Which NBA teams have won the most championships?
Discover the NBA's most dominant champions! Following the 2024 Finals, the Boston Celtics now stand alone with 18 titles, surpassing their storied rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers (17). Dive into the illustrious history of basketball's top franchises, from the Celtics' unprecedented dynasty to the Warriors' modern era, and see where other legendary teams like the Bulls and Spurs rank in the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of professional basketball, where legends are forged and dynasties are built. For decades, two storied franchises have dominated the championship landscape, creating an iconic rivalry that has captivated fans worldwide. As of the completion of the 2024 NBA Finals, one team stands alone at the top of the all-time championship list.
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Let's dive into the illustrious history of the NBA to see which teams have hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy the most times.
The reigning champions: Boston Celtics (18 Titles)
The Boston Celtics now hold the undisputed record for the most NBA championships, with a staggering 18 titles. Their latest triumph came in 2024, further solidifying their legacy as the league's most decorated franchise.
The Celtics' success dates back to the league's early days, marked by an unprecedented run of dominance in the 1950s and 60s. Led by Bill Russell, Red Auerbach, and a host of Hall of Fame talent, Boston secured an incredible eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, a feat unmatched in professional sports.
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Their championship years include: 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008, 2024.
The Storied rivals: Los Angeles Lakers (17 Titles)
Hot on the heels of the Celtics are the Los Angeles Lakers, who boast 17 NBA championships. The Lakers' history is equally rich, stretching from their early days as the Minneapolis Lakers with George Mikan, to the "Showtime" era of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the modern dynasties led by Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Their most recent title came in the "bubble" season of 2020, temporarily tying them with the Celtics before Boston's 2024 victory. The Lakers have faced the Celtics numerous times in the Finals, fueling one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
Their championship years include: 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020.
The best of the rest:
While the Celtics and Lakers stand head and shoulders above the rest, several other franchises have carved out their own championship legacies:
Golden State Warriors (7 Titles): The Warriors have experienced a modern-day dynasty, winning four championships in eight years with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Their titles span: 1947, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022.
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Chicago Bulls (6 Titles): The 1990s belonged to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Led by arguably the greatest player of all time, the Bulls achieved two "three-peats" in that decade: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998.
San Antonio Spurs (5 Titles): Under the guidance of Coach Gregg Popovich and the consistent excellence of Tim Duncan, the Spurs built a quiet dynasty known for fundamental basketball and consistent winning: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014.
Miami Heat (3 Titles): The Heat have been a powerhouse in the 21st century, securing championships with Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, and later the "Big Three" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh: 2006, 2012, 2013.
Detroit Pistons (3 Titles): Known for their rugged "Bad Boys" era in the late 80s and early 90s, the Pistons also claimed a surprise title in the 2000s with their tenacious defense: 1989, 1990, 2004.
Philadelphia 76ers (3 Titles): Spanning different eras and locations (Syracuse Nationals), the 76ers have three championships to their name: 1955, 1967, 1983.
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Other NBA champions
Several other teams have tasted championship glory, securing two or one NBA titles:
2 Championships:
- Milwaukee Bucks (1971, 2021)
- Houston Rockets (1994, 1995)
- New York Knicks (1970, 1973)
1 Championship:
- Denver Nuggets (2023)
- Toronto Raptors (2019)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2016)
- Dallas Mavericks (2011)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (as the Seattle SuperSonics) (1979)
- Washington Wizards (as the Washington Bullets, 1978)
- Portland Trail Blazers (1977)
- Atlanta Hawks (as the St. Louis Hawks, 1958)
- Sacramento Kings (as the Rochester Royals, 1951)
- Baltimore Bullets (1948)
The landscape of NBA champions is a testament to the league's rich history, featuring legendary players, iconic rivalries, and unforgettable moments that continue to define basketball greatness.
