Fansided

Ranking every NBA Champion from No. 72 to No. 1 — The Definitive List

By Staff

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CA – JUNE 12: Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls celebrates after winning Game Five of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 12, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 to win the NBA Championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA – JUNE 12: Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls celebrates after winning Game Five of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 12, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 to win the NBA Championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

26. 1990-91 Chicago Bulls

The first of Michael Jordan’s six-titles was defined by catharsis. With Phil Jackson at the helm for his second season, the Bulls set a franchise record for regular-season wins, with 61, and cruised to the No. 1 seed with Michael Jordan taking his fifth consecutive scoring title and second MVP. However, after dropping just one game in the first two rounds against the Knicks and 76ers, Chicago found themselves matched up with the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit had eliminated them from the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, representing the East in the Finals all three times and taking home two titles.

Physically, psychologically and metaphorically, the Pistons were the last obstacle between Jordan and a title and he absolutely dismantled them in 1991. Jordan averaged 29.3 points, 7.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game, shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 60 percent on 3-pointers as the Bulls swept the familiar foe. The Finals was just a formality and Jordan and his Bulls finished the Lakers in five to open their dynasty.

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