Ranking the 25 Greatest NBA Champions of the 21st Century

As the 21st century passes its quarter mark, we`ve extensively covered NBA rankings from various angles—highlighting top players, iconic moments, key trades, draft selections, free agent deals, and hypothetical scenarios. The next step is to evaluate and rank the 25 most recent NBA champions.

This particular ranking focuses not on the difficulty of their journey or the overall season performance, but purely on identifying the best championship-winning teams, ordered by their perceived greatness.

While inherently subjective, our staff has strived to analyze these teams using a consistent framework. Disagreements are expected, but this represents our collective assessment.

1. Golden State Warriors (2017)

• Regular-season record: 67-15
• Playoff record: 16-1
• Finals opponent: Cavaliers (4-1)

Widely regarded as arguably the most talented roster in NBA history, this team`s dominance is difficult to dispute. Featuring a core of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, with Andre Iguodala providing elite contributions off the bench, this squad boasted an incredible blend of individual skill and exceptional team cohesion.

Kevin Durant`s addition to this already formidable team sparked widespread controversy due to its perceived unfairness. The Warriors` playoff run was nearly flawless, achieving 15 consecutive victories and an astounding +13.5 point differential. They made a star-studded Cavaliers team, featuring LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love—a trio arguably superior to any top three Michael Jordan encountered in the Finals—appear outmatched. This team is not only considered the greatest of the 21st century but possibly the greatest in NBA history.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (2001)

• Regular-season record: 56-26
• Playoff record: 15-1
• Finals opponent: 76ers (4-1)

The central championship in the Kobe-and-Shaq three-peat era showcased absolute domination. The Lakers suffered only a single loss during this entire playoff run, that being to the Sixers in Game 1 of the Finals, a moment famously remembered for Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue. What many might overlook is that Los Angeles proceeded to win the next four games by a margin of 40 points.

It`s worth noting that this Lakers team wasn`t exceptionally deep; Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, and a late-career Horace Grant filled the remaining starting spots. The 76ers squad they faced in the Finals was arguably the weakest championship opponent of the century. Their Western Conference Finals victory came against a Spurs team (beaten by an average of 22 points) that predated the rise of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, with Terry Porter and Derek Anderson as starters and David Robinson nearing the end of his career. Nevertheless, the Lakers could only play the teams in front of them, and they unequivocally crushed every opponent.

3. Golden State Warriors (2018)

• Regular-season record: 58-24
• Playoff record: 16-5
• Finals opponent: Cavaliers (4-0)

Perhaps some weariness had set in for the Warriors, who were making their fourth consecutive Finals appearance, and the second year of the Durant partnership might have shown early signs of strain. Andre Iguodala, in his 14th season, also wasn`t quite the same influential player.

However, these are minor details in the context of their overall greatness. We are discussing a team that ranked first in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Both Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry averaged over 26 points per game and delivered exceptional performances in the Finals, where the Warriors swept a still-talented Cavaliers team.

A notable aspect of this playoff run was how close it came to ending in the Western Conference Finals, where the Houston Rockets genuinely challenged Golden State with their switching defense. Houston led that series 3-2, and had Chris Paul not missed the final two games, or had Houston not famously missed 27 consecutive three-pointers in Game 7, there`s a strong possibility Golden State would have failed to reach the Finals. Nevertheless, that outcome didn`t materialize, and being pushed to the limit by a formidable opponent like Houston should not diminish these Warriors` accomplishments any more than it does the 2002 Lakers, who barely survived their series against the Kings.

4. San Antonio Spurs (2014)

• Regular-season record: 62-20
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Heat (4-1)

This team achieved greatness without individual accolades: no award winners, only Tony Parker made the All-Star Game, and no player averaged even 17 points per game. Yet, this particular Spurs championship is almost universally revered and remembered by fans. They reached a state of basketball perfection, concluding the LeBron James era in Miami with some of the most fluid and beautiful team play ever witnessed in the NBA.

