The NBA Finals have an extensive legacy, marked by unforgettable moments in time. Here in this article, we will let you know about the NBA Champions by year from 1947 to 2023. Over the years, the league has been ruled by powerhouse franchises such as Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, and newer contenders like Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.
The NBA Finals is the much-awaited championship series of the National Basketball Association held at the end of its postseason, where Eastern and Western Conference winners vie for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in a best-of-seven format. Originally contested between the winners of the Eastern and Western Divisions, changes were introduced in 1950 when the winner between the Western and Central Division champions made an appearance. From 1946 through 1949, a three-stage tournament was held under the name of the Basketball Association of America, where the finals featured two semifinal winners.
This season in NBA 2023 Finals, the Miami Heat came up short against the Denver Nuggets who won their first ring in franchise history.
NBA Champions by Year (1950-2023)
Let’s take a look back at the complete list of NBA Finals winners.
Before Year 1950 NBA was known as Basketball Association of America (BAA)
| 1949 | Minneapolis Lakers | Washington Capitols |
| 1948 | Baltimore Bullets | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1947 | Chicago Stags | Philadelphia Warriors |
Few FAQs
Which teams have never won an NBA Title in History?
Out of the 30 active teams in the NBA, 10 have never won the NBA Title. They are the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
Which teams have never made it to the NBA Finals?
Of the 30 NBA teams, 5 have yet to make it to the Finals: The Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans.
How many teams have won the NBA Title multiple times?
Throughout the history of the NBA, only 11 teams have claimed the championship title at least once. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are in a league of their own with 17 and 16 championship victories, respectively. The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls come in third with six wins each, while the San Antonio Spurs come in fifth place with five victories. The Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat are together with three titles each. The New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets have each clinched two championship victories.
Who won the 2023 NBA Finals?
In the NBA Finals of 2023, the Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Miami Heat, claiming their well-deserved title as champions of the league.