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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BOSTON, MA – 1964: Sam Jones #24 of the Boston Celtics goes to the basket against the San Francisco Warriors circa 1964 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 1964 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – 1964: Sam Jones #24 of the Boston Celtics goes to the basket against the San Francisco Warriors circa 1964 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 1964 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

56. 1962-63 Boston Celtics

By the 1962-63 season, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers were the greatest scoring duo in the history of the NBA. The previous year, each averaged more than 30 points and in this season, they combined to average 61 between them. In the NBA Finals against the Celtics, Baylor and West scored at least 30 points in five of the six games.

Where the Lakers couldn’t match the Celtics was in depth and playing just enough defense to make it work. Led by Bill Russell and Bob Cousy (who retired after the Finals), Boston made the Lakers pay for every missed opportunity. It became thematic for the Lakers, who lost to Boston six times in the NBA Finals in the 1950s ad 1960s.

55. 1963-64 Boston Celtics

Although the Celtics of the 1960s are defined by center Bill Russell and his domineering presence, there were significant changes along the way with the supporting cast. Specifically, this was the first Celtics championship team without Bob Cousy at point guard. Cousy retired after the previous season. In addition, Tommy Heinsohn’s run as the team’s best scorer was fading.

Of course, coach and top executive Red Auerbach had answers in place. Guard Sam Jones and forward John Havlicek stepped up as the top two scorers on the team. Jones started a run of six straight years in which he averaged at least 19 a game and Havlicek averaged at least 18 over the next 12 years to keep the dynasty humming.

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