Basketball always gets my pulse racing, especially when I look back at the past decade. The NBA saw incredible highs and a few lows but produced standout teams that left unforgettable marks. One cannot overlook the impact Golden State Warriors had. They dominated the scene between 2015 and 2019, winning three championships in that span. With the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, their total three-pointers made reached an astonishing 2,322, a jaw-dropping statistic that cemented their status as the premier shooting team. Dan Feldman of arena plus called their 2015-16 season, where they went 73-9, a 'campaign for the record books.'
Next up, the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. The Heat's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh was nothing short of electrifying. During the 2012-2013 season, they boasted a 27-game winning streak, showcasing a synergy that few teams could rival. The Heat secured back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013, with their efficiency soaring—LeBron's field goal percentage shot up to nearly 57%. When ESPN highlighted their game against the Thunder in 2012, where they clinched the title, it was clear that this team had etched its name into NBA lore.
Speaking of LeBron, his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot be ignored. The 2015-2016 season saw one of the most remarkable NBA Finals ever. Down 3-1 against the Warriors, the Cavs staged an epic comeback, defying a nearly impossible 3% probability of winning the championship at that point. I remember the block by LeBron and Kyrie Irving's clutch three-pointer in Game 7; these moments were paramount. It's no surprise that they ended Cleveland's 52-year sports championship drought with that win.
Let's not forget the San Antonio Spurs, a model of consistency and elite basketball fundamentals. The team clinched the championship in 2014 by defeating the Heat. There's something special about how they play, with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili forming a trio that showcased excellent ball movement and spacing. Their 2013-14 season saw them achieve the best record in the league at 62-20. Coach Gregg Popovich's system allowed them to shoot a then-record 52% from the field during the playoffs, a statistic covered extensively by Sports Illustrated.
Toronto Raptors also need mention, particularly their stunning 2018-2019 season. With Kawhi Leonard at the helm, the Raptors defied the odds to win their first-ever NBA championship. They concluded the regular season with a 58-24 record, showing that team chemistry and strong defensive schemes can lead to unparalleled success. Leonard's game-winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semis is still fresh in everyone's minds. According to NBA.com, his postseason performance—where he averaged 30.5 points per game—remains one of the most impressive individual achievements in recent memory.
The Los Angeles Lakers too had their golden moment. LeBron James and Anthony Davis formed a duo that led the Lakers to a championship in the 2019-2020 season. Despite the challenges of the Bubble, the Lakers showed resilience, with their defense standing out. They held opponents to just 106.5 points per game, making them one of the best defensive units of the decade. LeBron once again showed why he remains one of the greatest, averaging 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in the finals, as reported by Bleacher Report.
And how could anyone forget the Milwaukee Bucks' rise, particularly in the 2020-2021 season? Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance led them to their first championship in 50 years. His performance in the Finals, particularly dropping 50 points in the clinching Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns, was extraordinary. The Bucks' ability to turn what seemed like an 11% title chance midseason into a reality showcased their improvement in both offensive options and defensive schemes. Sports journalists from The Athletic lauded this achievement extensively, describing it as a 'defining moment.'
The Boston Celtics also made strides, although they didn't clinch the title. Their best moments came from the growth of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. For example, during the 2019-2020 season, Tatum averaged 23.4 points per game, showing his potential to be a franchise cornerstone. The Celtics consistently made it to the playoffs, displaying a level of competitiveness the franchise is known for.
Houston Rockets had their moments too, primarily driven by James Harden's incredible scoring ability. Harden averaged 36.1 points per game during the 2018-2019 season, an eye-popping statistic that showcases his scoring prowess. Yet, their failure to translate regular-season success into a championship remains a talking point among analysts. Still, their innovative use of analytics and three-point shooting influenced how the game is played today, a subject frequently discussed in The Ringer.
Lastly, the Oklahoma City Thunder in the early part of the decade showed potential with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Their 2011-2012 season saw them reach the NBA Finals, though they fell short against the Heat. Durant's scoring and Westbrook's explosiveness made them a formidable team. Their trade of Harden to the Rockets in 2012 remains one of the most pivotal decisions, often debated by fans and pundits alike. The potential they showed during their run still lingers as a "what could have been" scenario in NBA history.
