NBA Champions Last 10 Years: Complete Timeline and Key Moments Revealed

Looking back at the last decade of NBA basketball, I can’t help but feel a mix of awe and nostalgia. As someone who’s spent years analyzing the game—both as a fan and professionally—I’ve come to appreciate how each championship tells a unique story of grit, strategy, and sometimes, pure luck. From the Miami Heat’s back-to-back titles to the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty and the recent rise of the Denver Nuggets, the league has served up one compelling narrative after another. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that behind every trophy lift are moments that define legacies, break hearts, and occasionally, change the course of basketball history.

Let’s start in 2014, when the San Antonio Spurs exorcised the demons of their heartbreaking 2013 Finals loss by dismantling LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games. I still remember watching that beautiful, motion-heavy offense in awe—it was like a masterclass in unselfish basketball. Kawhi Leonard, just 22 at the time, emerged as a Finals MVP, and Tim Duncan secured his fifth ring. That series wasn’t just a win; it felt like the end of an era for the Heat’s superteam and a validation of the Spurs’ sustained excellence. Fast forward to 2015, and the Golden State Warriors burst onto the scene with their first title in 40 years. Steph Curry’s MVP season was magical, but what stood out to me was how their small-ball "Death Lineup" revolutionized the game. I recall thinking, "This changes everything." And honestly, it did—teams started prioritizing three-point shooting in ways we hadn’t seen before.

The Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Warriors is, in my opinion, the greatest Finals moment of all time. LeBron’s block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s step-back three over Curry are etched into my memory. I was on the edge of my seat that entire Game 7—it was one of those rare times where you could feel the momentum shifting play by play. Then came the Kevin Durant era in Golden State, which honestly made the league feel a bit predictable for a while. Those 2017 and 2018 titles were dominant, no doubt, but as a fan of competition, I missed the uncertainty. Still, watching Durant and Curry operate together was like witnessing basketball poetry, even if it came at the expense of drama.

In 2019, the Toronto Raptors pulled off what I’d call the most strategic championship run of the decade. Masai Ujiri’s gamble to trade for Kawhi Leonard paid off spectacularly, and that iconic shot in Game 7 against Philadelphia—the bounce, the pause, the roar—still gives me chills. Beating the injured Warriors felt bittersweet, but it showcased how one bold move could elevate an entire franchise. Then the Lakers’ 2020 bubble title brought a sense of catharsis in a pandemic-ravaged year. LeBron’s fourth ring solidified his legacy, and Anthony Davis finally got his due. I’ll admit, I had doubts about the "bubble basketball" environment, but the intensity was real—maybe even more so without crowd distractions.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 victory was a testament to perseverance. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 50-point closeout game in the Finals was legendary, and his emotional post-game interview reminded me why I love this sport. Small-market teams don’t always get their moment, but Milwaukee’s patience with Giannis paid off huge. Then Golden State reclaimed the throne in 2022, silencing critics who thought their dynasty was over. Curry finally winning Finals MVP felt like a long-overdue coronation. Last year, the Nuggets broke through with their first-ever championship, and Nikola Jokić’s playoff run was nothing short of historic. As a basketball purist, I’ve always appreciated Jokić’s game—his vision and unselfishness are a throwback to an earlier era.

Reflecting on these ten years, it’s clear that the NBA has evolved into a league where superstar movement, three-point barrages, and tactical innovation dominate. But what stands out to me are the human elements—the resilience, the heartbreaks, the legacy-defining performances. While dynasties like the Warriors have left an indelible mark, it’s the underdog stories, like the Raptors and Bucks, that often resonate most deeply with fans. As we look ahead, I’m excited to see new challengers rise, but I’ll always cherish the memories and debates this past decade has given us. After all, that’s what makes basketball more than just a game—it’s a ongoing story, and we’re all part of it.