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NBA Finals

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(Photo; Getty Images)

The NBA Finals series is culmination of the NBA season. It is the equivalent of a grand final series that decides the winner of the NBA season, played over seven games.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the reigning NBA champions, after they defeated the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 finals.

» Learn how you can watch every NBA game this season with our Australian NBA live streaming and TV guide

The regular season traditionally ends in mid-April, with the playoffs starting just days later. The NBA Finals, following the playoffs, traditionally commence in June.

To qualify for the NBA Finals, teams must finish in the top eight places of their respective conference, and win their way through conference quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals to become conference champions.

To date, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have the most NBA titles with 17 each. The Chicago Bulls are equal-third, but have the distinction of having never lost an NBA finals series – being the only team to do so while having played more than one series.

Recent NBA champions
Year Champions Runners-up
2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks Phoenix Suns
2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers Miami Heat
2018-19 Toronto Raptors Golden State Warriors
2017-18 Golden State Warriors Cleveland Cavaliers
2016-17 Golden State Warriors Cleveland Cavaliers
2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers Golden State Warriors
2014-15 Golden State Warriors Cleveland Cavaliers
2013-14 San Antonio Spurs Miami Heat
2012-13 Miami Heat San Antonio Spurs
2011-12 Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder

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