was a game-changer. In my opinion, Giannis’s story is a reminder that persistence pays off. He stayed loyal to Milwaukee, and it finally worked. TNT’s RR Pogoy often highlights how Holiday’s acquisition was the missing piece, and I’d say that’s accurate; sometimes one trade can shift everything.
Golden State again in 2022, and this one felt like a redemption arc. After KD left and injuries plagued them, they retooled with Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins stepping up. The method? Still that motion offense, but with more emphasis on defense. Steph Curry finally won Finals MVP, and it was so deserved. From my view, this shows that dynasties can reinvent themselves if they have a core culture. If you’re rebuilding, don’t tear everything down—keep your identity.
Lastly, the Denver Nuggets in 2023, with Nikola Jokić proving that big men can be facilitators. Their method was all about patience—Jokić and Jamal Murray had years to build chemistry, and it showed in their pick-and-roll game. They were unselfish and methodical, wearing teams down. I love this team because they’re proof that you don’t need a superteam to win; just develop your guys and stick to a system.
So there you have it—a complete list of NBA champions last 10 years and their winning stories, broken down with some personal flair. Each champion had a unique blueprint, but the common thread is adaptability, whether it’s through strategy, luck, or sheer grit. As I reflect, I’d say the biggest takeaway is to learn from each team’s approach, but also to enjoy the journey—because in basketball, as in life, the stories behind the wins are what stick with you.
