query: who was the mvp of the nba this season

pos: NBA Most Valuable Player Award won the award: Wilt Chamberlain in the and Wes Unseld in the 1968–69 season. Hakeem Olajuwon of Nigeria, Tim Duncan of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Steve Nash of Canada and Dirk Nowitzki of Germany are the only MVP winners considered "international players" by the NBA. Stephen Curry in 2015–16 is the only player to have won the award unanimously. Shaquille O'Neal in 1999–2000 and LeBron James in 2012–13 are the only two players to have fallen one vote shy of a unanimous selection, both receiving 120 of 121 votes. Russell Westbrook, is the first to have played for a team

neg: Minnesota Timberwolves accomplishments and records Team NBA All-Rookie Second Team NBA All-Star Selections NBA All-Star Game MVP NBA Rising Stars Challenge MVP NBA Slam Dunk Contest NBA Three-Point Shootout NBA Skills Challenge Minnesota Timberwolves accomplishments and records This page details the all-time statistics, records, and other achievements pertaining to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) Other statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) NBA MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Most Improved Player J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship

neg: Philadelphia 76ers accomplishments and records team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) Other Statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) The following Nationals and 76ers players were selected to the NBA All-Star Game. Philadelphia 76ers accomplishments and records This page details the all-time statistics, records, and other achievements pertaining to the Philadelphia 76ers. NBA MVP NBA Finals MVP NBA Defensive Player of the Year NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Sixth Man of the Year NBA Most Improved Player of the Year NBA Coach of the Year

neg: Willis Reed first player in NBA history to be named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, the NBA regular season MVP, and the NBA Finals MVP in the same season. That same year, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team, as well as being named as ABC's "Wide World of Sports" Athlete of the Year, and the Sporting News NBA MVP. Reed's most famous performance took place on May 8, 1970, during game seven of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden. Due to a severe thigh injury, a torn muscle

neg: Shaquille O'Neal the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2009–10 season. O'Neal played for the Boston Celtics in the 2010–11 season before retiring. O'Neal's individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 15 All-Star game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year (2000); the other players are Willis Reed in 1970 and Michael

neg: 2010–11 NBA season 2010–11 NBA season The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The season concluded with the Dallas Mavericks defeating the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and Dirk Nowitzki was named Finals MVP. Chicago's Derrick Rose was named the 2010–11 NBA MVP. The 2010 off-season had one of the most talented free agent pools in recent NBA history. The list of free agents included All-Stars LeBron James, Chris

neg: NBA Most Valuable Player Award NBA Most Valuable Player Award The National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1955–56 season to the best performing player of the regular season. The winner receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, which is named in honor of the first commissioner (then president) of the NBA, who served from 1946 until 1963. Until the , the MVP was selected by a vote of NBA players. Since the , the award is decided by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Each member of the

neg: 1984 NBA Finals 1984 NBA Finals The 1984 NBA Finals, also known as Showdown '84, was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1983–84 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game Finals, winning Game 7 111–102. Celtics forward Larry Bird averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds a game during the series, earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). Bird was also named the league's regular season MVP for that year. This series was the long-awaited rematch of the Los Angeles Lakers and

neg: 1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season The 76ers went on to capture their second NBA championship as they swept the New York Knicks, and proceeded to beat the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. They finally finished it off with a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, who had defeated them the season before, making this the only NBA championship not to be won by either the Lakers or the Boston Celtics from 1980–1988. Said head coach Billy Cunningham, ""The difference from last year was Moses."" Malone was named MVP of the 1983 Finals, as well as league MVP for the third time in his career.

neg: New York Knicks Owners Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active, but not with team. Points scored (regular season) as of the end of the 2017–18 season Other statistics (regular season) as of the end of the 2017–18 season NBA MVP NBA Finals MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Sixth Man of the Year NBA Defensive Player of the Year NBA Coach of the Year NBA Sportsmanship Award J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award NBA scoring champion NBA All-Star Game head coaches All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team All-NBA Third Team NBA All-Defensive First Team NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA

neg: 2010–11 NBA Development League season February 19. The Eastern Conference All-Stars defeated the Western Conference All-Stars 115–108, led by Iowa Energy center Courtney Sims. Sims scored a game-high 25 points and was named as the MVP of the game. This is the second All-Star MVP honors for Sims after being named as the co-MVP in the 2009 All-Star Game. The fourth annual NBA D-League Dream Factory Friday Night was held on February 18 during the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend. The events included a slam dunk contest, a three-point shooting contest and a shooting stars competition, all of which are also annual competitions in the NBA

neg: 1969 NBA Finals NBA history. This series is also notable in that West, with an average of nearly 38 points a game, won the Finals Most Valuable Player award, despite being on the losing team. This was the first year a Finals MVP award was given, and it remains the only time in NBA Finals history that the MVP was awarded to a player on the losing team. It also marks the first time ever in NBA Finals history that a Game 7 was won by the road team. The Los Angeles Lakers had won 55 games in the regular season (2nd best

neg: Paul Arizin played in a total of 10 NBA All-Star Games (he was the 1952 NBA All-Star Game MVP) and was named to the All-NBA First-Team in 1952, 1956, and 1957. After retiring from the NBA, Arizin played for three seasons with the Camden Bullets of the Eastern Professional Basketball League, who won the 1964 title. Averaging over 20 points per game each season, he was named the EBL MVP in 1963, was named to the EBL All-Star First Team in 1963 and 1964 and to the EBL All-Star Second Team in 1965. Arizin was named to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team

