The NBA Teams With The Most Championships

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a league rich in history and tradition, with each franchise striving for the ultimate glory of winning a championship. From the early days of the league to the modern era, numerous teams have etched their names into the annals of basketball history by capturing the coveted NBA title.

Watch the NBA on Fubo: Start your trial today!

Winning an NBA championship is no small feat; it requires a combination of talent, teamwork, and resilience. The dynasties of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, with their storied rivalries and numerous titles, set the benchmark for excellence. Other franchises, such as the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, have also enjoyed periods of dominance, thanks to the contributions of legendary players. Meanwhile, teams like the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers have experienced the joy of winning their first championships in recent years, showcasing the competitive balance and unpredictability that makes the NBA so captivating.

Boston Celtics

• Total Championships: 18
• Years Won: 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008, 2024
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Bill Russell led the Celtics to 11 championships.
  • Larry Bird was instrumental in the 1980s, winning three titles.
  • Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen formed the “Big Three” in 2008.
  • Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown played pivotal roles in the 2024 championship.

Los Angeles Lakers

• Total Championships: 17
• Years Won: 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were key in the 1980s.
  • Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the team to three consecutive titles from 2000-2002.
  • LeBron James and Anthony Davis were crucial in the 2020 championship.

Golden State Warriors

• Total Championships: 7
• Years Won: 1947, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Rick Barry led the team to the 1975 championship.
  • The “Splash Brothers” (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson) and Kevin Durant were key in the recent titles.

Chicago Bulls

• Total Championships: 6
• Years Won: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen led the team to two three-peats in the 1990s.

San Antonio Spurs

• Total Championships: 5
• Years Won: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were central to the Spurs’ success.

Miami Heat

• Total Championships: 3
• Years Won: 2006, 2012, 2013
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Dwyane Wade was a key player in all three championships.
  • The “Big Three” era with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade led to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

Detroit Pistons

• Total Championships: 3
• Years Won: 1989, 1990, 2004
• Key Players/Moments:
  • The “Bad Boys” era with Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in the late 1980s.
  • The 2004 team led by Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Total Championships: 3
• Years Won: 1955, 1967, 1983
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Wilt Chamberlain led the 1967 team.
  • Julius Erving and Moses Malone were key in the 1983 championship.

Milwaukee Bucks

• Total Championships: 2
• Years Won: 1971, 2021
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson in 1971.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in 2021.

Houston Rockets

• Total Championships: 2
• Years Won: 1994, 1995
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Hakeem Olajuwon was central to both championships.

New York Knicks

• Total Championships: 2
• Years Won: 1970, 1973
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Willis Reed and Walt Frazier were key players in both championships.

Dallas Mavericks

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 2011
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks to their first title.

Toronto Raptors

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 2019
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Kawhi Leonard was the Finals MVP in their championship run.

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 2016
• Key Players/Moments:
  • LeBron James led the Cavaliers to their first title, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

Denver Nuggets

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 2023
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Nikola Jokić was instrumental in their championship run.

Portland Trail Blazers

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 1977
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Bill Walton led the team to their first and only title.

Washington Wizards

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 1978
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Wes Unseld was a key player in their championship run.

Atlanta Hawks

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 1958
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Bob Pettit led the Hawks to their only title.

Sacramento Kings

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 1951 (as Rochester Royals)
• Key Players/Moments:
  • The team was led by Arnie Risen and Bob Davies.

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Total Championships: 1
• Year Won: 1979 (as Seattle SuperSonics)
• Key Players/Moments:
  • Dennis Johnson and Jack Sikma were key players.

Teams Without Championships

• Brooklyn Nets
• Charlotte Hornets
• Indiana Pacers
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New Orleans Pelicans
• Orlando Magic
• Phoenix Suns
• Utah Jazz

Stream the NBA on Fubo: Start your trial today!