NBA Finals Sweeps: A Look Back at History
Sweeps in the NBA Finals are a rare occurrence, but they have happened throughout the league’s history. In this article, we’ll take a journey through some of the most notable matchups that ended in a sweep.
Recent Sweeps
One of the most recent sweeps in the NBA Finals was in 2018, when the Golden State Warriors took down the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. Kevin Durant was named Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. LeBron James led the playoffs in scoring with 591 points, while Kevin Love topped the rebounding charts with 191 boards.
A Decade of Dominance
The 2000s saw two sweeps in the NBA Finals. In 2007, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Tony Parker taking home Finals MVP honors. The Spurs’ Tim Duncan led the playoffs in rebounding with 229 boards, while LeBron James paced the scoring charts with 501 points.
Lakers’ Dominance
The Los Angeles Lakers were the dominant force in the early 2000s, sweeping the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 NBA Finals. Shaquille O’Neal was unstoppable, earning Finals MVP honors and leading the playoffs in scoring and rebounding.
Rockets’ Repeat
The Houston Rockets repeated as NBA champions in 1995, sweeping the Orlando Magic in the Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named Finals MVP for the second straight year, averaging 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
Pistons’ Upset
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons pulled off a major upset, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Joe Dumars was named Finals MVP, while Dennis Rodman led the playoffs in rebounding with 170 boards.
76ers’ Championship
The Philadelphia 76ers won their first NBA championship in 1983, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. Moses Malone was named Finals MVP, averaging 25.8 points and 18.0 rebounds per game.
Warriors’ Title
The Golden State Warriors won their first NBA championship in 1975, sweeping the Washington Bullets in the Finals. Rick Barry was named Finals MVP, averaging 29.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Bucks’ Dominance
The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Finals, sweeping the series 4-0. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named Finals MVP, averaging 27.0 points and 18.5 rebounds per game.
Celtics’ Championship
The Boston Celtics won their first NBA championship in 1959, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers in the Finals. Bill Russell led the playoffs in rebounding with 305 boards, while Bob Cousy paced the scoring charts with 119 points.
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