neg: Sacramento Kings accomplishments and records NBA All-Star Game MVP Sacramento Kings accomplishments and records This page details the all-time statistics, records, and other achievements pertaining to the Sacramento Kings. Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) NBA MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Sixth Man of the Year NBA Coach of the Year NBA Executive of the Year J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team All-NBA Third Team NBA All-Defensive First Team NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA All-Rookie First Team NBA All-Rookie Second Team NBA All-Star Game NBA All-Star

neg: NBA Finals Jordan's departure, the Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, won the 1994 and 1995 NBA titles. During this time, Olajuwon became the only player in history to win the NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP awards in the same season. That was the only year that both the NBA and NHL Finals went to seven games, with the Rockets facing the New York Knicks in 1994. With their win in Game 7, the Rockets denied New York from winning both the NBA and NHL titles in the same year, as the New York Rangers won

neg: 2009–10 NBA season Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade being named the MVP. The game had record-breaking attendance, with 108,713. In the Rookie Challenge game, the Rookies defeated the Sophomores. Tyreke Evans was named the game's MVP. This is the first time the Rookies won the Rookie Challenge since 2002. During the NBA All-Star Weekend, Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks won the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest for the third time in his career; Kevin Durant, who also won the inaugural event, won this year's H.O.R.S.E Competition and Boston's Paul Pierce beat rookie Stephen Curry to win the Three-Point Shootout. Steve Nash won the

neg: 1986 NBA Playoffs with the Celtics winning the first three meetings. 1986 NBA Playoffs The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time. This was the second NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Rockets; they met in the 1981 NBA Finals with the same result. It was the third of four straight Eastern Conference championships for Boston, who won 67

neg: 1986 NBA Playoffs 1986 NBA Playoffs The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time. This was the second NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Rockets; they met in the 1981 NBA Finals with the same result. It was the third of four straight Eastern Conference championships for Boston, who won 67 games that year, and went 40–1 at home.

neg: Magic Johnson NBA championship of his career. In the 1988–89 NBA season, Johnson's 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game earned him his second MVP award, and the Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals, in which they again faced the Pistons. However, after Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, the Lakers were no match for the Pistons, who swept them 4–0. Playing without Abdul-Jabbar for the first time, Johnson won his third MVP award after a strong 1989–90 NBA season in which he averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game. However, the Lakers

neg: 2000 NBA All-Star Game 2000 NBA All-Star Game The 2000 NBA All-Star Game was an exhibition basketball game which was played on February 13, 2000 at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, home of the Golden State Warriors. This game was the 49th edition of the North American National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game and was played during the 1999-2000 NBA season. The Western Conference won the game with the score of 137-126 while Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan were both named MVP of the game. O'Neal took the All Star MVP trophy saying to Duncan, "you already have one of those rings (referring

neg: 2002 NBA Playoffs 2002 NBA Playoffs The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA Playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This year marked the return of playoff success for the Boston Celtics, who had last made the playoffs in 1995, won their last playoff

neg: 1996–97 Chicago Bulls season was named the NBA Finals MVP. 1996–97 Chicago Bulls season The 1996–97 NBA season was the Bulls' 31st season in the National Basketball Association. The Bulls entered the season as defending NBA champions, having defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1996 NBA Finals in six games, winning their fourth NBA championship. During the offseason, the Bulls signed free agent Robert Parish, who won championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. The Bulls, on the backs of recording another first-place finish in their division and conference, repeated as NBA champions. The Bulls were led by Michael Jordan, perennial All-Star small

neg: Michael Jordan in NBA history, 72–10; this record was later surpassed by the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors. Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg and won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards. In the playoffs, the Bulls lost only three games in four series (Miami Heat 3–0, New York Knicks 4–1, Orlando Magic 4–0). They defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 4–2 in the NBA Finals to win their fourth championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time, surpassing Magic Johnson's three Finals MVP awards. He also achieved only the second sweep of the MVP Awards

neg: LeBron James 14 All-NBA teams, which is tied for the fourth-most in league history, and 12 All-NBA first teams, which is an NBA record. With four MVP awards, he is part of a select group of players who have won the award four times, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell; James and Russell are the only players to win four MVP awards in a five-year span. James has also won three Finals MVP Awards, which is tied for the second-most all-time, and earned All-Defensive honors every season from 2009 to 2014. While he has never won the Defensive

neg: History of the Golden State Warriors NBA in assists during the 1950s. In 1959, the team signed draft pick Wilt Chamberlain. Known as "Wilt the Stilt", Chamberlain quickly began shattering NBA scoring and rebounding records and changed the style of play forever. During each of his three seasons as a Philadelphia Warrior, Chamberlain led the NBA in both scoring and rebounding. In his first season, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA All-Star Game MVP, and the league's regular season MVP after averaging 37.6 points per game and 27.0 rebounds per game. In his second season, he set still-standing records when he averaged

neg: Chicago Bulls in league history and the best single-season record at that time, moving from 47–35 to 72–10, becoming the first NBA team to win 70 or more games. Jordan won his eighth scoring title, and Rodman his fifth straight rebounding title, while Kerr finished second in the league in three-point shooting percentage. Jordan garnered the elusive triple crown with the NBA MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, and NBA Finals MVP. Krause was named NBA Executive of the Year, Jackson Coach of the Year, and Kukoc the Sixth Man of the Year. Both Pippen and Jordan made the All-NBA First Team, and

neg: Detroit Pistons him, is allowed to sign with any non-NBA teams. In this case, the team retains the player's draft rights in the NBA until one year after the player's contract with the non-NBA team ends. This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams. Notes: Notes: Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) Other statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) NBA Finals MVP NBA Defensive Player of the Year NBA Rookie of the

