When considering which teams dominated the NBA landscape in the 2010s, several squads immediately come to mind. The Golden State Warriors perhaps led the charge with their impressive run. From 2015 to 2019, they clinched three championships and made five consecutive Finals appearances. During their 2016 season, they achieved an unprecedented 73-9 regular season record, breaking the previous 72-10 record held by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. The key to their success? Efficient shooting and a revolutionary emphasis on three-pointers, spearheaded by the "Splash Brothers," Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report noted how their 2015-16 season saw them shooting threes in 42.6% of their plays. This not only changed the way teams approached offense but altered the entire league's dynamics.
Another team that marked the decade was the Miami Heat, thanks to the formation of their "Big Three." LeBron James' decision in 2010 to join the Heat, alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, turned Miami into an instant powerhouse. They secured back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. What made them so formidable wasn’t just the star power but their defensive prowess. During the 2012-13 season, they ranked 5th in the league in defensive rating. This combination of offense, orchestrated by head coach Erik Spoelstra, and tight defense made them a nightmare for opponents.
A darker horse, however, would be the San Antonio Spurs. Under the steady hand of Gregg Popovich, the Spurs clinched the 2014 championship against the Heat with surgical precision. Their style of play focused on ball movement and a team-first mentality. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were the stalwarts, but emerging star Kawhi Leonard took center stage, earning the NBA Finals MVP. During their 2013-14 season, they led the league with an assist percentage of 62.0%, exemplifying their teamwork-centric approach.
Many might wonder, “But what about the Cleveland Cavaliers?” They deserve a mention. LeBron James’ return to Cleveland in 2014 rejuvenated the franchise. They made four consecutive Finals appearances from 2015 to 2018, winning the historic 2016 championship by overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors. Their triumph was not just about raw talent but grit and determination. They posted a remarkable offensive rating of 112.7 during the 2015-16 playoffs, showcasing their scoring ability under pressure.
The decade also gave us the rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team brimming with young talent. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden were the centerpiece. Though they never won a championship together, their 2012 Finals run indicated a bright future. Westbrook’s explosive plays and Durant’s sharpshooting made them a lethal combo. In 2014, Durant won the MVP with a staggering scoring average of 32.0 points per game, proving his prowess on the court.
One may ask, “What about the teams that built solid foundations but didn’t win?” The Houston Rockets led by James Harden and the Toronto Raptors before their 2019 win are prime examples. The Rockets, under Mike D’Antoni’s leadership, perfected the art of the pick-and-roll while emphasizing three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Raptors, with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, steadily improved, culminating in their eventual 2019 triumph led by Kawhi Leonard. They were not just about star power but depth and strategic adjustments, evident in their top 5 defensive rating during the 2018-19 regular season.
In summary, the 2010s saw a variety of successful strategies, from Golden State’s perimeter shooting to Miami’s star-power domination. Each team’s journey had unique aspects that redefined basketball's landscape. For a more detailed review of these remarkable teams, check out arena plus.