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

Luna Greco

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Post on May 16, 2025

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The 1970s and 1980s: A Look at the Second-Leading Scorers of Early NBA Dynasties

The 1970s and 80s saw the rise of legendary teams and players. While the top scorers often grab the headlines, the #2 scorers were instrumental in securing those championships. Let's revisit some key moments:

1977-1979 Portland Trail Blazers:

• #2 Scorer: Maurice Lucas
• Brief Stats: Averaged around 18 points and 9 rebounds during the championship runs.
• Impact: Lucas's consistent scoring and rebounding provided crucial support to Bill Walton, forming a formidable frontcourt duo that powered the Blazers to victory. His defensive prowess was equally important.

The Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty (1980s):

The Showtime Lakers boasted an incredible roster. Their second-leading scorers during their championship years showcased the team's impressive depth.

• 1980: Jamaal Wilkes - Key contributor with his smooth offensive game.
• 1982: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Interestingly, in some years, the top scorer changed, making the second-leading scorer a key player).
• 1985, 1987, 1988: James Worthy – "Big Game James" consistently delivered in the playoffs, providing essential scoring punch.

Their consistent performance alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar highlights the importance of a strong supporting cast in building a dynasty. The top two scorers often complemented each other, showcasing the Lakers' balanced offensive attack.

The Boston Celtics' Resurgence (late 1970s-early 1980s):

The Celtics, led by Larry Bird, also relied on strong second-leading scorers.

• Early 1980s: Cedric Maxwell and Robert Parish – These two provided essential scoring and rebounding support to Bird's dominance.

Their contributions solidified the Celtics' status as a dominant force in the NBA, demonstrating the impact of a well-rounded team even when a single superstar lead.

The 1990s: The Rise of Jordan and Other Contenders and Their #2 Scorers

The 1990s were defined by Michael Jordan's dominance, but the supporting casts of championship teams played crucial roles.

The Chicago Bulls' Reign:

The Bulls' three-peats and subsequent championships heavily relied on the consistent performance of their second-leading scorers.

• Early 90s: Scottie Pippen – Pippen’s all-around excellence perfectly complemented Jordan's scoring prowess.
• Later 90s: Toni Kukoc - Provided additional scoring options and versatility that made the Bulls so difficult to defend.

The impact of their consistent contribution to the Bulls' offensive strategy cannot be overstated.

The Houston Rockets' Unexpected Victories:

The Rockets' two championships in the mid-90s were arguably upsets. Their success rested on a team effort, with crucial contributions from their #2 scorers.

• 1994-1995: Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon – The pairing of Drexler and Olajuwon presented a diverse offensive threat.

These players' ability to contribute consistently demonstrates the power of a balanced scoring attack in the NBA.

Other Championship Teams of the 90s:

The San Antonio Spurs' 1999 championship saw Tim Duncan's rise, and his supporting cast was instrumental. David Robinson played a significant role in that championship run.

The 2000s and 2010s: The Modern Era of NBA Championships and Supporting Casts

The new millennium saw the rise of new dynasties and scoring styles. Let's examine the roles of #2 scorers in this era:

The Lakers' Resurgence (2000s) and Their Supporting Casts:

Kobe Bryant's Lakers teams enjoyed great success, but their #2 scorers were integral.

• Early 2000s: Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol – These players played essential roles in supporting Kobe Bryant's scoring and championship runs.

Their contributions underscore the importance of a well-rounded team that has multiple scoring options.

The San Antonio Spurs Dynasty (2000s-2010s):

The Spurs' success was built on team play and the seamless integration of their players, with the second-leading scorer always playing a crucial role. Players like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili exemplified this team-first philosophy.

• Throughout the 2000s and 2010s: The consistent rotation of players who stepped up as the #2 scorer showcases the depth of the Spurs' roster.

Miami Heat's Big Three Era and Supporting Players:

The Heat's Big Three era saw LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh dominate, yet their supporting cast was essential.

• 2012-2013: Supporting players like Ray Allen and Shane Battier consistently delivered in clutch moments, showing the significant impact of secondary scorers.

Golden State Warriors' Dynasty:

The Warriors' dynasty saw a shift in offensive strategies. While Steph Curry led the charge, other players stepped up consistently.

• 2015-2018: Klay Thompson consistently provided significant scoring alongside Curry. Draymond Green's all-around contributions also served as a key supporting role, showing that secondary scoring can come in various forms.

The 2020s: Recent Champions and Their #2 Scorers

The 2020s have seen different teams rise to the top. We’ll continue to track their #2 scorers as their legacies unfold. This section will be updated as the years progress.

Conclusion: How Well Did You Know the #2 Scorers of NBA Champions?

This journey through NBA history has highlighted the critical role of the second-leading scorers. While the top scorers often dominate the spotlight, the consistent contributions of their teammates are essential for championship success. It’s a testament to the team aspect of basketball that these players had such significant impacts. How many did you get right?

Challenge yourself further! Research other NBA statistics and test your knowledge. Can you name the third-leading scorers? Or maybe even the players with the most assists in each championship run?

Test your knowledge of #2 scorers of NBA Champions since 1977 – Can you beat your friends' score? Share your results and challenge your fellow basketball fans!