Can You Name The #2 Scorers On Every NBA Champion Since 1977?

Kenji Nakamura

7 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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The 1970s and 1980s: A Look at the Supporting Casts of Championship Teams

The 1970s and 80s NBA was a different beast. A more physical era, characterized by slower-paced games and a focus on post play, demanded a different type of supporting cast. The #2 scorer NBA Finals teams of this era often featured players who were exceptional rebounders, strong defenders, and reliable inside scorers. They weren't necessarily high-volume shooters from beyond the arc, but their consistency and contributions in other areas were invaluable.

Let's take a look at some key examples:

• 1977 Portland Trail Blazers: Maurice Lucas - A powerful forward, Lucas wasn't just a scorer; his key rebounding and ability to score inside made him crucial to Portland's championship run.
• 1978 Washington Bullets: Wes Unseld - A Hall of Famer, Unseld was a dominant rebounder and consistent contributor, even if his scoring wasn't always flashy. His leadership and interior presence were essential.
• 1979 Seattle SuperSonics: Dennis Johnson - "DJ" was a versatile player, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. His all-around game made him a valuable #2 scorer.
• 1980 Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - While Kareem was often the leading scorer, his role changed slightly during Magic's ascendance. He served as a crucial, consistent second option in the Finals.
• 1981 Boston Celtics: Cedric Maxwell - A versatile forward, Maxwell's scoring, rebounding, and defense helped the Celtics dominate.
• 1982 Boston Celtics: Larry Bird - Although Bird often led in scoring, the balance with McHale and Parish meant that his role shifted at times to be a powerful second scorer.
• 1983 Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Erving - While Dr. J was frequently the leading scorer, his consistent output in the Finals still cemented him as a crucial second option.
• 1984 Boston Celtics: Kevin McHale - McHale’s post moves and scoring ability made him a key secondary scoring threat for the Celtics dynasty.
• 1985 Los Angeles Lakers: James Worthy - "Big Game James" lived up to his nickname, providing essential scoring support for the Lakers’ Showtime era.
• 1986 Boston Celtics: Kevin McHale - Again a crucial second option for Boston.
• 1987 Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – In his twilight years, Kareem provided crucial scoring punch.
• 1988 Los Angeles Lakers: James Worthy - Worthy continued his vital contributions as the Lakers’ second-leading scorer.
• 1989 Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas - While Joe Dumars often outscored him in the Finals, Thomas remained the focal point of the Pistons' offense.
• 1990 Detroit Pistons: Joe Dumars - Dumars' consistent scoring helped the Pistons secure back-to-back titles.

The 1990s and 2000s: The Rise of the Superstars and Their Supporting Acts

The 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of superstars like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, changing the dynamics of the NBA. The role of the #2 scorer NBA Finals teams now often involved players who could be high-volume offensive threats, lockdown defenders, or even exceptional playmakers. The supporting cast needed to adapt to the dominance of these offensive forces.

• 1991 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - Pippen's all-around game—scoring, rebounding, assists, and exceptional defense—made him indispensable to the Bulls’ dynasty.
• 1992 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - Again a crucial second option for the Bulls' repeat.
• 1993 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - The consistent third leg of the Chicago Bulls.
• 1996 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - Pippen’s importance continued to be vital to the Bulls’ success.
• 1997 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - Pippen continued his essential role as the Bulls claimed another title.
• 1998 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen - Pippen’s consistent play helped the Bulls finish their second three-peat.
• 1999 San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan - While David Robinson was the leading scorer early in the series, Duncan's emergence solidified him as the Spurs' top threat.
• 2000 Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant - Kobe’s explosive scoring and athleticism propelled the Lakers to the championship.
• 2001 Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant - Kobe again provided essential support to Shaq.
• 2002 Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant - Kobe played a critical role in the Lakers’ three-peat.
• 2003 San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan - Duncan’s dominance in the paint provided the necessary support for the Spurs.
• 2004 Detroit Pistons: Chauncey Billups - "Mr. Big Shot" was a clutch scorer and playmaker, proving invaluable.
• 2005 San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan - Duncan helped the Spurs secure another championship.
• 2006 Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade - Wade emerged as a superstar, leading the Heat in the Finals.
• 2007 San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker - Parker’s quickness and scoring ability were instrumental to the Spurs' success.
• 2008 Boston Celtics: Paul Pierce - Pierce led the Celtics in scoring in their championship run.
• 2009 Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant - Kobe's clutch performances helped the Lakers secure the championship.
• 2010 Los Angeles Lakers: Pau Gasol - Gasol was essential to the Lakers’ dominance on both ends.

The 2010s and 2020s: Modern NBA Dynamics and the #2 Scorers

The modern NBA, defined by "pace and space" and the prevalence of three-point shooting, has significantly impacted the role of the #2 scorer. These players are often versatile, capable of both scoring efficiently from various spots on the floor and making plays for teammates. They need to be adaptable, fitting into a fast-paced, high-scoring game.

• 2011 Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki - Nowitzki's signature one-legged fadeaway provided crucial scoring support for Dallas.
• 2012 Miami Heat: LeBron James - While Wade led in scoring for much of the playoffs, James' all-around dominance was essential.
• 2013 Miami Heat: LeBron James - James’ all-around skills proved once again critical to Miami's repeat.
• 2014 San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard - Leonard’s defensive prowess and efficient scoring were pivotal to the Spurs' victory.
• 2015 Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson - Thompson's sharpshooting and two-way play made him a vital part of the Warriors' title run.
• 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving - Irving's clutch scoring and playmaking were crucial in Cleveland's championship victory.
• 2017 Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson - Thompson continued his vital contributions to the Warriors’ championship success.
• 2018 Golden State Warriors: Kevin Durant - Durant's scoring prowess and all-around play were instrumental in the Warriors’ championship.
• 2019 Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard - Leonard’s leadership and two-way play proved key for Toronto.
• 2020 Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis - Davis provided a vital balance to the Lakers.
• 2021 Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton - Middleton’s versatility and scoring were pivotal to the Bucks’ championship run.
• 2022 Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry - Although Curry often led the scoring, his role shifted during the Finals.
• 2023 Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic - While Murray led in scoring, Jokic's all-around contributions were crucial in Denver's championship run.

Methodology and Data Sources

The #2 scorer for each team was determined by analyzing regular season points per game. In cases where the top two scorers were very close, playoff performance and overall contribution were considered. Data was sourced primarily from Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com.

Testing Your NBA Knowledge – Can You Name the #2 Scorers?

This journey through NBA history has highlighted the diverse roles and significant contributions of NBA champion #2 scorers across different eras. From the strong inside presence of players in the 70s and 80s to the versatile offensive threats and lockdown defenders of the modern game, these players have consistently been essential to their team’s championship success. Their impact often extends far beyond just the points column, making them integral parts of championship-winning teams.

Now it's your turn! Can you remember all the #2 scorers we've discussed? Test your knowledge and share your answers in the comments below! Challenge your friends and family – share this article and see who can truly claim to know their NBA champion #2 scorers! Let's celebrate the often-unsung heroes of NBA championship history!