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

Natalie Brooks

7 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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The 1970s & 1980s: A Look at the Supporting Cast of Championship Teams

This era was dominated by two powerhouses: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry defined the decade, and understanding their supporting casts is key to understanding their success.

The Lakers Dynasty and Their Key Contributors:

The Lakers' dominance in the 70s and 80s, largely fueled by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was built on a strong supporting cast. While Kareem consistently led the scoring, his second-leading scorers provided crucial offensive and defensive firepower.

• Jamaal Wilkes (1970s): A key part of the Showtime era, Wilkes' smooth scoring ability complemented Kareem perfectly. His reliable contributions off the bench made him a vital part of multiple championship teams.
• Magic Johnson (1980s): While Magic eventually became the Lakers' primary scorer alongside Kareem, during their early championship runs, he frequently acted as the second-leading scorer, showcasing his versatility and leadership. His all-around game was invaluable to the team's success.

These players, along with others, provided the supporting roles necessary for the Lakers to achieve sustained success in the NBA Finals. Their contributions highlight the importance of a deep and talented roster in championship contention. Analyzing their second-leading scorer stats reveals a consistent trend: reliable scoring options beyond the superstar.

The Celtics' Rivals and Their Unsung Heroes:

The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, provided a formidable challenge to the Lakers' dominance. Their rivalry captivated fans, and their success was similarly rooted in strong supporting casts.

• Kevin McHale: Known for his devastating inside scoring and crucial rebounding, McHale was consistently a key part of Larry Bird's supporting cast, consistently ranking as a top scorer on those championship teams. His presence on the court brought a unique balance to the team’s offense.
• Robert Parish: The "Chief" provided a defensive presence and consistent scoring, often filling the second-leading scorer role in pivotal games. His longevity and calm demeanor made him a vital part of the Celtics' championship DNA.

Analyzing the second-leading scorers for the Celtics reveals a similar pattern: consistent, reliable players who complemented Bird's scoring prowess. Their supporting roles were integral to the team’s success in the NBA Finals.

Other Champions of the Era and Their Second-Leading Scorers:

While the Lakers and Celtics dominated, other teams also etched their names in history. The Philadelphia 76ers, for instance, with Julius Erving, and later, the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan's early years had their own set of second-leading scorers contributing to their championship runs. Examining these teams further enriches our understanding of what it takes to win an NBA title. Finding out who played the supporting roles in these less-discussed championship runs will paint a clearer picture of the 1970s NBA and 1980s NBA.

The 1990s & 2000s: The Rise of New Dynasties and Their Supporting Players

This era saw the rise of new dynasties and the continuation of some classic rivalries. The second-leading scorer in each team's championship runs played a crucial role.

The Chicago Bulls' Dynasty and Michael Jordan's Supporting Cast:

The Chicago Bulls' six championships during the 1990s were largely driven by Michael Jordan's unparalleled scoring ability. However, Scottie Pippen's consistent presence as the second-leading scorer is often overlooked.

• Scottie Pippen's Impact: Pippen's all-around game – defense, scoring, and playmaking – was crucial to the Bulls’ success. He frequently held the second-leading scorer spot, easing the scoring burden on Jordan while adding another scoring threat for defenses to account for. His contribution to their NBA Finals success is immeasurable.

Pippen's role demonstrates the importance of a high-level second-leading scorer in a championship-caliber team. His consistency was a key element of the Bulls' dominance.

The Lakers' Return to Glory and Their Key Players:

The Lakers' return to championship glory in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the pairing of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant was another example of a strong supporting cast's contribution.

• Kobe Bryant's Rise: While O'Neal was often the leading scorer, Kobe Bryant frequently filled the second-leading scorer position, refining his skills and growing into the future superstar. This showcases the trajectory of players who eventually become the top scorers.

This highlights the benefit of having another highly capable scorer capable of taking over when needed. Their consistent presence among the top scorers was essential for their NBA Finals victories.

Other Notable Championship Teams and Their Second-Leading Scorers:

The San Antonio Spurs' success under Tim Duncan exemplifies another team that had a strong supporting cast. The consistent presence of players contributing to their NBA Finals victories cemented their place as a dynasty. Analyzing their second-leading scorer in those years allows us to see the importance of their depth.

Analyzing these teams and their second-leading scorer roles allows us to draw conclusions about the significance of consistent scoring across the roster.

The 2010s & 2020s: Modern NBA Champions and Their Key Supporting Roles

The modern NBA continues the trend of championship teams relying on strong supporting casts.

The Golden State Warriors' Dynasty and Their Supporting Players:

The Golden State Warriors' dynasty, led by Stephen Curry, showcased the power of a balanced attack. While Curry often led the scoring, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green consistently provided crucial contributions. Their consistent presence as second-leading scorers in many games contributed significantly to the Warriors' success.

• Klay Thompson's Reliable Scoring: Thompson's exceptional shooting ability often placed him in the second-leading scorer position, making him a vital part of the Warriors' offensive arsenal.
• Draymond Green's All-Around Game: Green's contributions extend beyond scoring, but his consistent presence on the court, adding both scoring and defensive strength, frequently gave him the second-leading scorer title during several games of those championship runs.

Their contributions highlight the importance of a well-rounded team – a team that relies on multiple scoring threats. This highlights the evolution of team basketball in the modern NBA.

The Toronto Raptors' Historic Championship Run:

The Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship victory was a testament to the importance of a cohesive team effort. Kawhi Leonard's leadership was critical, but his supporting cast played a significant role. Their consistently high scoring demonstrated the depth of the team.

• Identifying the #2 Scorer: Analyzing the second-leading scorer for the Raptors during the playoffs of that championship year shows the crucial role they played in the overall success of the team.

Recent Champions and Their Second-Leading Scorers:

The recent champions, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, have also showcased the importance of strong supporting casts and consistently high scoring from their top players. Analyzing the second-leading scorer across these teams helps solidify the importance of this key team role.

This demonstrates the modern NBA's focus on team basketball and balanced scoring.

Conclusion:

This deep dive into the second-leading scorers for every NBA champion since 1977 reveals a fascinating aspect of championship basketball: the crucial contributions of players beyond the superstar. While the top scorers often steal the spotlight, these second-leading scorers played indispensable roles, showcasing the true team effort required to win an NBA championship. So, how did you do? Test your knowledge again with our quiz [link to quiz or further content] and keep exploring the rich history of the NBA by researching other key players who helped their teams win championships! Remember, understanding the complete picture involves looking beyond the top scorer – every championship team relies on a strong supporting cast!