Consider this astonishing statistic: in their four-game Finals rout of the Heat, the Spurs averaged 100 more passes per game. Their 52.8% field goal percentage remains an NBA Finals record. While their first four championships were often perceived as “boring” by casual viewers, the fifth was anything but. It embodied everything ideal about basketball. Though perhaps not as individually talented as some other champions, they achieved unparalleled levels of cohesion, strategic clarity, and creative execution unmatched since.

5. Golden State Warriors (2015)

• Regular-season record: 67-15
• Playoff record: 16-5
• Finals opponent: Cavaliers (4-2)

For those seeking an example of the transformative power of NBA coaching, look no further than the 2014-15 Warriors. With Shaun Livingston as their only significant roster addition, Steve Kerr inherited a 51-win team from Mark Jackson that had just suffered a first-round playoff exit. Kerr then guided them to a 67-win NBA championship the very next season.

At the time of this inaugural Warriors championship, many basketball traditionalists were hesitant to recognize Stephen Curry as a genuine superstar, and by extension, the Warriors as legitimate champions. They attempted to discredit this title by highlighting the numerous injuries Golden State`s playoff opponents faced, particularly Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love`s absences for the Cavaliers in the Finals.

Ultimately, these Warriors were the league`s dominant force from start to finish, ranking first in offense, defense, net rating, field-goal percentage, true-shooting percentage, effective field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and assists per game. They boasted arguably the world`s best offensive player in Curry and the top defensive player in Draymond Green, along with two of history`s greatest shooters. Andre Iguodala, a versatile “Swiss-Army knife” player, earned Finals MVP, complemented by an elite rim protector in Andrew Bogut.

This team truly had it all, a fact further evidenced by their historic 73-win season the following year with largely the same roster. Had that 2016 team not famously squandered a 3-1 lead to Cleveland, these Warriors would already be discussed as the greatest team in NBA history, even before Kevin Durant joined.

6. Boston Celtics (2008)

• Regular-season record: 66-16
• Playoff record: 16-10
• Finals opponent: Lakers (4-2)

An incredible statistic: during the 2007-08 regular season, when Kevin Garnett was on the court, the Celtics outscored opponents by an astonishing 16 points per 100 possessions. This level of dominance is almost unheard of, surpassing even the most dominant minutes of LeBron James` or Nikola Jokić`s teams.

In his debut season with Boston, Garnett rightfully earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. Less frequently celebrated, however, was his pivotal role in orchestrating the offense. While he led the Celtics in scoring, usage, and shot attempts, he didn`t demand the ball as he did in Minnesota, allowing Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to shine as the stars they were.

The “Big Three” immediately displayed chemistry as if they had been playing together for years. It quickly became apparent that the Celtics also possessed a championship-caliber supporting cast, featuring a second-year starting point guard (Rajon Rondo), a 24-year-old starting center (Kendrick Perkins), and a consistent wing off the bench (James Posey). Rarely does an NBA team emerge so clearly as the top contender from the very beginning to the triumphant end.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (2002)

• Regular-season record: 58-24
• Playoff record: 15-4
• Finals opponent: Nets (4-0)

This team earns significant credit for achieving a third consecutive championship, a feat rarely accomplished in NBA history, especially in the modern era. Despite the immense pressure of defending two titles and the accumulated wear on their bodies and minds, the Lakers still managed 58 regular-season wins and seven victories in their first eight playoff games.

Then came the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Finals, a series that stands as one of the most thrilling and contentious of the modern era. The Lakers required seven arduous games to prevail, which is not a criticism, as the Kings were one of the finest teams never to win a championship, much like the 2007 Suns.

Many observers, of course, contend that both the 2007 Suns (affected by the Amar`e Stoudemire suspension) and the 2002 Kings were unfairly disadvantaged. The Lakers needed a fortunate buzzer-beater from Robert Horry to avoid falling behind 3-1, then benefited from a controversially high number of “friendly” free throws (27) in the fourth quarter of Game 6 to prevent elimination. Finally, in Game 7, they needed the Kings to miss 14 free throws and 18 of 20 three-pointers to secure an overtime victory.

