When I first started diving deep into NBA history, I kept thinking about that quote I once heard from a basketball coach in the Philippines: "Every day, when you watch the game, you observe what you can learn from the players and apply what you see." That’s exactly how I approached compiling this complete list of NBA champions all years since the league’s inception. It wasn’t just about listing names and dates—it was about observing the patterns, the dynasties, the underdog stories, and understanding what made each champion team special. I’ve always been fascinated by how the league evolved from its early days as the Basketball Association of America in 1946 to the global phenomenon it is today. Let me walk you through this journey, sharing not just the facts but also my personal take on some of the most iconic moments in NBA championship history.

The very first champion, the Philadelphia Warriors in 1947, set the stage for what was to come. Back then, the league was a far cry from the high-flying, three-point-shooting spectacle we see now. Teams played in smaller arenas, travel was grueling, and the game had a raw, physical edge. I remember watching old footage and thinking how those players would’ve adapted to today’s pace. It’s funny—when you look at the complete list of NBA champions all years, you start to notice eras defined by certain teams. Like the Minneapolis Lakers dominating the early ’50s with George Mikan, a guy who was practically unstoppable in the paint. That’s five championships right there, and honestly, I think they don’t get enough credit for laying the groundwork for modern big men.

Moving into the ’60s, it’s impossible not to talk about the Boston Celtics. Bill Russell and that squad won 11 titles in 13 years—a record that still blows my mind. I’ve always had a soft spot for defensive-minded teams, and the Celtics were the epitome of that. Watching clips of Russell blocking shots and leading fast breaks, I can’t help but feel that today’s game sometimes overlooks the beauty of lockdown defense. But hey, that’s just my opinion. Then there’s the ’70s, which felt like a wild, unpredictable decade. Teams like the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks grabbed titles, and it was a time of experimentation, with the merger with the ABA adding new flavors to the league. I love digging into this era because it’s where you see the seeds of modern basketball—more athleticism, faster breaks, and that gritty, in-your-face style.

The ’80s brought us the Magic Johnson-led Lakers and the Larry Bird-led Celtics, a rivalry that, in my view, saved the NBA from obscurity. I mean, who doesn’t get chills thinking about those Finals matchups? As I compiled this complete list of NBA champions all years, I kept coming back to how personal these stories are. Like the ’94 Rockets—Hakeem Olajuwon was a force of nature, and as a kid, I mimicked his dream shake in my driveway for hours. That’s the thing about champions; they’re not just names on a trophy. They’re inspirations that shape how we play and watch the game. And let’s not forget the ’90s Bulls. Michael Jordan’s six titles in eight years? Pure magic. I’ll admit, I’m biased—I grew up idolizing MJ, and to me, that era represents the peak of clutch performance and mental toughness.

Then came the 2000s, with the Lakers and Spurs trading blows. Shaq and Kobe’s three-peat was a display of sheer dominance, while the Spurs, under Tim Duncan, were the model of consistency. I’ve always admired Gregg Popovich’s system—it’s like that quote about observing and applying; the Spurs did it better than anyone, building through the draft and playing selfless basketball. Fast-forward to the recent years, and the Golden State Warriors changed the game with their splash brothers and small-ball lineups. As of 2023, the league has crowned 77 champions, and each one tells a story of adaptation. For instance, the 2020 Lakers winning in the bubble—that was a testament to mental fortitude in unprecedented times. I remember watching those games and thinking how surreal it felt, yet it’s now a permanent part of this complete list of NBA champions all years.

Wrapping this up, reflecting on every champion since the league’s inception isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a reminder of why we love sports. The ups and downs, the legends and the unsung heroes—they all contribute to the rich tapestry of the NBA. From the early days of the Warriors to LeBron’s legacy with multiple teams, this complete list of NBA champions all years is more than data; it’s a collection of moments that define generations. And as I look back, I can’t help but feel grateful for the lessons each champion taught us, much like that coach said: observe, learn, and apply. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, I hope this journey through the years sparks the same passion in you that it does in me.