neg: 1994–95 Sacramento Kings season 1994–95 Sacramento Kings season The 1994–95 NBA season was the Kings' 46th season in the National Basketball Association, and tenth season in Sacramento. With the arrivals of rookies Brian Grant and Michael Smith from the 1994 NBA draft, the Kings had an improved defense which held opponents at 99.2 points per game (8th best in the NBA). On the offensive side, the Kings were led by Mitch Richmond, who averaged 22.8 points per game while winning the All-Star MVP award in the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. The Kings played above .500 for the first half of the season with a

neg: Dave Cowens while helping the Celtics to a league best 68-14 record. He was chosen the NBA MVP as well as MVP of the All-Star Game that same season. Cowens and fellow Celtic Bill Russell both have the distinction of being named MVP of the league but not being included on the All-NBA First Team. Cowens retired in 1980, however, in 1982 he was coaxed out of retirement by the Milwaukee Bucks, who were then coached by his former Celtics teammate Don Nelson. The Celtics still held his rights at the time so the Bucks gave up Quinn Buckner as compensation. Cowens

neg: 1983 NBA Finals a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, who had defeated them the season before. Said head coach Billy Cunningham, ""The difference from last year was Moses."" Malone was named MVP of the 1983 Finals, as well as league MVP for the third time in his career. The 76ers completed one of the most dominating playoff runs in league history with a 12–1 mark after league and NBA Finals MVP Moses promised ""Fo', fo', fo"" (as in ""four, four, four""—four wins to win round 1, four wins to win round 2, etc.), but it actually wound up as ""Fo', fi',

neg: Kevin Garnett the All-NBA Third Team. However, midway through the season, Stephon Marbury was traded to the New Jersey Nets. Although the Wolves received two-time All-Star Terrell Brandon in return, they were not able to overcome the discord and limped into the playoffs as the eighth seed with a 25–25 record. The Wolves were defeated in the first round again, this time losing 3–1 to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs who were led by young superstar and eventual NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan. In the 1999–2000 NBA season, Garnett continued his notable play, averaging 22.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6

neg: Minnesota Timberwolves accomplishments and records Minnesota Timberwolves accomplishments and records This page details the all-time statistics, records, and other achievements pertaining to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) Other statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2017–18 season) NBA MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Most Improved Player J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team All-NBA Third Team NBA All-Defensive First Team NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA All-Rookie First

neg: Michael Jordan of the Wizards. Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, ten scoring titles (both all-time records), five MVP Awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP Awards, three steals titles, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA records for highest career regular season scoring average (30.12 points per game) and highest career playoff scoring average (33.45 points per game). In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by

neg: Shaqtin' a Fool NBA TV, and showed 5 plays for each category, totaling to 20 plays. The Shaqtin' a Fool Most Valuable Player (MVP) is an annual award presented at the Shaqtin' a Fool special during the conclusion of the NBA Playoffs. In the 2011–12 and the 2012–13 season, fans voted online for their favorite play of the year, and whichever player whose play accumulated the most votes for that season was awarded with the Shaqtin' a Fool MVP. In the 2013–14 season, the MVP was decided through the most appearances made by one player in a single season. In the event of

neg: Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs) be named NBA MVP for that season, and would also be named NBA Finals MVP for the 2003 NBA Finals, and the "Twin Towers" were named "Sports Illustrated"s 2003 "Sportsmen of the Year". David Robinson would see his No. 50 be retired by the San Antonio Spurs and would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. The next era for Duncan began during Robinson's final season, as the Spurs drafted Tony Parker in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft and Manu Ginóbili joined the Spurs in time for the 2002–03 NBA season after

neg: 1983 NBA Playoffs meetings. 1983 NBA Playoffs The 1983 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1982–83 season. This was the final postseason using the 12-team format, before the NBA expanded the postseason to 16 teams the next season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Moses Malone was named NBA Finals MVP. Malone made a famous prediction about the Sixers' chances prior to the playoffs, saying "Fo', fo', fo'" – predicting that the Sixers would win 4 games in

neg: 1983 NBA Playoffs 1983 NBA Playoffs The 1983 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1982–83 season. This was the final postseason using the 12-team format, before the NBA expanded the postseason to 16 teams the next season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Moses Malone was named NBA Finals MVP. Malone made a famous prediction about the Sixers' chances prior to the playoffs, saying "Fo', fo', fo'" – predicting that the Sixers would win 4 games in each

neg: Golden State Warriors 29, 2016; the previous record of 44 was held by the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls team led by Michael Jordan. On April 13, 2016, Golden State set the NBA record for most wins in a single season. The team finished the season with a record of 73–9. On May 10, 2016, Stephen Curry was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second straight season. Curry is the 11th player to win back-to-back MVP honors and became the first player in NBA history to win the MVP award by unanimous vote, winning all 131 first-place votes. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green

neg: Manu Ginóbili Bologna, which he helped win the 2001 Italian League Championship, the 2001 and 2002 Italian Cups, and the 2001 EuroLeague, where he was named the 2001 Euroleague Finals MVP. He was also named the Italian League MVP in 2000–01 and 2001–02, and made the Italian League's All-Star Game three times during this period. At the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis, Ginóbili made the All-Tournament team alongside future NBA star Yao Ming and established NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojaković, and helped lead Argentina to a second-place finish. Ginóbili joined the Spurs for the 2002–03 NBA season, where he

