The NBA (National Basketball Association) is a professional basketball league in North America. It is one of the major sports leagues in the United States and is widely regarded as the premier men’s professional basketball league in the world. The actual gameplay time, excluding stoppages, timeouts, and other interruptions, typically lasts around 48 minutes. An NBA game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. However, there are many different factors that cause NBA games to be interrupted, increasing the length of games. Today, let’s recount the Average NBA Game Length From 1980/1981-2020/2021.
1. 1980/1981 NBA Season
Champion of 1980/1981 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 10, 1980 – May 14, 1981 |
| Champion Team | Boston Celtics |
| Finals MVP | Cedric Maxwell |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
The 1980/1981 NBA season marked the beginning of a new era in the league, with the rise of iconic players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who would go on to have a significant impact on the NBA’s popularity and global reach. The Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Hornets joined the NBA as expansion teams in the 1980/1981 season, bringing the total number of teams to 23. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continued to showcase his exceptional skills and was among the league’s top scorers and rebounders during the season.
2. 1981/1982 NBA Season
1981/1982 NBA All-Star Game via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 30, 1981 – June 8, 1982 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Magic Johnson |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
The 1981/1982 NBA season featured a mix of dominant performances, memorable duels, and significant changes to the league’s structure. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Julius Erving (Dr. J) and Moses Malone, won the NBA Championship. One of the highlights of the season was the scoring duel between George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs and Alex English of the Denver Nuggets for the NBA scoring title. The NBA made some minor rule changes, including adjustments to the goaltending rules and changes to the bonus free-throw situation.
3. 1982/1983 NBA Season
Champion of 1982/1983 NBA season via nbcsports
| Duration | October 10, 1980 – May 31, 1983 |
| Champion Team | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Finals MVP | Moses Malone |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
The 1982/1983 NBA season was characterized by dominant teams, outstanding individual performances, and significant moments that contributed to the league’s growth in popularity. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Julius Erving (Dr. J) and Moses Malone, won the NBA Championship for the second time in three years. Moses Malone was a force throughout the season and continued his exceptional play from the previous year. George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA scoring title, averaging 29.6 points per game.
4. 1983/1984 NBA Season
Champion of 1983/1984 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 28, 1983 – June 12, 1984 |
| Champion Team | Boston Celtics |
| Finals MVP | Larry Bird |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
The 1983/1984 NBA season was notable for several reasons and featured some significant events and milestones in the league’s history. Larry Bird had an outstanding individual season, earning his third consecutive MVP award. The 1983/1984 season was known for high-scoring games, with teams averaging around 111 points per game. The NBA expanded with the addition of two new teams: the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers.
5. 1984/1985 NBA Season
Champion of 1984/1985 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 26, 1984 – June 9, 1985 |
| Champion Team | Boston Celtics |
| Finals MVP | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
The 1984/1985 NBA season continued to showcase the league’s talent and provided fans with thrilling moments, from dominant performances by the Lakers to Michael Jordan’s emergence as one of the game’s future superstars. The Lakers successfully defended their NBA title by defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. The scoring title for the 1984/1985 season was claimed by Bernard King of the New York Knicks, who averaged 32.9 points per game for the second consecutive year.
6. 1985/1986 NBA Season
1985/1986 NBA Champion via sportscasting
| Duration | October 25, 1985 – June 8, 1986 |
| Champion Team | Boston Celtics |
| Finals MVP | Larry Bird |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 22 minutes |
The 1985/1986 NBA season was a remarkable year in basketball history, filled with several memorable moments and significant achievements. The Boston Celtics went on to win the NBA Championship by defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a historic season and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the 1985/1986 campaign. The Houston Rockets set a unique record during the 1985/1986 season with a 22-game losing streak, the longest in NBA history at the time.
7. 1986/1987 NBA Season
1986/1987 NBA Season Finals via sportsteamhistory
| Duration | October 31, 1986 – June 14, 1987 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Magic Johnson |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 24 minutes |
The 1986/1987 NBA season was a memorable and eventful year in basketball history, featuring remarkable individual performances and notable team accomplishments. The NBA Finals featured a classic showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, continuing their historic rivalry. The Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games to win the championship. The trend of high-scoring games continued, with teams averaging around 109 points per game during the regular season.
