When talking about the top NBA teams of the 2020s, one can’t miss mentioning the Los Angeles Lakers. With their 17th NBA championship win in the 2019-2020 season, they solidified their place as one of the best teams of the decade. This win was crucial as they were led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the most dominant players in the league. The games in the Orlando bubble, especially, stood out — who can forget LeBron’s incredible performance, averaging nearly 30 points per game in the Finals? This championship run also saw LeBron becoming the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP with three different franchises, a remarkable feat that quantifies his impact and legacy.
Milwaukee Bucks also deserve their spot among the elite. After nearly five decades, they clinched the NBA title in the 2020-2021 season, largely on the back of their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis, often referred to as the ‘Greek Freak’, put up stellar numbers, such as scoring 50 points in the clinching Game 6 of the Finals against the Phoenix Suns. This sheer dominance also earned him the Finals MVP, adding to his back-to-back regular-season MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. Milwaukee’s success can be attributed in part to their efficiency on both ends of the floor, with one of the league’s best defensive ratings during their championship run.
The Golden State Warriors entered the 2020s as a team seeking redemption. After their dynastic run in the mid-2010s, injuries derailed their momentum. Klay Thompson’s absence for two consecutive seasons due to injuries significantly impacted their performance. However, 2022 saw them bounce back remarkably, with Stephen Curry leading the charge. His exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities saw the Warriors not just returning to the playoffs but winning another title, their fourth in the last eight years. Curry’s sensational form and the team’s commitment to their system speak volumes about their capability and expertise.
Another team worth mentioning is the Phoenix Suns. Despite not winning a championship in the 2020s, the Suns made a statement with their return to prominence. In the 2020-2021 season, they reached the NBA Finals under the leadership of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. This dynamic duo brought life back into the Suns’ franchise. Chris Paul’s ability to efficiently orchestrate the offense and Booker’s scoring prowess made them formidable opponents. Their deep playoff run showcased their resilience and potential to contend in future seasons.
Brooklyn Nets also created waves with their star-studded roster. Acquiring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden formed one of the most potent offensive trios in NBA history. Though injuries and other challenges have kept them from capturing an NBA title, their regular-season performances were electrifying. Kevin Durant’s historical performance during the 2021 playoffs, especially his 49-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist game against the Bucks, exemplified his elite status in the league. Brooklyn’s strategic moves and high-caliber roster ensure they are always in the conversation among top teams.
The Miami Heat, under the leadership of Jimmy Butler, demonstrated how resilience and tactical prowess can compete against sheer star power. Butler’s performance in the 2020 playoffs was a testament to his dedication and work ethic, notably during their Finals run where they faced the Lakers. Butler’s 40-point triple-double in Game 3 of the Finals was one of the most memorable individual performances in recent playoff history and highlighted Miami’s competitive spirit, transforming them into a feared competitor in the East.
Lastly, I’ve got to talk about the Denver Nuggets, led by the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic. His unique skill set as a center with exceptional passing and scoring ability makes him a standout player. Jokic’s influence goes beyond just numbers, but let’s not ignore them: he averaged a triple-double for the 2020-2021 season and led his team deep into the playoffs. Denver’s strategic build around Jokic exemplifies how crucial a well-rounded, diplomatically assembled team can be in contending for an NBA title.
For anyone keeping track of NBA trends and betting, these teams have shown the qualities of true competitors in the 2020s. The blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents across these rosters ensures exciting, competitive basketball for years to come. Need more insights? Check out arena plus for an in-depth look at NBA stats and trends.