neg: 2011–12 NBA season 2012. The playoffs started on April 28 and ended on June 21 when the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their series, 121–106, winning the Finals, 4–1 and to capture the franchise's second NBA title. LeBron James was named both the Regular Season MVP and the NBA Finals MVP. Free agency started on December 9, 2011. The lockout was the fourth work stoppage in the history of the NBA. It began at UTC (12:01 am EDT) on July 1, 2011. The main issues dividing the owners and the players were revenue sharing and the structure

neg: Dirk Nowitzki "Flu Game" against Utah in the 1997 NBA Finals. Dallas went on to win the next two games, with Nowitzki scoring 10 fourth-quarter points in the series-clinching game in Miami, bringing the first championship to the franchise. In the series, Nowitzki scored 62 points total in the six fourth quarters, equaling the combined fourth-quarter output of James and Wade. He was named Finals MVP, joining a list of 10 other players to have been an NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, an NBA regular season MVP, and a ten-time All-Star. For the 2011 playoffs, Nowitzki averaged 27.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and

neg: Michael Jordan fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the Finals MVP award. During the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, Jordan posted the first triple double in All-Star Game history in a victorious effort; however, he did not receive the MVP award. Jordan and the Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the 1997–98 season. Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, securing his fifth regular-season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team and the All-Star Game MVP. The Bulls won the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season, including surviving a seven-game series with

neg: Chauncey Billups RPG, 1.2 SPG, as well as shooting 50.1% FG, 47.1% 3PT, and 92.9% FT to earn the NBA Finals MVP Award. Billups said of his MVP award, "Everybody deserves this. Not just me. I wish I could turn it into thirteen pieces and give a little bit to everybody." The following season, Billups was named to the 2005 NBA Second All-Defensive Team, along with teammate Tayshaun Prince, while teammate and co-captain of the Pistons Ben Wallace took home the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Pistons reached the 2005 NBA Finals but lost in their bid to repeat as

neg: 1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season seemed insurmountable. The Lakers won their sixth NBA championship by the score of 114–100. This was their first championship since moving to Los Angeles in 1960. Jerry West also won his first NBA championship after 12 years of waiting. Wilt Chamberlain scored 24 points and 29 rebounds and earned the NBA Finals MVP Award. 1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season During the 1971-72 season the Los Angeles Lakers won their first National Basketball Association (NBA) title since moving to Los Angeles. The Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in five games to win the title, after going 69–13 during the regular-season,

neg: 2010–11 PBA season Bryant as its playing coach challenging the PBA All-Stars, with Chot Reyes as the head coach and the Smart Gilas Philippine national basketball team. The event was organized by Smart Communications and the MVP Sports Foundation, headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan, team owner of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters and the Meralco Bolts in the PBA. Note: Due to the ongoing NBA lockout, the Smart All-Stars cannot affiliate themselves with the NBA or their teams. The list below indicates the NBA teams where the player is associated before the lockout began. Smart All-Stars: PBA All-Stars: This how the MVP

neg: 2016 NBA Finals broke the record set by the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls by finishing the regular season with a 73–9 record. In addition, the Warriors broke numerous other NBA records, including most road wins (34), best start to a season (24–0) and longest regular-season home win streak (54 dating back to the 2014–15 season). They also became the first team to make over 1,000 three-pointers in the regular-season with 1,077, eclipsing the previous record of 933 set by the 2014–15 Houston Rockets. The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry, who was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second straight season.

neg: 1983–84 Boston Celtics season In the game the Lakers rallied from a 14-point-deficit to three with one minute remaining when Cedric Maxwell knocked the ball away from Magic Johnson. Dennis Johnson responded by sinking two free throws to seal the victory. Larry Bird was named MVP of the series. The series was the eighth time in NBA history that the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA finals, with Boston winning each time. 1983–84 Boston Celtics season The 1983–84 Boston Celtics were champions of the National Basketball Association (NBA) led by regular season and finals MVP Larry Bird. In the playoffs, the Celtics defeated

neg: 1992 NBA All-Star Game game took place in the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida in 1992. The game is most memorable thanks to the return of Magic Johnson, who had retired before the 1991–1992 season. Johnson went on to win MVP of the game and beat one-on-one showdowns against Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. Many big name players and later NBA Hall of Famers such as James Worthy and Michael Jordan also competed in this game. The game ended with the West defeating the East 153–113. 1992 NBA All-Star Game The 1992 NBA All-Star Game was the 42nd edition of the All-Star Game. The

neg: 1987 NBA Playoffs 4-2" This was the tenth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first nine meetings. 1987 NBA Playoffs The 1987 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986–87 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned their 10th NBA championship, and Magic Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP for a then-record third time. This was the last time the Celtics would appear in the NBA Finals until 2008.

neg: 1996 NBA Finals 1996 NBA Finals The 1996 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1995–96 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics (64–18) played the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls (72–10), with the Bulls holding home court advantage. The teams' 136 combined regular season wins shattered the previous record of 125, set in 1985. The series was played under a best-of-seven format. This was the first championship in the Chicago Bulls second three-peat. Chicago won the series 4 games to 2. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP. NBC Sports

neg: Cavaliers–Warriors rivalry were all named to their respective NBA All Star teams, with Curry finishing first in the all-star voting (1,513,324), and LeBron James finishing in second (1,470,483). Curry won the NBA MVP Award, averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, and shot 44.3% from three-point territory. James was third in MVP voting. He averaged 25.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 7.4 APG. They were featured on the All-NBA First Team. Irving and Thompson made the All-NBA team as well. The Cavaliers finished the season with a record of 53–29, and the Warriors finished the season with a record of