8. 1987/1988 NBA Season
Champion Of 1987/1988 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 6, 1987 – June 21, 1988 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | James Worthy |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 1987/1988 season marked the retirement of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest players in NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Miami Heat, in their second season, and the Charlotte Hornets, in their inaugural season, showed promise as expansion teams and began to build their fan bases.
9. 1988/1989 NBA Season
1988/1989 NBA Season champion team via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 4, 1988 – June 13, 1989 |
| Champion Team | Detroit Pistons |
| Finals MVP | Joe Dumars |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 1988/1989 NBA season featured the rise of the Detroit Pistons as champions and saw the continued brilliance of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The 1988/1989 season was known for high-scoring games, with teams averaging around 107 points per game during the regular season. During the first round of the playoffs, Michael Jordan made a memorable game-winning shot over Craig Ehlo to lead the Chicago Bulls to victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
10. 1989/1990 NBA Season
1989/1990 NBA Season Champion team via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 3, 1989 – June 14, 1990 |
| Champion Team | Detroit Pistons |
| Finals MVP | Isiah Thomas |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 25 minutes |
The 1989/1990 NBA season featured the continued success of the Detroit Pistons and the excellence of players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Karl Malone. Pat Riley of the Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls were among the successful coaches during the regular season, guiding their teams to strong performances. The trend of high-scoring games continued, with teams averaging around 109 points per game during the regular season. It was a year filled with memorable moments and established some players and teams as enduring figures in NBA history.
11. 1990/1991 NBA Season
1990/1991 NBA Season champion team via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 2, 1990 – June 12, 1991 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 1990/1991 NBA season was significant for the emergence of the Chicago Bulls as champions and the continued greatness of Michael Jordan. During the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons implemented a defensive strategy known as “The Jordan Rules” to contain Michael Jordan, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the Pistons and the Bulls. Derrick Coleman of the New Jersey Nets was named the NBA Rookie of the Year for his impressive performance in his debut season. The Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat continued to make strides in their second season, building their rosters and showing progress as young franchises.
12. 1991/1992 NBA Season
1991/1992 NBA Season Final via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 1, 1991 – June 14, 1992 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 24 minutes |
The 1991/1992 NBA season was characterized by the continued dominance of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, the impact of the “Dream Team” in the Olympics, and the retirement of Larry Bird. Michael Jordan was the standout player of the 1991/1992 season once again. The 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona featured the “Dream Team,” an all-star lineup of NBA players representing the United States. The 1992 NBA All-Star Game was held in Orlando, Florida. The East defeated the West 153-113, and Magic Johnson, who had recently returned from retirement, was named the All-Star Game MVP.
13. 1992/1993 NBA Season
Charles Barkley’s 1992-1993 MVP season via lastwordonsports
| Duration | November 6, 1992 – June 20, 1993 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 27 minutes |
The 1992/1993 NBA season showcased the continuation of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty, the excellence of Michael Jordan, and the emergence of Hakeem Olajuwon as a dominant force in the league. The Orlando Magic, in just their fourth season, made significant progress and secured their first playoff appearance. It was a year filled with memorable moments and established some players and teams as enduring figures in NBA history.
14. 1993/1994 NBA Season
1993/1994 NBA Season Finals via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 5, 1993 – June 22, 1994 |
| Champion Team | Houston Rockets |
| Finals MVP | Hakeem Olajuwon |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 24 minutes |
The 1993/1994 NBA season featured the rise of new champions in the Houston Rockets, the dominance of centers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing, and the unexpected retirement of Michael Jordan. The Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, won their first NBA Championship in franchise history. Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks was another standout player during the 1993/1994 season. The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA as an expansion team, bringing the total number of teams in the league to 27.
15. 1994/1995 NBA Season
Finals MVP 1994/1995 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 4, 1994 – June 14, 1995 |
| Champion Team | Houston Rockets |
| Finals MVP | Hakeem Olajuwon |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 1994/1995 season was shortened to 50 games due to a labor lockout that delayed the start of the season. The Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, successfully defended their NBA Championship, winning their second consecutive title. They defeated the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals, with Olajuwon earning NBA Finals MVP honors once again. The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 139-112, and Mitch Richmond of the Sacramento Kings was named the All-Star Game MVP.
