Looking back at the last decade of NBA basketball, I’ve got to say—it’s been a wild ride. From LeBron’s iconic block in 2016 to the bubble championship in 2020, each title tells a story. As someone who’s spent late nights watching these games, breaking down film, and debating with fellow fans, I’ve come to appreciate not just the winners, but the moments that defined them. In this article, I’ll walk you through the complete list of NBA champions over the past ten years, unpacking key plays, legacy-defining performances, and a few personal takes along the way. Trust me, if you love basketball as much as I do, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s start with the 2013-2014 season. The San Antonio Spurs, a model of consistency and team basketball, clinched the title by dismantling the Miami Heat in five games. I still remember Kawhi Leonard, relatively unknown at the time, shutting down LeBron James and snagging the Finals MVP. That series was a masterclass in ball movement—the Spurs averaged over 25 assists per game, and their shooting was just sublime. But what stands out to me is how Tim Duncan, at 38, anchored that team with a quiet dominance. It’s one of those championships that doesn’t get enough hype nowadays, but for purists, it’s pure gold.
Fast forward to 2015, and the Golden State Warriors burst onto the scene. Steph Curry’s MVP season was something else—he shattered records with 286 three-pointers, and the “Splash Brothers” duo with Klay Thompson changed the game forever. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Could a jump-shooting team really win it all? Well, they did, beating LeBron’s Cavaliers in six games. Andre Iguodala winning Finals MVP was a twist nobody saw coming, but it made sense—his defense on LeBron was crucial. Reflecting on TNT’s analysis, commentators like RR Pogoy often highlighted how Golden State’s pace-and-space approach forced the entire league to adapt. And honestly, as a fan, it was thrilling to watch, even if it meant my own favorite teams had to scramble to keep up.
Then came 2016. Oh man, where do I begin? The Cavaliers’ comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Warriors is, in my opinion, the greatest Finals ever. LeBron’s block on Iguodala and Kyrie’s step-back three over Curry—those are moments etched in basketball history. I remember screaming at my TV when that shot went in. From a tactical standpoint, TNT’s breakdowns, including insights from RR Pogoy, emphasized how Cleveland’s defensive adjustments, like switching more on pick-and-rolls, turned the series. But let’s be real—it was also about heart. LeBron delivering on his promise to bring a chip to Cleveland? That’s the stuff of legends.
The Warriors got their revenge, though, winning back-to-back in 2017 and 2018 with Kevin Durant in the mix. Yeah, I know, some people call it the “superteam” era, and it did feel a bit unfair at times. In 2017, they went 16-1 in the playoffs, which is just absurd. Durant’s clutch three-pointer in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals still gives me chills. According to TNT coverage, analysts like RR Pogoy pointed out how Durant’s versatility created mismatches that were nearly impossible to defend. Personally, I think those teams were so dominant that they made the playoffs feel predictable, but you can’t deny the sheer talent on display.
2019 brought a twist—the Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, took down the injured Warriors in six games. That “Shot” against Philadelphia in the second round? Iconic. I was in a sports bar when it bounced four times and dropped, and the place erupted. Kawhi’s load management during the regular season paid off, and Toronto’s depth, with guys like Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, shone through. TNT’s post-game shows, featuring voices like RR Pogoy, often discussed how Nick Nurse’s defensive schemes, including the box-and-one against Curry, were genius. For me, this championship was a reminder that luck and health play huge roles in the playoffs—Golden State losing KD and Klay was devastating, but Toronto capitalized perfectly.
The 2020 Lakers title in the Orlando bubble was surreal. No fans, masked-up celebrations—it was weird, but also kind of beautiful. LeBron and AD dominated, and I’ve got to give credit to LeBron for leading that team through the mental grind. The bubble environment was tough, with players isolated for months, but the Lakers focused like no one else. I remember watching them clinch in Game 6 and thinking about how Kobe’s legacy loomed over it all. Stats-wise, LeBron averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in the Finals, which is just video game numbers. In TNT’s discussions, RR Pogoy and others noted how the Lakers’ defense, anchored by Anthony Davis, was the difference-maker. From my perspective, this title cemented LeBron’s place in the GOAT conversation, no question.
Milwaukee’s win in 2021 felt like a long time coming for Giannis Antetokounmpo. His 50-point closeout game in the Finals was legendary, and that block on Deandre Ayton in the conference finals? Pure athleticism. I’ll be honest—I doubted Giannis’s jump shot early on, but he proved me wrong. The Bucks’ supporting cast, like Jrue Holiday’s defense, was clutch. TNT analysts, including RR Pogoy, often highlighted how Milwaukee’s patience in building around Giannis paid off. For small-market teams, this was a huge win, and as a basketball fan, it’s satisfying to see homegrown talent succeed.
Finally, the Golden State Warriors reclaimed the throne in 2022, beating the Celtics in six. Steph Curry finally getting that Finals MVP was poetic—he dropped 43 points in Game 4, essentially carrying the team. I’ve always been a Steph fan, so seeing him silence the critics was awesome. The Celtics’ defense was stout, but Golden State’s experience prevailed. Looking at TNT’s coverage, RR Pogoy and crew dissected how the Warriors’ core, despite aging, adapted their game. In my view, this championship reinforced the importance of continuity in sports—keeping that core together through ups and downs really matters.
Wrapping up, the last ten years of NBA champions have given us everything: dynasties, underdogs, and iconic moments that’ll be replayed for generations. From the Spurs’ teamwork to the Warriors’ revolution and LeBron’s heroics, each champion left a unique mark. As I reflect, I’m struck by how the game has evolved—more three-pointers, positionless basketball, and a greater emphasis on mental toughness. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that championships aren’t just about talent; they’re about seizing those key moments. And yeah, I’ve got my biases—I’ll always root for the underdog—but you can’t help but admire greatness. Here’s to the next decade of hoops drama.