neg: 2011–12 Oklahoma City Thunder season the first time since 1996, when the club was based in Seattle. In the NBA Finals, the Thunder faced off against the Big Three-led Miami Heat, who made an appearance in the previous NBA Finals, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. Despite winning Game 1 in the NBA Finals, the Thunder would then go on to lose the next four games and the NBA Finals against the Heat. Other season highlights included forward Kevin Durant's third consecutive NBA scoring title, and Durant being named the MVP of the All-Star Game. With the exceptions of Lazar Hayward, Royal

neg: NBA Most Valuable Player Award that failed to win at least 50 regular-season games since the . Every player to have won the award has made at least one appearance as a player in the NBA Finals, with the exceptions of Steve Nash and Derrick Rose. NBA Most Valuable Player Award The National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1955–56 season to the best performing player of the regular season. The winner receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, which is named in honor of the first commissioner (then president) of the NBA, who served

neg: NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award The NBA Development League Most Valuable Player (MVP) is an annual NBA Development League (D-League) award given since the league's inaugural season to the best performing player of the regular season. The league's head coaches determine the award by voting and it is usually presented to the honoree during the D-League playoffs. No player has been named the MVP more than once, and no international player has won the award. Ansu Sesay was the inaugural winner while playing for the Greenville Groove. By position, guards have dominated the award with 11 winners, followed

neg: NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award by forwards with six. Only one center has won, Courtney Sims in 2008–09. NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award The NBA Development League Most Valuable Player (MVP) is an annual NBA Development League (D-League) award given since the league's inaugural season to the best performing player of the regular season. The league's head coaches determine the award by voting and it is usually presented to the honoree during the D-League playoffs. No player has been named the MVP more than once, and no international player has won the award. Ansu Sesay was the inaugural winner while playing for the

neg: 2013 NBA Playoffs 2013 NBA Playoffs The 2013 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2012–13 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeating the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP. The Miami Heat headed into the playoffs with a franchise-best 66 wins, topping the league in the regular season. Their 2012 Finals opponents, the Oklahoma City Thunder, topped the Western Conference with 60 wins, making it the first time since 2006 that the two teams who faced off in

neg: Utah Jazz of the 2016–17 season) NBA MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Defensive Player of the Year NBA Coach of the Year NBA Executive of the Year J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team All-NBA Third Team NBA All-Defensive First Team NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA All-Rookie First Team NBA All-Rookie Second Team NBA All-Star Selections NBA All-Star Game MVP NBA All-Star Game head coaches The Jazz's flagship radio stations are KZNS (1280) "The Zone" and KZNS-FM Fox Sports Radio 97.5. The Jazz signed a new exclusive 12-year agreement with then FSN Utah, (now part of

neg: 1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season the Bullets in five games, winning their first and only NBA championship. Dennis Johnson was named the NBA Finals MVP. This was Seattle's first professional sports championship since the Seattle Metropolitans victory in the Stanley Cup in 1917. "SuperSonics win series 4-1" 1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season The 1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season was the team's 12th since the franchise began, and their most successful, winning their only NBA title. In the playoffs, the SuperSonics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Semifinals, then defeated the Phoenix Suns in seven games in the Conference Finals to reach the NBA

neg: 1994–95 Sacramento Kings season and added purple to their uniforms. The jerseys lasted until 2002, while the logo lasted until 2016. 1994–95 Sacramento Kings season The 1994–95 NBA season was the Kings' 46th season in the National Basketball Association, and tenth season in Sacramento. With the arrivals of rookies Brian Grant and Michael Smith from the 1994 NBA draft, the Kings had an improved defense which held opponents at 99.2 points per game (8th best in the NBA). On the offensive side, the Kings were led by Mitch Richmond, who averaged 22.8 points per game while winning the All-Star MVP award in the 1995

neg: 2004–05 San Antonio Spurs season teammate Manu Ginóbili pitched in with 23 points. Richard Hamilton, with 15 points, was the high scorer for the Pistons, who fell just short of winning back to back championships. Tim Duncan averaged 20.6 PPG on his way to his 3rd NBA Finals MVP award. Manu Ginóbili, Tony Parker, and Bruce Bowen each received their second championship ring, while Robert Horry became only the second player in NBA history (John Salley being the first) to play on championship teams for three different franchises. 2004–05 San Antonio Spurs season The 2004–05 NBA season was the Spurs' 29th season in the National

neg: Lakers–Pistons rivalry Finals. Meanwhile, Los Angeles suffered slight slippage in the regular season, finishing with a 57–25 record. However, the Lakers, who still finished first in the Western Conference, compiled an outstanding 11-0 record in the postseason, sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Phoenix Suns en route to the finals. Magic Johnson also earned his second NBA MVP award (Johnson, who had already won the award in 1987, would receive his third NBA MVP title in 1990). As the finals began, L.A. was once again favored to eliminate Detroit and successfully three-peat as champions. However, the Pistons were determined to

neg: Kobe Bryant point. Bryant was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive 1st teams, and came in third place in voting for the MVP award. After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Western Conference semi-finals in six games to the eventual NBA champions San Antonio Spurs. In the following 2003–04 season, the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Malone, and Gary Payton to make another push at the NBA Championship. Bryant was arrested for sexual assault before the season began. This caused Bryant to miss some games due

