We are finally to the NBA Finals and fans worldwide eagerly await the drama and adrenaline that unfolds at the highest level of professional basketball. Fans across the divide have already picked sides and are all rooting for their team to be crowned champions of 2024 after the fourth or fifth game. Throughout history, the NBA Finals have consistently delivered high-stakes mouth-watering action to the fans with breathtaking sports entertainment, and memorable moments over the years.
Today as we wait for the first final game of the 2024 NBA Finals to be played on June 6 at 8:30 ET, let us take the time and recap what the last decade has delivered in a climax of the NBA Finals. From 2014 to 2023, basketball enthusiasts have witnessed an inflection point as the NBA so the emergence of new superstars on the block and franchises that fought hard to be crowned champions.
Below is a journey bringing back memories of what the last ten NBA Finals delivered, a true sporting masterpiece.
The Last Ten NBA Finals
2014 – San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
The San Antonio Spurs ripped open the hearts of Miaimi Heat fans to win their fifth NBA championship with a resounding 4-1 series victory. The MVP was rightly won by Kawhi Leonard who dominated the series accumulating an average of 23.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Leonard managed all this while at the same time having Lebron James in a chokehold, suffocating all his gameplays.
Game 1 – Heat 95 -Spurs 110
Game 2 – Heat 98 -Spurs 96
Game 3 – Spurs 111 – Heat 92
Game 4 – Spurs 107 – Heat 86
Game 5 – Heat 87 – Spurs 104
2015 – Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This was the beginning of an NBA dynasty for the Golden State Warriors as they thrashed the Cavaliers 4-2 in a six-game series winning their first championship in 40 years. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with his majestic three-pointers garnering a total of 25 three-pointers. Andre Iguodala who won the MVP, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green showed what they are made of as they hooped past Lebron James who was in his second consecutive final. This would go on to be the first of many Golden State Warriors Finals in the NBA.
Game 1 – Cavaliers 100 – Warriors 108
Game 2 -Cavaliers 95 – Warriors 93
Game 3 – Warriors 91-Cavaliers 96
Game 4 – Warriors 103 – Cavaliers 82
Game 5 – Cavalier 91 – Warriors 104
Game 4 – Warriors 105 – Cavaliers 97
2016 – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
LeBron James was out for revenge and his third consecutive final. This time around, he had all the charms and luck as they overcame a 3-1 deficit to stun the Warriors in a historic comeback. The Cavaliers, led by their star player, won their first-ever NBA championship. The most memorable moments that live rent-free were James’ iconic block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer in Game 7 that cemented their legacy as NBA champions.
Game 1 – Cavaliers 89 -Warriors 104
Game 2 – Cavaliers 77 -Warriors 110
Game 3 -Warriors 90 – Cavaliers 120
Game 4 – Warriors 108 – Cavaliers 97
Game 5 – Cavaliers 112 -Warriors 97
Game 6 – Warriors 101 – Cavaliers 115
Game 7 – Cavaliers 93 -Warriors 89
2017 – Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This time round it was the Golden State Warriors who were out seeking revenge. With the addition of Kevin Durant to their super team they managed to beat the Cavaliers winning their second Championsfinalship in three years, while on their third consecutive final. Their new addition Durant won the MVP deservedly for a stellar performance.
Game 1 – Cavaliers 91-Warriors 113
Game 2 – Cavaliers 113 – Warriors 132
Game 3 Warriors 118 – Cavaliers 113
Game 4 – Warriors 116 – Cavaliers 137
Game 5 – Cavaliers 120 – Warriors 129
2018 – Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Yet again, this year’s finals saw the Warriors and Cavaliers meet again for the fourth consecutive year. Without losing any game in the series the Warriors won their third championship in four years, Despite LeBron James’ heroic efforts.
Game 1 – Cavaliers 114 – Warriors 124
Game 2 – Cavaliers 103 – Warriors 122
Game 3 – Warriors 110 – Cavaliers 102
Game 4 – Warriors 108 – Cavaliers 85
2019 – Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors
It was another historic moment in NBA history and Canadian basketball as the Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, made their first NBA Finals appearance. They dethroned the Warriors in a six-game series, winning 4 and losing 2 winning their maiden championship and denying Golden State a three-peat.
Game 1 – Warriors 109 – Raptors 118
Game 2 – Warriors 109 – Raptors 104
Game 3 – Raptors 123 – Warriors 109
Game 4 – Raptors 105 – Warriors 92
Game 5 – Warriors 106 – Raptors 105
Game 6 – Raptors 114 – Warriors 110
2020 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
This time around, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were representing the Lakers, who faced off against a resilient Miami Heat team in the NBA bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lakers emerged victorious after six games, securing their 17th championship, and tying the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. LeBron won the MVP
Game 1 – Heat 98 – Lakers 116
Game 2 – Heat 114 – Lakers 124
Game 3 – Lakers 104 – Heat 115
Game 4 – Lakers 102 – Heat 96
Game 5 – Heat 111 – Lakers 108
Game 6 – Lakers 106 – Heat 93
2021 – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns
The NBA Finals of 2021 saw newcomers, in a clash of first-time Finals opponents, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, battled the Phoenix Suns, led by veteran point guard Chris Paul. The Bucks rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win the series in six games, marking their first championship in 50 years.
Game 1 – Bucks 105 – Suns 118
Game 2 – Bucks 108 – Suns 118
Game 3 – Suns 100 -Bucks 120
Game 4 Suns 103 – Bucks 109
Game 5 – Bucks 123 – Suns 119
Game 6 -Suns 98 – Bucks 105
2022 – Golden State Warriors Vs. Bolton Celtics
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors were back at the finals after a two-year absence. Curry won the MVP and lifted his fourth championship. The Warriors won 4-2 in this series.
Game 1 – Celtic 120 – Warriors 108
Game 2 -Celtic 88 – Warriors 107
Game 3 Warriors 100 – Celtic 116
Game 4 – Warriors 107 – Celtic 97
Game 5 Celtic 94 – Warriors 104
Game 6 -Warriors 103 – Celtic 90
2023 – Denver Nuggets Vs. Miami Heat
Last year saw the Nuggets take home their first-ever NBA championship led by Nikola Jokis who also took home the Finals MVP. The five-game series ended in a 4-1 win for the Nuggets who were jubilant in taking home the trophy.
Game 1 – Heat 93 – Nuggets 104
Game 2 Heat 111 – Nuggets 108
Game 3 – Nuggets 109 – Heats 94
Game 4 – Nuggets 108 – Heats 95
Game 5 – Heat 89 – Nuggets 94.
As we reflect on the last decade of NBA Finals fans are relishing ahead at this year’s NBA Final, it’s evident that the league has seen its fair share of memorable moments, dominant teams, and remarkable outlier individual performances. From the Spurs’ precision to the Warriors’ dynasty, from LeBron James’ heroics to Giannis Anteokoumpo’s dominance, each Finals series has added its mark to NBA history, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the upcoming finals have in store. I am willing to bet my life savings on the Bolton Celtics taking this one home. What are your predictions?
