NBA teams

The NBA in the 2000s: Teams That Dominated

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been one of the most popular American professional sports leagues for decades. The 2000s was one of the most exciting eras in NBA history, with some of the greatest players of all time competing for championships. Many teams had dominant runs throughout the decade, and some of these dynasties are still remembered fondly by fans today. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most successful teams of the 2000s and the players who made them so great.

The Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were undoubtedly the most successful team of the 2000s, winning three championships in the span of five years. Led by superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers were a force to be reckoned with throughout the decade.

The Lakers’ first championship of the 2000s came in 2000, when they defeated the Indiana Pacers in six games. This team was led by O’Neal, who averaged 38 points and 16 rebounds per game in the finals. Bryant was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 28 points in the series.

The Lakers would go on to win two more championships in 2002 and 2004, with Bryant and O’Neal leading the way. O’Neal was named MVP of the Finals in both years, and Bryant was named an All-Star in every season from 2000-2004.

The San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs were the team of the 2000s, winning four championships in the decade. Led by legendary duo Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, the Spurs dominated the Western Conference and were one of the best teams in the NBA.

The Spurs won their first championship of the 2000s in 2003, when they defeated the New Jersey Nets in six games. Duncan was the star of the series, averaging 24.2 points, 17 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He was named MVP of the Finals, and Parker was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

The Spurs would go on to win three more championships in 2005, 2007, and 2014. Duncan was named MVP of the Finals in each of these championships, and Parker was an All-Star in every season from 2005-2014.

The Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons were one of the most successful teams of the 2000s, winning a championship in 2004. Led by star point guard Chauncey Billups and head coach Larry Brown, the Pistons were a defensive powerhouse that won over the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.

The Pistons defeated the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 Finals in five games. Billups was named MVP of the series, averaging 21 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Brown was also named Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

The Pistons were a dominant team throughout the decade, making the playoffs in every season from 2000-2009. They were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, leading the league in defensive rating in six of those seasons.

The Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics were another successful team of the 2000s, winning a championship in 2008. Led by the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics were a dominant force in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics’ championship run was one of the most impressive in NBA history. They finished the regular season with the best record in the league, and they defeated the Lakers in six games in the Finals. Pierce was named MVP of the series, averaging 21 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

The Celtics were a force to be reckoned with throughout the decade, making the playoffs in every season from 2000-2009. They were one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, leading the league in offensive rating in four of those seasons.

The Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks were one of the most successful teams of the 2000s, winning a championship in 2011. Led by star forward Dirk Nowitzki and head coach Rick Carlisle, the Mavericks were a perennial playoff team that finally broke through to win a title.

The Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games in the 2011 Finals. Nowitzki was the star of the series, averaging 26 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was named MVP of the Finals, and Carlisle was named Coach of the Year for the first time in his career.

The Mavericks were a consistent playoff team throughout the decade, making the playoffs in every season from 2000-2012. They were also one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, leading the league in offensive rating in four of those seasons.

Conclusion

The 2000s was one of the most exciting eras in NBA history, with many teams having dominant runs throughout the decade. The Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks were some of the most successful teams of the decade, and these teams are still remembered fondly by fans today. Each of these teams had star players and coaches that made them so great, and they will be remembered for years to come.