neg: San Antonio Spurs 1999) and first rounder Tony Parker (28th overall in 2001), who both went on to become All-Stars. The Spurs are scheduled to retire Manu Ginóbili's no. 20 jersey on March 28, 2019. Notes: Notes: Bold denotes still active with team. "Name*" includes points scored for the team while in the ABA. "Italics" denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) as of the end of the 2017–18 season Other statistics (regular season) as of the end of the 2017–18 season NBA Most Valuable Player NBA Finals MVP NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Defensive Player of the

neg: Bill Russell never the focal point of the Celtics offense, instead focusing on his tremendous defense. In his career, Russell won five regular season MVP awards (1959, 1961–63, 1965)—tied with Michael Jordan for second all-time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's six awards. He was selected three times to the All-NBA First Teams (1959, 1963, 1965) and eight Second Teams (1958, 1960–62, 1964, 1966–68), and was a twelve-time NBA All-Star (1958–1969). Russell was elected to one NBA All-Defensive First Team. This took place during his last season (1969), and was the first season the NBA All-Defensive Teams were selected. In 1970, "The Sporting News" named

neg: Bill Russell completely robbed of his usual four-men wing rotation. But Russell and little-used fifth forward Gene Guarilia successfully pressured Baylor into missed shots. Russell finished with a clutch performance, scoring 30 points and tying his own NBA Finals record with 40 rebounds in a 110–107 overtime win. The Celtics lost playmaker Bob Cousy to retirement after the 1962–63 season, but they drafted John Havlicek. Once again, the Celtics were powered by Russell, who averaged 16.8 points and 23.6 rebounds per game, won his fourth regular-season MVP title, and earned MVP honors at the 1963 NBA All-Star Game following his 19-point, 24-rebound

neg: 1973–74 Buffalo Braves season 1973–74 Buffalo Braves season The 1973–74 Buffalo Braves season was the fourth season for the expansion Buffalo Braves franchise in the National Basketball Association and its Atlantic Division. It was the team's second season under head coach Jack Ramsay. The team's official home arena was Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Bob McAdoo, who finished second in the NBA MVP Award voting, led the league in scoring; Ernie DiGregorio, who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, led the league in assists and free throw percentage, and every starter on the team was among the league's top ten in at least one

neg: Wilt Chamberlain of the NBA's greatest on-court rivalries of all time. Nevertheless, the two also became friends off the court, similar to later rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. In his first NBA season, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds, convincingly breaking the previous regular-season records. He needed only 56 games to score 2,102 points, which broke the all-time regular season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points. Chamberlain broke eight NBA records, and was named NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year that season, a feat matched only by fellow Hall-of-Famer Wes Unseld in

neg: 2003 NBA Playoffs 2003 NBA Playoffs The 2003 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2002–03 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets, 4 games to 2, in the NBA Finals. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time. This postseason featured the most series decided by 6 games in NBA Playoff history. This postseason is notable for being the first time that all series were conducted in a best-of-seven format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team

neg: 2002 NBA Playoffs NBA's second three-peat in seven years. This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Lakers. 2002 NBA Playoffs The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA Playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This year marked the return of

neg: Oscar Robertson Oscar Robertson Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24, 1938), nicknamed "The Big O", is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. The , Robertson played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and one-time winner of the MVP award in 14 professional seasons. In 1962, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. In the 1970–71 NBA season, he was a key player on the team that brought the Bucks their only NBA title. His playing career, especially during

neg: History of the Los Angeles Lakers points down in the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against Portland. The Indiana Pacers, coached by the Lakers' old nemesis, Larry Bird, proved to be slightly less of a problem, however, and in six games, the Lakers claimed their first NBA championship since 1988. Shaquille O'Neal picked up both MVP and Finals MVP awards in 2000. Having also shared the 2000 All-Star Game MVP award, he was only the third player in NBA history to win all three awards in the same season. Kobe Bryant was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team, the youngest player

neg: 2012 NBA Finals as well as his second Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award the following year, this time in a 4 game sweep over James’s Cavaliers. 2012 NBA Finals The 2012 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2011–12 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeated the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder 4 games to 1 to win their second NBA title. Heat Small forward LeBron James was named the Finals MVP. This marked the fourth time in franchise history that the Oklahoma City

neg: Dirk Nowitzki shots, he is ranked 8th in active players for defensive win shares as of July 2014. Nowitzki is the sixth player in NBA history, and the first European, to hit the 30,000-point milestone. Apart from being the Mavericks' all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals, field goal attempts, 3-pointers, 3-point attempts, free throws, and free-throw attempts, Nowitzki has made the NBA All-Star games thirteen times and the All-NBA Teams twelve times. He was voted NBA MVP of the 2006–07 NBA season, becoming the first European player to receive the honor, as well as the MVP of the 2011 NBA Finals.

neg: Bob Cousy center who could get easy rebounds, initiate fast breaks and close out games. Before the 1956–57 NBA season, Auerbach drafted two future Hall-of-Famers: forward Tom Heinsohn, and defensive center Bill Russell. Powered by these new players, the Celtics went 44–28 in the regular season, and Cousy averaged 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and a league-leading 7.5 assists, earning his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award; he also won his second NBA All-Star Game MVP award. The Celtics reached the 1957 NBA Finals, and powered by Cousy on offense and rugged center Russell on defense, they beat the Hawks 4–3, who were

neg: 1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers season 1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers season The 1991–92 NBA season was the Lakers' 44th season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd in the city of Los Angeles. This was the start of a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were coming from an NBA Finals defeat to the Chicago Bulls in five games, but more importantly, had to cope with the sudden retirement of their longtime superstar, Magic Johnson, due to an HIV infection. However, he would make a brief return playing in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game winning the All-Star MVP award. During the offseason, the

