Who Were the NBA Champions Last 10 Years? Complete Timeline & Winners Revealed

Looking back at the last decade of NBA basketball, I’ve got to say—it’s been a wild ride. As someone who’s followed the league closely, both as a fan and professionally, I’ve seen dynasties rise, superstars evolve, and unforgettable moments unfold. If you’re like me, you probably remember exactly where you were during some of these iconic Finals. So let’s dive into the last ten years of NBA champions—who won, how they did it, and what made each team special. I’ll share my perspective along the way, because let’s be honest, basketball isn’t just about stats—it’s about emotion, legacy, and a little bit of drama.

Starting with the 2013-2014 season, the San Antonio Spurs captured the title in what I consider one of the most beautifully executed team performances in modern basketball. They dismantled the Miami Heat in five games, with Kawhi Leonard, just 22 at the time, earning Finals MVP. That Spurs squad was a masterclass in unselfish play—Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili were still brilliant, but it was their system that felt almost untouchable. I remember thinking, "This is how basketball should be played." Fast forward to 2015, and the Golden State Warriors burst onto the scene, led by Stephen Curry’s revolutionary shooting. They beat LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in six games, and honestly, it felt like the game changed overnight. The "Splash Brothers" era had officially arrived, and as a fan of offensive creativity, I was totally hooked.

The following year, in 2016, LeBron and the Cavs pulled off what I still believe is the greatest comeback in NBA history. Down 3-1 against a Warriors team that had just posted a historic 73-win regular season, Cleveland fought back to win Game 7 on the road. LeBron’s block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer are moments I’ll never forget—it was raw, emotional, and a testament to resilience. But Golden State wasn’t done. They added Kevin Durant, and wow, did that shift the balance. The Warriors won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, and I’ll admit, as dominant as they were, part of me missed the uncertainty of not knowing who’d come out on top. Their 2017 team, in particular, was a juggernaut—they went 16-1 in the playoffs, which is just absurd.

In 2019, the Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard’s iconic playoff run, claimed their first championship. That "Shot" against Philadelphia in the second round? Chills. Beating the Warriors, who were dealing with injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, was a storybook ending for the Raptors and a proud moment for fans outside the U.S. I remember talking to friends about how Kawhi’s quiet dominance reminded us of the old-school greats. Then came the pandemic-interrupted 2020 season, which ended with the Los Angeles Lakers winning it all in the Orlando bubble. LeBron and Anthony Davis were phenomenal, and as weird as it felt watching games without fans, that title meant so much—for Kobe’s legacy, for LeBron’s fourth ring, and for a city grieving amid turmoil.

The Milwaukee Bucks broke through in 2021, with Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering a 50-point closeout game against the Phoenix Suns. Seeing Giannis, a player I’ve admired for his work ethic, dominate like that was incredibly satisfying. Then, in 2022, the Warriors returned to the top, beating the Boston Celtics in six games. Steph finally grabbing that Finals MVP felt like a long-time coming—he put the team on his back when it mattered most. Last season, in 2023, the Denver Nuggets secured their first championship behind Nikola Jokić’s historic playoff run. As a fan of skilled big men, I loved watching Jokić redefine the center position with his passing and IQ.

Reflecting on this decade, it’s clear we’ve witnessed eras defined by superteams, individual brilliance, and unforgettable narratives. From the Spurs’ fundamentals to the Warriors’ revolution and LeBron’s enduring greatness, each champion brought something unique to the table. Personally, I lean toward teams that blend star power with chemistry—like the 2014 Spurs or the 2023 Nuggets—but I’ll always have a soft spot for underdog stories too. Whatever your preference, one thing’s for sure: the NBA’s last ten years have given us plenty to talk about, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade holds.