A multitude of factors had to align in Los Angeles`s favor, but ultimately they did, allowing them to complete their third straight title run by sweeping the Nets in the Finals, with three of the four games decided by six points or less. It was a challenging path, but three-peats are never meant to be easy.

8. Miami Heat (2013)

• Regular-season record: 66-16
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Spurs (4-3)

The 66 regular-season wins represented the highest total during Miami`s “Big Three” era, yet this championship was secured by the narrowest of margins. They failed to win consecutive games against Indiana in the conference finals, needing seven games to overcome a young Paul George and his team. Furthermore, everyone remembers Ray Allen`s miraculous corner-three in the Finals, which saved the Heat from elimination with mere seconds remaining.

However, requiring seven games to defeat an opponent doesn`t necessarily detract from the eventual victor`s dominance. That Pacers team was very strong, and the Spurs were truly exceptional. Ray Allen`s addition to the roster was a significant boost, and this season marked LeBron James` fourth and final MVP campaign. From top to bottom, this was likely the most talented roster of the Heat`s Big Three era.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (2016)

• Regular-season record: 57-25
• Playoff record: 16-5
• Finals opponent: Warriors (4-3)

The only team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to win the championship, this Cavaliers squad was undeniably loaded. It featured peak LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, with Kevin Love perfectly integrated as a floor-spacing big man, shooting over 41% from beyond the arc on more than five attempts per game in the playoffs.

Possessing excellent shooting, depth, and rebounding, the team boasted an elite offense and a top-10 defense. While the 73-win Warriors were likely a slightly superior team overall, the gap was minimal. Cleveland enjoyed a considerably easier path to the Finals, but when discussing the collective superiority of the Western Conference, Cleveland itself was a stacked team. When LeBron and Kyrie elevated their play in Game 5, they reached a level no Golden State player could match.

Ultimately, this stands as one of the NBA`s most iconic championships, certainly representing the pinnacle of both LeBron`s and Kyrie`s careers. Between LeBron`s legendary block, Kyrie`s clutch shot, and Draymond Green`s suspension, the narrative was incredibly dramatic, culminating in the end of Cleveland`s 52-year sports curse.

10. Boston Celtics (2024)

• Regular-season record: 64-18
• Playoff record: 16-3
• Finals opponent: Mavericks (4-1)

One could easily argue for these Celtics as one of the most dominant teams ever based on numerous metrics. They redefined modern shooting by setting an NBA record with 1,457 regular-season three-pointers. Their 14-game lead over the East`s second-place team was the largest margin between first and second in the Eastern Conference during the play-by-play era.

Boston also achieved the highest points per possession and offensive rating marks in league history. They held a 20-point lead in an astonishing 41 of their 82 regular-season games. They recorded 19 wins by at least 25 points, an NBA record, and three victories by 50 or more points, also a league record. Furthermore, they started the season with 20 consecutive home wins and lost only four times all season in Boston.

This dominance extended into the postseason, where they lost just three games and secured three victories by at least 20 points against the Mavericks in the Finals. Did these Celtics benefit from injured opposing superstars in nearly every round leading up to the Finals? Yes. However, that`s a superficial argument against what was a truly exceptional team capable of dominating opponents on both ends of the court.

11. San Antonio Spurs (2007)

• Regular-season record: 58-24
• Playoff record: 16-4
• Finals opponent: Cavaliers (4-0)

Ranked second in defense and 27th in pace, this is precisely the quintessential mid-2000s Spurs championship team one might envision. By this point, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were established All-Stars. Bruce Bowen consistently made All-Defensive Teams, and Tim Duncan remained in his prime. As was often the case throughout the 21st century, the Eastern Conference presented an uninspiring Finals opponent. LeBron James and his supporting cast offered minimal resistance in a four-game San Antonio sweep, solidifying the Spurs` dynasty status with their third championship in five years (and fourth since their run began in 1999).