16. 1995/1996 NBA Season
Champion Team 1995/1996 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 3, 1995 – June 16, 1996 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 26 minutes |
The 1995/1996 NBA season is remembered for the Chicago Bulls’ historic record, Michael Jordan’s triumphant return and MVP performance, and the continued dominance of Shaquille O’Neal. The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, had a historic season, finishing with an NBA-best 72-10 regular-season record. After a brief stint in baseball, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA early in the 1994/1995 season. Dennis Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls for the 1995/1996 season and provided tenacious defense and rebounding, further strengthening the team’s roster. The 1996 NBA All-Star Game was held in San Antonio, Texas.
17. 1996/1997 NBA Season
Michael Jordan MVP Finals 1996/1997 NBA Season via bleacherreport
| Duration | November 1, 1996 – June 13, 1997 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 27 minutes |
The 1996/1997 NBA season featured the continuation of the Chicago Bulls’ success, the emergence of new stars like Allen Iverson, and the retirement of Magic Johnson. Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers continued to be a dominant force in the league, leading the league in scoring with an average of 29.3 points per game. Magic Johnson announced his second and final retirement from the NBA before the start of the 1996/1997 season. Rudy Tomjanovich of the Houston Rockets and Pat Riley of the Miami Heat were among the successful coaches during the regular season, guiding their teams to strong performances.
18. 1997/1998 NBA Season
Every NBA Team’s Best Player In The 1997/1998 Season via fadewayworld
| Duration | October 31, 1997 – June 14, 1998 |
| Champion Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Finals MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 1997/1998 NBA season will be remembered as a historic year, characterized by the Chicago Bulls’ dominance, Michael Jordan’s final season with the Bulls, the emergence of young talents, and the growing influence of international players on the league. The 1997/1998 season was Michael Jordan’s final year with the Chicago Bulls before his first retirement. Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the season.
19. 1998/1999 NBA Season
Champion team 1998/1999 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | February 5,1999 – June 25, 1999 |
| Champion Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| Finals MVP | Tim Duncan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
The 1998/1999 season was heavily impacted by a labor dispute between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Due to the lockout, the regular season was shortened to only 50 games, as opposed to the usual 82 games. The 1998/1999 season marked the return of Michael Jordan to the NBA. After his second retirement in 1998, Jordan surprised many by joining the Washington Wizards as part-owner and President of Basketball Operations. With fewer games and a defensive emphasis, scoring averages for teams and individual players were generally lower compared to full-length seasons.
20. 1999/2000 NBA Season
Finals MVP 1999/2000 NBA Season via cdn.vox-cdn
| Duration | November 2, 1999 – June 19, 2000 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Shaquille O’Neal |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
After the shortened 50-game season in the previous year due to the lockout, the 1999/2000 season returned to the standard 82-game schedule, providing fans with more games and a sense of normalcy. Several young stars emerged during the 1999/2000 season, solidifying their positions as future NBA legends. Shaquille O’Neal, then playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, had a dominant season and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his exceptional contributions on both ends of the floor.
21. 2000/2001 NBA Season
5 Most Improved Players Of The 2000-01 NBA Season via fadeawayworld
| Duration | October 31, 2000 – June 15, 2001 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 23 minutes |
The 2000/2001 season saw the continued shift in the NBA landscape, with the emergence of new stars and the gradual transition from the Jordan era to the next generation of basketball talent. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, continued their dominant run. The Sacramento Kings continued to impress, achieving a franchise-record 55 wins during the regular season. Dirk Nowitzki, the German forward of the Dallas Mavericks, solidified his place as one of the game’s premier talents, earning his first All-NBA Team selection.
22. 2001/2002 NBA Season
Finals MVP and Champion team 2001/02 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 30, 2001 – June 12, 2002 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Shaquille O’Neal |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 21 minutes |
The 2001/2002 NBA season was characterized by the Lakers’ three-peat, the emergence of new stars like Yao Ming, notable individual performances, and the farewell of Michael Jordan. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, achieved a three-peat by winning their third consecutive NBA championship. San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan had a stellar season and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). The NBA welcomed back the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, with the return of the Charlotte Hornets franchise.
23. 2002/2003 NBA Season
2002/2003 NBA Season Finals via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 29, 2002 – June 15, 2003 |
| Champion Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| Finals MVP | Tim Duncan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 22 minutes |
The 2002/2003 NBA season was marked by several significant events, impressive individual performances, and notable team achievements. Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson led the league in scoring, averaging 27.6 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess and offensive skills. The NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Jersey Nets featured a defensive showdown, with both teams playing suffocating defense in several low-scoring games.
