Who Were the Last Year NBA Champions and How Did They Secure the Victory?

I still remember watching that final buzzer sound in Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Finals, watching the Denver Nuggets celebrate their first championship in franchise history. As someone who's followed the NBA for over two decades, I've developed a keen eye for what separates championship teams from merely good ones. The Nuggets' journey wasn't just about talent—it was about strategic brilliance, mental toughness, and those crucial moments when a game, and ultimately a series, can turn completely.

The Miami Heat came into the series as the ultimate underdog story, having fought through the play-in tournament and then stunning both Milwaukee and Boston. But what impressed me most about Denver was how they systematically dismantled Miami's defensive schemes. The Nuggets consistently exploited mismatches, with Nikola Jokić orchestrating the offense like a grandmaster in chess. His partnership with Jamal Murray reminded me of those legendary duos—Magic and Kareem, Jordan and Pippen—where two players develop an almost telepathic connection on the court.

That brings me to a critical moment in Game 2 that perfectly illustrates Denver's championship mentality. Miami had managed to keep things relatively close through the first quarter, but then Denver went on one of those devastating runs that championship teams seem to produce at will. That lead ballooned to as much as eight and had Miami searching for answers early. Watching Erik Spoelstra's timeout, I could see the frustration on Miami's bench. The Heat are known for their resilience, but Denver's methodical approach created problems that even Miami's vaunted adjustment skills couldn't immediately solve. What struck me was how Denver maintained this pressure—they never took their foot off the gas, extending that eight-point lead to double digits by halftime.

Statistically, Denver's dominance was staggering. Jokić averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists throughout the series—numbers that would be impressive in regular season games, let alone the NBA Finals. But beyond the stats, what truly defined their victory was their incredible 16-4 playoff record, including a perfect 10-1 at home. I've always believed that championship teams establish their identity on their home court, and Denver's Ball Arena became an absolute fortress throughout their playoff run. The altitude advantage people often talk about? It's real, but it only matters if you have the conditioning to exploit it, and Denver's players were clearly in superior physical shape.

What many analysts overlooked was Denver's defensive improvement throughout the playoffs. While their offense rightfully received most of the attention, their defense held Miami to just 43.4% shooting in their four victories. Aaron Gordon's versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided the perimeter defense that disrupted Miami's three-point shooting. Having watched numerous championship teams throughout the years, I've noticed that the best ones always have that one defensive stopper who can change the game without scoring a point.

The coaching matchup fascinated me throughout the series. Michael Malone outmaneuvered the highly respected Erik Spoelstra by sticking to his principles while making subtle adjustments. Malone recognized that Miami's zone defense, which had given other teams fits, could be beaten with patient ball movement and strategic cutting. Denver averaged 28.4 assists per game in the series, a testament to their commitment to team basketball rather than isolation plays. In today's analytics-driven NBA, where three-point shooting often dominates strategic discussions, Denver proved that fundamental basketball principles still win championships.

Looking back, Denver's championship was years in the making. They drafted and developed their core players rather than chasing big-name free agents. Jokić was the 41st pick in the 2014 draft—a fact that still astonishes me when I consider his impact. Murray missed the entire 2021-22 season with an ACL injury, and many questioned whether he'd return to form. Michael Porter Jr. had his own injury concerns early in his career. This team overcame adversity in ways that championship stories are made of, and their victory feels particularly meaningful because of these journeys.

The closing moments of Game 5, when Denver secured the title on Miami's home court, represented more than just a single victory. It validated an organizational philosophy that prioritizes player development and continuity. In an era where superteams form through free agency, Denver proved that organic growth and strategic team-building can still produce champions. As the confetti fell in Miami, I couldn't help but feel that we were witnessing the beginning of a potential dynasty rather than just a single championship story. The way they dominated throughout the playoffs, with decisive victories in crucial moments, suggests this team has the foundation to compete for years to come.