NBA Champions 2000s
The combination of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Brynant led the Los Angeles Lakers to dominate the NBA in the first years of the new millennium. The Lakers put together three straight championship seasons from 2000 to 2002.
The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, then won three of the next five titles between 2003-2007.
The Boston Celtics returned to the top in 2008. After trades brought in Ray Allen and Keven Garnett to join Paul Pierce, the Big Three led Boston to the 2007-2008 title.
The Lakers won the 2009 title. Kobe Bryant teamed with big man Pau Gasol to lead LA past Orlando in the finals. The championship was also historic for Laker Coach Phil Jackson. It was the 10th NBA title for Jackson, more than any other coach in NBA history.
The title moved Jackson past Red Auerbach, who won nine titles in a 10 year span as coach for the Boston Celtics. Auerbach won eight straight from 1958-1966.
Year 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-2001 1999-2000 |
NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers Boston Celtics San Antonio Spurs Miami Heat San Antonio Spurs Detroit Pistons San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers |
Finals Opponent Orlando Magic Los Angeles Lakers Cleveland Cavaliers Dallas Mavericks Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Lakers New Jersey Nets New Jersey Nets Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers |
Series Score 4-1 4-2 4-0 4-2 4-3 4-1 4-2 4-0 4-1 4-2 |