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (2025)

• Regular-season record: 68-14
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Pacers (4-3)

Oklahoma City had one of the most dominant regular seasons in history, achieving an NBA record +12.9 point differential. This was accomplished through 63 wins by at least 10 points (an NBA record), 40 wins by at least 15 points (an NBA record), and 12 wins by at least 30 points (an NBA record).

Including their 16 playoff victories, OKC`s total of 84 wins ranks second all-time among NBA champions, surpassed only by the 87 amassed by the 1996-97 Bulls. Their defense was historically potent, as evidenced by the following statistics:

• 18: OKC`s postseason turnovers created per game, the most since the 1996 Bulls (minimum 15 games)
• 16.4: OKC`s postseason steals + blocks per game, the most since the 1983 Lakers (minimum 15 games)
• 1,689: OKC`s total steals + blocks for regular and postseason combined, the most since the 1981-82 76ers (1,813)
• 10.7: OKC`s postseason steals per game, the most since the 1975 Warriors (minimum 15 games)
• 247: OKC`s total postseason steals, an NBA record
• 1,094: OKC`s total steals for regular and postseason combined, fifth most all-time
• 131: OKC`s total postseason turnover margin, an NBA record
• 62: OKC`s number of games (regular and postseason) with at least 10 steals, seventh most all-time
• 468: OKC`s total postseason deflections, 100 more than any team over the last decade
• 2.5: The Thunder defense finished 2.5 points per 100 possessions better than the next-best defense (Orlando was 109.1). That is the second-biggest gap over the last 25 seasons. Only the 2015-16 Spurs were better with their 98.2 defensive rating registering 2.6 points/100 possessions better than the 100.8 Atlanta Hawks.

Combining this caliber of defense with an MVP-level offensive star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is akin to pairing the 2000 Ravens with prime Aaron Rodgers. Despite these impressive numbers, the Thunder weren`t consistently dominant enough during their postseason run to be considered among the all-time greatest teams as their regular season statistics suggested. They needed seven games twice and might not even be on this list had Tyrese Haliburton not ruptured his Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals, where Indiana appeared poised to push OKC to their absolute limit. Ultimately, the Thunder`s ceiling wasn`t quite as high as initially projected, but their floor was potentially one of the highest in history. Even this team`s worst performance often surpassed many other teams` best.

13. Toronto Raptors (2019)

• Regular-season record: 58-24
• Playoff record: 16-8
• Finals opponent: Warriors (4-2)

A genuine one-hit wonder, the Raptors had been a consistently good team for many years but never true contenders, often thwarted by LeBron James and lacking a definitive superstar until Kawhi Leonard arrived. This was not an all-time great team, but it was, without question, a truly excellent one.

Would they have won if Kevin Durant hadn`t torn his calf earlier in the playoffs, causing him to miss the first four games of the Finals, only to rupture his Achilles early in Game 5? Probably not, but it`s speculative. Did they advance past the 76ers in the second round due to a wildly fortunate game-winning shot that could have bounced in several different directions? Absolutely.

Nevertheless, these Raptors were exceptionally deep. Beyond Leonard, who arguably performed at a higher peak level than anything Kobe Bryant ever showcased in a postseason, the roster featured Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet, and Danny Green—all in their prime or near-prime, playing at least 20 minutes per game in the playoffs, with Norman Powell adding 15 minutes. They were an elite defensive unit that applied intense and innovative pressure. It`s a misconception to portray this team as a one-man show by Leonard; these Raptors were profoundly talented.

14. Los Angeles Lakers (2009)

• Regular-season record: 65-17
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Magic (4-1)

This marked Pau Gasol`s first full season with the Lakers after the trade from Memphis, a move so impactful that Gregg Popovich controversially called for a league investigation. Gasol, a supremely skilled seven-footer perfectly suited for the Triangle offense, joined a team that had already reached the Finals the previous year and featured Andrew Bynum, creating a formidable twin-tower lineup alongside Kobe Bryant.

