In the storied history of the NBA Finals, few achievements stand out quite like the elusive sweep—a complete and utter domination of an opponent on the grandest stage. When a team manages to win four straight games against their Finals foe, it’s a testament to their unrivaled skill, unwavering focus, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into some of the most epic sweeps in NBA Finals history, from the Warriors’ recent dynasty to the Celtics’ early years of supremacy.
The Warriors’ Dynasty: Sweeping Their Way to Greatness
In the late 2010s, the Golden State Warriors established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Led by the sharpshooting prowess of Stephen Curry, the versatile brilliance of Kevin Durant, and a supporting cast of All-Stars, the Warriors reached the Finals in five consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2019.
Their crowning achievement came in the 2017 and 2018 Finals, where they swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back years. In 2017, Durant claimed his first Finals MVP award, averaging a staggering 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. The following year, he repeated the feat, solidifying the Warriors’ place in the annals of NBA history.
The Spurs’ Sweep: A Quiet Dynasty Makes Its Mark
In the mid-2000s, the San Antonio Spurs were the epitome of consistency and excellence. With the legendary trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili at the helm, the Spurs reached the Finals in 2007, facing a young LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“We just played our game, and that was the key,” Parker said after the Spurs completed the sweep. “We didn’t try to do too much, we just played Spurs basketball.”
Tony Parker, 2007 Finals MVP
The Spurs’ brand of basketball proved too much for the Cavaliers, as they won the series in a clean sweep. Parker claimed Finals MVP honors, averaging 24.5 points and 5.0 assists per game in the series.
The Lakers’ Dynasty: Shaq and Kobe’s Unstoppable Force
In the early 2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers were an unstoppable force, powered by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. In 2002, they reached the Finals for the third straight year, facing off against the New Jersey Nets.
The Lakers made quick work of the Nets, sweeping them in four games. O’Neal was named Finals MVP, averaging a monstrous 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in the series. Bryant, not to be outdone, averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
The Rockets’ Repeat: Hakeem’s Domination
In 1995, the Houston Rockets were on a mission to defend their NBA championship. Led by the incomparable Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets reached the Finals, squaring off against a young Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic.
Olajuwon put on a clinic, averaging 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game as the Rockets swept the Magic. His performance earned him Finals MVP honors and cemented his place as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
The Pistons’ Upset: Dethroning the Lakers
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons were underdogs heading into the Finals against the mighty Los Angeles Lakers. But with a gritty, physical style of play and the leadership of Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, the Pistons shocked the basketball world.
Detroit swept the Lakers in four games, with Dumars earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 27.3 points per game in the series. The Pistons’ victory marked the end of the Lakers’ dynasty and the beginning of the “Bad Boys” era in Detroit.
The Sixers’ Sweep: Moses Malone’s Prophecy Fulfilled
In 1983, Moses Malone famously predicted that the Philadelphia 76ers would win the championship, boldly proclaiming, “Fo’, fo’, fo’,” suggesting that the Sixers would sweep all three rounds of the playoffs.
While the Sixers didn’t quite achieve that feat, they did sweep the Lakers in the Finals. Malone was named Finals MVP, averaging 25.8 points and 18.0 rebounds per game in the series, making good on his promise and delivering Philadelphia its first championship since 1967.
The Warriors’ Sweep: Rick Barry’s Brilliance
In 1975, the Golden State Warriors reached the Finals, led by the scoring prowess of Rick Barry. Facing the heavily favored Washington Bullets, the Warriors pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in NBA history.
Golden State swept the Bullets in four games, with Barry earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 29.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the series. The Warriors’ victory marked the first championship for the franchise since relocating to the Bay Area.
The Bucks’ Sweep: Kareem’s Dominance
In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks were a young, up-and-coming team led by the incomparable Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor). Facing the Baltimore Bullets in the Finals, the Bucks made quick work of their opponents.
Milwaukee swept the Bullets in four games, with Abdul-Jabbar earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 27.0 points and 18.5 rebounds per game in the series. The Bucks’ victory marked the first championship for the franchise and the beginning of Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary career.
The Celtics’ Early Dominance: Setting the Standard
In the early years of the NBA, the Boston Celtics set the standard for excellence. Led by the legendary duo of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, the Celtics reached the Finals in 1959, facing the Minneapolis Lakers.
Boston swept the Lakers in four games, with Russell averaging 29.5 rebounds per game in the series. The Celtics’ victory marked the beginning of a dynasty that would go on to win 11 championships in 13 seasons.
The Legacy of NBA Finals Sweeps
While sweeps in the NBA Finals are relatively rare, they serve as a testament to the dominance and greatness of the teams that achieve them. From the Warriors’ recent dynasty to the Celtics’ early years of supremacy, these sweeps have left an indelible mark on the history of the game.
As we look back on these epic performances, we can’t help but marvel at the skill, determination, and sheer brilliance of the players and teams that made them happen. These sweeps are a reminder of the incredible feats that are possible when talent, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of greatness come together on the biggest stage in basketball.