neg: Kobe Bryant All-Star Pau Gasol, Bryant leads his team to a West best 57–25 record. The Lakers swept the Nuggets in the first round and on May 6, 2008, and Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP. He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city." West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. He stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit." In

neg: Allen Iverson Matt Geiger, who was included in the deal, refused to forfeit his $5 million trade kicker. During the 2000–01 season, Iverson led his team to a franchise record 10-0 start to the season, and was named starter at the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, where he won the game MVP. The Sixers posted a 56–26 record on the year, the best in the Eastern Conference that season, earning the top seed. He also averaged a then-career high 31.1 points, winning his second NBA scoring title in the process. Iverson won the NBA steals title at 2.5 a game. Iverson was named

neg: 2015 NBA Finals LeBron James, who made only 38.1% of his shots when Iguodala was in the game, but still averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. James received four of the 11 votes for Finals MVP even though Cleveland lost by an average of 14 points in the final three games. Stephen Curry was just the sixth player to win his first league MVP and his first NBA title in the same season. Shaquille O'Neal was the last player to have accomplished the feat, in 1999–2000. Kerr became the first rookie coach to win a title since Pat Riley in 1981–82.

neg: History of the Miami Heat particular had a great season, leading the league in blocks and winning Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named as the Center for the All-NBA First Team (beating out Shaquille O'Neal) and was the runner-up for NBA Most Valuable Player, with Karl Malone winning the award. Had Mourning won MVP over Malone, he would have joined Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Miami would have a conference-best 33–17 record to claim their first-ever No. 1 seed in the NBA Playoffs. In the

neg: Tony Parker the 2011 NBA lockout. Known for his pace and high field goal percentage, Parker has been named to six NBA All-Star games, three All-NBA Second Teams, and an All-NBA Third Team. He was also the 2007 NBA Finals MVP. A severe injury to his left quadriceps tendon in Game 2 in the second round of the 2017 playoffs ended his season. While playing with the French national team, Parker was named the MVP of EuroBasket 2013, following his team's victory over Lithuania in the gold medal game. He finished as the tournament's top scorer, with an average of 19 points

neg: Big Three (San Antonio Spurs) NBA Titles during their six seasons together—in 1999 and 2003—with Duncan winning NBA Finals MVP both times. Duncan also was named NBA MVP during his final two seasons with David Robinson and was named to the All-NBA First Team in each of his six seasons. The "Twin Towers" were named Sportsman of the Year by "Sports Illustrated" in 2003. Tony Parker played two years with Paris Basket Racing prior to being selected 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2001 NBA draft. Parker began his rookie season playing as the backup point guard to Antonio Daniels, eventually become

neg: 1998 NBA All-Star Game youngest all-star in NBA history at 19 years of age, and rookie Tim Duncan. Bryant had a team-high 18 points. Michael Jordan earned MVP honors, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists despite having the flu. This was Jordan's third MVP award.The Game featured four all-stars from the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks the first All-Star game to feature both Kobe Bryant, who was the youngest player in NBA history to be in the all-star game and Michael Jordan. Jordan came out of retirement one final time in 2001 and played two more seasons (and selected

neg: 2001 NBA Playoffs Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 NBA Finals (Philadelphia won 4-0) This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning four of the first five meetings. 2001 NBA Playoffs The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000-01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the second straight year. Since 2001, the 76ers have not advanced beyond the conference semifinals. This was the 76ers' first Finals appearance since

neg: Kobe Bryant game with 15 rebounds. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award. This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Bryant said that this was the most satisfying of all of his five championships. Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total. The Lakers started the 2010–11 season by winning their first eight games. In his ninth game of the season, playing against the Denver Nuggets, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 26,000 career points. Bryant also recorded

neg: 1994 NBA Playoffs 1994 NBA Playoffs The 1994 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP. This was also the first time that the Boston Celtics since 1979, and Los Angeles Lakers since 1976, missed the playoffs and their first-ever absence since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984. This was the first time that both missed the playoffs in the same year.

neg: 2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves season 2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves season The 2002–03 NBA season was the Timberwolves' 14th season in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Timberwolves signed free agents Troy Hudson and Kendall Gill. Kevin Garnett enjoyed another great season, winning the All-Star MVP award in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, and finishing second in MVP voting to Tim Duncan. Despite losing Terrell Brandon for the entire season to a knee injury, the Timberwolves posted a 12–1 record in February and finished the season with a 51–31 record, good enough to earn the #4 seed in the Western Conference and home court advantage.

neg: 1993 NBA Finals 1993 NBA Finals The 1993 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1992–93 NBA season, featuring the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, and the Phoenix Suns, winners of 62 games and led by regular season MVP Charles Barkley. The Bulls became the first team since the legendary Boston Celtics of the 1960s to win three consecutive championship titles, clinching the "three-peat" with John Paxson's game-winning 3-pointer that gave them a 99–98 victory in Game 6. Remarkably, the road team won every game except for Chicago's win at home in Game 4. This series was aired on NBC with

neg: 2013 NBA Playoffs Pistons. This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece. This was the first playoff meeting between the Heat and the Spurs. The following records were set or tied during the playoffs: 2013 NBA Playoffs The 2013 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2012–13 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeating the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP. The Miami Heat headed into the playoffs with a

neg: 1978 NBA Finals 1978 NBA Finals The 1978 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1977–78 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The series featured the Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics against the Eastern Conference champion Washington Bullets. The Bullets defeated the SuperSonics in seven games to win the NBA championship. Bullets power forward/center Wes Unseld was named MVP of the series. Before the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 7 win at Golden State in the 2016 NBA Finals, this was the last time a road team had won Game 7 in the NBA Finals. The

