theScore
Rockets go back-to-back 🚀
Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to their only NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. However, Houston captured those titles in between the Bulls' pair of three-peats during Michael Jordan's first retirement.
Bill Baptist / Getty
If the Bulls were whole, we would have won ... When Michael (Jordan) played, we won the championship.
- Chicago head coach Phil Jackson
(Houston Chronicle)
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Lakers' bubble title 🫧
A shortened NBA season and quarantined restart without fans were among the unusual circumstances teams dealt with that have led some people to question the legitimacy of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 title.
Garrett Ellwood / Getty
That was the hardest championship to win ... it's you, your thoughts in one room boxed in.
- Heat center Bam Adebayo on playing in the 2020 NBA bubble at Walt Disney World
(The OGs podcast)
Garrett Ellwood / Getty
2002 West Finals 🤔
Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy alleged that Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference finals between the Lakers and Kings was fixed by his former colleagues in the NBA's interest to extend the series. Donaghy's claims were never proven, but the foul discrepancy helped Los Angeles force Game 7.
John W. McDonough / Getty
Los Angeles shot 27 free throws in the fourth quarter compared with 25 for Sacramento over the entire game. The Lakers went on to complete a three-peat, while the Kings are still searching for their first NBA championship since 1951.
Jed Jacobsohn / Getty
Iggy wins Finals MVP over Steph 🏆
Andre Iguodala's two-way play earned him the 2015 Finals MVP award over LeBron James by a 7-4 vote. Warriors teammate Stephen Curry shockingly received no votes despite averaging 26 points - nearly 10 more than Iguodala - 6.3 assists, and 5.2 boards in the series.
Jesse D. Garrabrant / Getty
I think it was well-deserved. I just made the most of the opportunity. The scheme was set up for me to beat (James).
- Iguodala on receiving 2015 Finals MVP honors
(The Athletic)
Jesse D. Garrabrant / Getty