This combination led to two consecutive titles, but this 2009 team, despite its 65 regular-season wins, didn`t face the same caliber of competition as the 2010 championship squad. These Lakers needed seven games to overcome a Rockets team that had Yao Ming for only three games and started Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, and Chuck Hayes. Furthermore, Orlando, while a very good team and ahead of its time with its spaced-out offense centered around Dwight Howard, wasn`t exactly a juggernaut Finals opponent.

Any team led by a prime Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol is a force, as their 65 wins attest. However, when comparing the 2009 Lakers to the 2010 Lakers, I personally favor the latter because winning a second consecutive title is always harder than the first, and it came against a tougher opponent in the Celtics. My colleagues, however, hold a different view.

15. San Antonio Spurs (2003)

• Regular-season record: 60-22
• Playoff record: 16-8
• Finals opponent: Nets (4-2)

By this point, David Robinson was a shadow of his former self, and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili had not yet fully blossomed into their star forms. This Spurs team clinched a championship precisely in the midst of a generational transition. How did they achieve this? It was through the absolute zenith of Tim Duncan`s powers.

Duncan followed his regular-season MVP award with a dominant postseason, averaging approximately 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks per game. His performance culminated in a near quadruple-double in the championship-clinching Game 6 against the Nets. While this might not have been San Antonio`s greatest team ever, it undoubtedly represented the finest individual season any Spur has ever had.

16. Miami Heat (2012)

• Regular-season record: 46-20
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Thunder (4-1)

LeBron James` first championship arrived a year later than many anticipated, and the path was considerably more challenging than the 4-1 victory over the young Thunder in the Finals might suggest. The Thunder won the opening game of that series, and Kevin Durant narrowly missed a shot to tie Game 2 with less than 10 seconds remaining. In fact, Games 2, 3, and 4 were all decided by three points or less with under 20 seconds left on the clock.

This observation is not a slight against the Heat, but rather highlights that they never quite achieved the overwhelming dominance everyone expected when LeBron famously declared his “not three, not four, not five…” championship aspirations. The Heat lost to Dallas in 2011, were either defeated or pushed to the brink in four of the five Finals games against OKC in 2012, were rescued by Ray Allen`s miracle shot in 2013, and were convincingly beaten by San Antonio in five games in 2014. It is a realistic scenario that the Heat could have failed to win a single championship during the LeBron era.

17. Los Angeles Lakers (2010)

• Regular-season record: 57-25
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Celtics (4-3)

Kobe Bryant secured his second consecutive Finals MVP award despite shooting a mere 6-for-24 in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. This statistic serves as a fitting metaphor for their entire championship run: compared to the Lakers` previous season, where they won 65 regular-season games and defeated the Magic in five games in the NBA Finals, this was a much more arduous grind.

Pau Gasol`s hamstring issues began in the preseason, and Andrew Bynum tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee during the first round of the playoffs (yet continued to play). Metta World Peace (then known as Ron Artest) hit a monumental three-pointer in Game 7 and subsequently delivered one of the most memorable press conferences in NBA history, effectively overshadowing his season-long offensive struggles.

The Lakers` successful defense of their 2009 title is a testament to their collective defense and rebounding prowess. It also, naturally, speaks to the myriad challenges that Bryant, Gasol, and Lamar Odom consistently posed for opponents throughout their time playing together.

18. Detroit Pistons (2004)

• Regular-season record: 54-28
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Lakers (4-1)

These Pistons are sometimes celebrated more for what they notably lacked. They didn`t feature a traditional “superstar”—no player averaged 18 or more points per game, and none ever made an All-NBA First Team. They remarkably won the title despite finishing 19th in the league in offensive efficiency, having just drafted Darko Miličić (over future stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade), and with their sole All-Star being an undersized, undrafted center who rarely shot jumpers and still only made 42% of his field goals. This narrative creates a neat contrast to their Finals opponent, a Lakers team led by Shaquille O`Neal and Kobe Bryant, augmented by Karl Malone and Gary Payton the previous summer.