neg: Michael Jordan statue All-NBA Team first team selection, NBA All-Defensive Team first team selection, and the NBA Finals MVP. After Jordan retired following the 1992–93 NBA season, Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf sought a sculptor to honor Jordan and requested that Chicago Bulls Vice President Steve Schanwald seek proposals from artists. Twelve artists made proposals. In January 1994, Schanwald hired Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Highland Park, Illinois, who erected a statue at the Bulls' new home for the 1994–95 NBA season, the United Center. Until 1994 when they both moved, the Bulls and Blackhawks had played at Chicago Stadium. While the sculpture

neg: 1980–81 Boston Celtics season 1980–81 Boston Celtics season In 1980–81 the Boston Celtics went 62-20 under coach Bill Fitch. Despite losing center Dave Cowens to retirement late in training camp, the Celtics went on to capture the 1981 NBA Championship over the Houston Rockets. The highlight was that this championship was achieved just two years after Larry Bird had been drafted. Cedric Maxwell was named NBA Finals MVP. After the 1979-80 season, Auerbach completed what may be the most lopsided trade in NBA history. Auerbach had always been a fan of stockpiling draft picks, so even after the success of 1979-80 the Celtics had

neg: 1978 NBA Playoffs 1978 NBA Playoffs The 1978 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1977-78 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Washington Bullets defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Wes Unseld was named NBA Finals MVP. To date, it remains the only NBA title that the Bullets (since renamed the Wizards) have won. It was the third NBA Finals appearance and first title for the Bullets, founded in 1961. The Sonics made the Finals for the first time in their 11-year existence. This would be the

neg: 1977 NBA Playoffs the first meeting between the Rockets and the 76ers. (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers: "Blazers win series 4–2" Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the 76ers and the Trail Blazers. 1977 NBA Playoffs The 1977 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1976–77 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. It was Portland's first (and , only) NBA title. Bill Walton was named NBA Finals MVP. Portland won the NBA

neg: 1987 NBA Playoffs 1987 NBA Playoffs The 1987 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986–87 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned their 10th NBA championship, and Magic Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP for a then-record third time. This was the last time the Celtics would appear in the NBA Finals until 2008. Boston only advanced as far as the Conference Finals twice in that stretch: losing the following year to the Detroit Pistons

neg: 1980–81 Boston Celtics season series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1980 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Boston won 4-0) 1980–81 Boston Celtics season In 1980–81 the Boston Celtics went 62-20 under coach Bill Fitch. Despite losing center Dave Cowens to retirement late in training camp, the Celtics went on to capture the 1981 NBA Championship over the Houston Rockets. The highlight was that this championship was achieved just two years after Larry Bird had been drafted. Cedric Maxwell was named NBA Finals MVP. After the 1979-80 season, Auerbach completed what may be the most lopsided trade in NBA history. Auerbach had always been a fan of stockpiling

neg: 2016–17 Golden State Warriors season win 30 road games in back-to-back seasons, joining the 1995–96 and 1996–97 Chicago Bulls. Stephen Curry set numerous three-point NBA records this season; including most three-pointers made in a single game with 13 and most consecutive games (regular-season and postseason combined) with a made three-pointer with 196. Curry also surpassed 300 three-pointers in the regular-season for the second time in NBA history; he finished with 324. Draymond Green won the Defensive Player of the Year Award at the NBA Awards, the first time a Warrior has won it. Kevin Durant won the NBA Finals MVP award, the third time a

neg: IBM Award O’Neal, Karl Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon also won NBA Most Valuable Player awards during their career; Robinson, O’Neal and Duncan won both awards in the same season. Jordan, Robinson, Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman and Dikembe Mutombo have won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award; Olajuwon is the only player to win both in the same season. Hill is the only winner of the IBM Award who did not win an NBA MVP or Defensive Player of the Year Award sometime in his career. O'Neal is the only player to win an IBM Award and an NBA title in the

neg: 1984 NBA Playoffs 1984 NBA Playoffs The 1984 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1983–84 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP. This was the first postseason allowing 16 teams to qualify, a format still in use. The first round format was also changed from best-of-3 to best-of 5. It was the first NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Lakers since 1969; they met 7 times in the Finals from

neg: Magic Johnson season MVP award. The Lakers met the Celtics for the third time in the NBA Finals, and in Game 4 Johnson hit a last-second hook shot over Celtics big men Parish and Kevin McHale to win the game 107–106. The game-winning shot, which Johnson dubbed his "junior, junior, junior sky-hook", helped Los Angeles defeat Boston in six games. Johnson was awarded his third Finals MVP title after averaging 26.2 points on .541 shooting, 13.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.33 steals per game. Before the 1987–88 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that they would defend the NBA title,

neg: 2000 NBA Finals 2000 NBA Finals The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1999–2000 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers 4 games to 2. Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series, his first of three consecutive honors. The series was played under a best-of-seven format, with the Lakers holding home court advantage. Until 2008, this was the most recent NBA Finals where both number one seeds from both conferences faced off

neg: Atlanta Hawks until one year after the player's contract with the non-NBA team ends. This list also includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams. Notes: Notes: Bold denotes still active with team. "Italic" denotes still active but not with team. Other statistics (regular season) () NBA MVP NBA Defensive Player of the Year NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Most Improved Player of the Year NBA Sixth Man of the Year NBA Coach of the Year NBA Executive of the Year NBA Sportsmanship Award J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team All-NBA Third Team