Will the NBA’s Next Defining Team Emerge in These Playoffs?

Getty Images/Ringer illustration The NBA has had five different champions in the past five years. Another new winner this year would make six in six—tying the longest streak in league history. Are dynasties dead? And what will this year's title race tell us about the state of the NBA? More than any other major American sports league, the NBA is defined by its dynasties. A timeline of NBA history could be structured like that of a real-world imperial civilization: Mikan Dynasty, Russell Dynasty, Warring States period (Magic vs. Bird), Jordan Dynasty, and so on. In every decade except the 1970s, at least one team won three championships: 1950s Lakers: 5 Finals, 4 titles (plus 1949 title) 1960s Celtics: 9 Finals, 9 titles (plus 1959 title) 1980s Lakers: 8 Finals, 5 titles 1980s Celtics: 5 Finals, 3 titles 1990s Bulls: 6 Finals, 6 titles 2000s Lakers: 6 Finals, 4 titles (plus 2010 title) 2000s Spurs: 3 Finals, 3 titles (plus 1999 title) 2010s Warriors: 5 Finals, 3 titles 2010s LeBron's teams: 8 Finals, 3 titles (plus 2020 title) (Perhaps including "LeBron's teams" for the 2010s is cheating—but his extended combined run with the Heat and Cavaliers undoubtedly made him a defining...