However, this framing often undervalues Detroit`s immense talent. The 29-year-old Rasheed Wallace, acquired by the Pistons at the trade deadline, was significantly more effective than Malone and Payton were at that stage of their careers. Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton were just solidifying their reputations as a premier backcourt. Tayshaun Prince was on the verge of joining Ben Wallace as a perennial All-Defensive team member. A couple of years later, four Pistons participated in the All-Star Game together, and Hamilton contended it should have been five. In that era, a championship didn`t necessarily require a visually appealing style of play, but it absolutely demanded being one of the best defensive teams in the history of the sport.

19. Dallas Mavericks (2011)

• Regular-season record: 57-25
• Playoff record: 16-5
• Finals opponent: Heat (4-2)

In hindsight, the Mavericks` construction made perfect sense: they surrounded Dirk Nowitzki with top-tier rim protection, dependable wing defenders, and playmakers who perfectly complemented his unique style. At the time, however, Dallas`s title run was a complete surprise. Despite winning 31 of their final 42 regular-season games (including an 18-1 stretch over six weeks), they were widely considered more likely to lose to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs than to go all the way.

After a superhuman performance by Portland`s Brandon Roy in Game 4, that series was tied 2-2. Dallas then secured Games 5 and 6 against the Blazers, swept the Lakers, eliminated the Thunder in five games, and then stunned the Miami Heat—and the basketball world—in six games.

Nothing about the Mavericks` journey to the title was easy. They possessed a remarkable ability to erase large deficits and were recognized as one of the most clutch teams in NBA history. They were an older, somewhat idiosyncratic squad that was largely dismantled in the subsequent offseason. Nevertheless, they will be remembered as the ultimate overachievers who thwarted LeBron James in the Finals, cemented their superstar`s legacy, and compelled a superteam to adapt and evolve.

20. Los Angeles Lakers (2020)

• Regular-season record: 52-19
• Playoff record: 16-5
• Finals opponent: Heat (4-2)

One can argue extensively about whether this title should be viewed differently from others, but it`s undeniable: this will forever be known as the “Bubble Championship.” It was a unique circumstance, with no fans in attendance and games played in an environment akin to a high school gym. This setting arguably contributed to Anthony Davis`s extraordinary shooting stretch, which was so far beyond his career norms that calling it an outlier would be an understatement. No two players, let alone two teams, were in the same mental state during this unprecedented period, as the entire world had been turned upside down.

That said, this Lakers team was a formidable force and likely would have won the title regardless of the venue, whether at Staples Center or on Mars (though the Bucks were arguably the best team that year until Jimmy Butler eliminated them in the playoffs). The Lakers primarily secured this title through dominant defense and size. Dwight Howard at times took over games with his offensive rebounding. Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were exceptional perimeter defenders. Surrounding LeBron James with such players, especially with Davis performing at an elite shooting level, results in very few lost basketball games.

21. Denver Nuggets (2023)

• Regular-season record: 53-29
• Playoff record: 16-4
• Finals opponent: Heat (4-1)

Nikola Jokić has now delivered five consecutive MVP-caliber seasons. However, to guide a team to a championship, even the planet`s best player requires the surrounding pieces to align. During the 2023 postseason, everything clicked: the Nuggets navigated the Western Conference with relative ease and claimed the franchise`s first Larry O`Brien Trophy in a gentleman`s sweep.

Playoff Jamal Murray ascended to superstar status in his own right, and Aaron Gordon was a dominant force on both ends of the court. The starting lineup operated as an absolute juggernaut, and Denver`s defense significantly improved when it mattered most. Compared to some champions, Denver lacked overwhelming depth, but they had sufficient contributions from sixth man Bruce Brown, veteran Jeff Green, and rookie Christian Braun.

