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 Golden State Warriors are the reigning NBA champions, after they defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 finals.
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 |
2021-22 | Golden State Warriors | Boston Celtics |
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 |