In essence, while Jokić is capable of doing everything, the 2023 iteration of the Nuggets didn`t force him to carry the entire load. Relative to his other recent seasons, Jokić`s usage and shot attempts were lower, but he dished out more assists per minute than ever before and recorded a career-high true shooting percentage of 70.1%. These statistics tell a clear story and might serve as a blueprint for Denver as they pursue further championships.

22. Milwaukee Bucks (2021)

• Regular-season record: 46-26
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Suns (4-2)

Kevin Durant`s foot will forever be a talking point regarding this postseason; Milwaukee almost certainly would have been eliminated in the second round if KD`s toe hadn`t been on the line on the shot that tied the game—rather than putting Brooklyn ahead—with one second left in Game 7. Nevertheless, the Bucks prevailed in overtime, survived a genuine challenge from Trae Young and the Hawks in the conference finals, and then rattled off four consecutive wins after falling behind 0-2 in the Finals.

This team is difficult to place in a ranking. The Bucks were undoubtedly stacked, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez all at the peak of their powers, complemented by excellent depth in Pat Connaughton, Donte DiVincenzo, Bobby Portis, and P.J. Tucker (and let`s not forget Bryn Forbes). However, they also benefited from fortunate circumstances: Durant`s foot, a shortened season, and the 76ers` implosion that year. Even then, the Hawks might have defeated them in the conference finals if Trae Young hadn`t been injured.

Ultimately, the Bucks proved to be the superior team when it mattered, with Giannis punctuating the title run with a 50-point, 14-rebound, 5-block masterpiece in Game 6 of the Finals to close out the Suns. In a vacuum, this team won`t be remembered as an all-time great, nor was it. However, a defense anchored by Jrue Holiday on the perimeter and Lopez and Antetokounmpo at the rim, combined with a prime Khris Middleton as an elite half-court shotmaker, constitutes a formidable squad. As such, I rank them higher than many might, despite my long-standing skepticism of teams led by superstars who struggle with shooting.

23. San Antonio Spurs (2005)

• Regular-season record: 59-23
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Pistons (4-3)

Of San Antonio`s four 21st-century championships, the 2005 squad was unique in ranking first defensively. There`s a subtle irony in this, considering that the 2004 iteration of their 2005 Finals opponent, the Detroit Pistons, is widely heralded as one of NBA history`s premier defensive teams.

Yet, the Spurs, competing in a more challenging conference, consistently outranked the Pistons defensively in both seasons. They ultimately won their Finals grudge match in a grueling seven-game series. It was a true “rock fight”: across those seven games, only Detroit in Game 4 ever managed to reach 100 points. Both defenses lived up to their formidable reputations, but the Spurs, mirroring their regular-season performance, were marginally superior.

24. Miami Heat (2006)

• Regular-season record: 52-30
• Playoff record: 16-7
• Finals opponent: Mavericks (4-2)

This championship marked Dwyane Wade`s official emergence as a superstar. While Shaquille O`Neal was past his absolute prime, he was still an All-NBA First Team selection. This team also featured end-of-career Gary Payton and Alonzo Mourning, but relied heavily on contributions from players like Jason “White Chocolate” Williams, Udonis Haslem, James Posey, and Antoine Walker.

Despite the presence of many big names, this was ultimately an underdog team. Their title run was considered a significant upset (with some still debating D-Wade`s free-throw disparity) against a 60-win Dallas team that took a 2-0 lead in the Finals and held a 13-point fourth-quarter advantage in Game 3.

25. Golden State Warriors (2022)

• Regular-season record: 53-29
• Playoff record: 16-6
• Finals opponent: Celtics (4-2)

This championship is arguably the crowning achievement of Stephen Curry`s illustrious career. Winning a title with Andrew Wiggins serving as arguably your second-best player sets this ring apart from any won by LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or Tim Duncan.

Golden State was not an overwhelmingly dominant team in 2021-22, evidenced by their 16th-ranked regular-season offense. As always, defense remained their foundation, and Curry took command in the Finals, where he averaged 31 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals on a 62.2 true-shooting percentage to earn his first and only Finals MVP award.