24. 2003/2004 NBA Season
2003/2004 NBA Season Finals via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 28, 2003 – June 15, 2004 |
| Champion Team | Detroit Pistons |
| Finals MVP | Chauncey Billups |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 21 minutes |
The 2003/2004 season marked the end of Michael Jordan’s involvement with the Washington Wizards as he retired for the third and final time from the NBA. The 2004 NBA All-Star Game was notable for its high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for a record-breaking 52 three-pointers made. The Houston Rockets went on an impressive 22-game winning streak during the regular season, tying the NBA record for the second-longest winning streak in history at the time.
25. 2004/2005 NBA Season
Finals MVP and Champion team 2004/05 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | November 2, 2004 – June 23, 2005 |
| Champion Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| Finals MVP | Tim Duncan |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
The 2004/2005 season was significantly affected by the NBA lockout, resulting in a shortened regular season. The lockout was due to disagreements between the league’s owners and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) over labor issues. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, captured their second NBA championship in three years by defeating the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought NBA Finals series. Michael Jordan returned to the NBA as part-owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards. Although he did not play, his presence had a significant impact on the league.
26. 2005/2006 NBA Season
| Duration | November 1, 2005 – June 20, 2006 |
| Champion Team | Miami Heat |
| Finals MVP | Dwyane Wade |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 16 minutes |
The 2005/2006 NBA season was characterized by historic individual performances, a mix of dominant teams, and the emergence of new stars. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers had an extraordinary season, scoring 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history. The Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) became the 30th team in the NBA, expanding the league to include another franchise.
27. 2006/2007 NBA Season
The 2006/2007 NBA Finals via media-amazon
| Duration | October 31, 2006 – June 14, 2007 |
| Champion Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| Finals MVP | Tony Parker |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
The 2006/2007 NBA season was a notable year in basketball history, featuring several remarkable individual achievements, exciting team performances, and impactful changes in the league. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, captured their fourth NBA championship by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers had another remarkable scoring season, winning his second consecutive scoring title and averaging over 31 points per game.
28. 2007/2008 NBA Season
Champion team in 2007/2008 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 30, 2007 – June 17, 2008 |
| Champion Team | Boston Celtics |
| Finals MVP | Paul Pierce |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 16 minutes |
The 2007/2008 NBA season was a memorable and historic year in basketball history, featuring outstanding individual performances, significant team achievements, and remarkable storylines. The Boston Celtics, led by the newly formed “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, won the NBA championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki continued to excel, earning his second All-NBA First Team selection and further establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players.
29. 2008/2009 NBA Season
Finals MVP and Champion 2008/09 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 28, 2008 – June 14, 2009 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Kobe Bryant |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
The 2008/2009 NBA season was marked by the Lakers’ championship victory, LeBron James’ dominant performance, and the continuation of historic rivalries. LeBron James had a phenomenal year, earning his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players. Houston Rockets’ star center Yao Ming suffered a season-ending foot injury, impacting both the Rockets’ playoff hopes and the NBA’s popularity in China. The Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics engaged in an epic first-round playoff series that lasted seven games and featured multiple overtimes, showcasing intense competition.
30. 2009/2010 NBA Season
Final MVP 2009/2010 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 27, 2009 – June 17, 2010 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | Kobe Bryant |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 16 minutes |
The 2009/2010 NBA season was characterized by the Lakers’ championship success, LeBron James’ free agency saga, and the formation of the Miami Heat’s super team. One of the most significant storylines of the season was LeBron James’ highly publicized free agency decision, which culminated in the “The Decision” television special, where he announced his move to the Miami Heat. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, made significant strides as a young and talented team, reaching the playoffs and signaling their emergence as a future powerhouse.
31. 2010/2011 NBA Season
Finals MVP and champion 2010/2011 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 26, 2010 – June 12, 2011 |
| Champion Team | Dallas Mavericks |
| Finals MVP | Dirk Nowitzki |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 13 minutes |
The 2010/2011 NBA season was characterized by the Mavericks’ championship victory, the debut of Miami Heat’s “Big Three,” and the emergence of young stars like Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin. The San Antonio Spurs continued to be a dominant team in the league, finishing with the best record in the Western Conference during the regular season. Los Angeles Clippers’ rookie Blake Griffin had a spectacular debut season, earning the Rookie of the Year award and captivating fans with his electrifying dunks.
32. 2011/2012 NBA Season
Finals MVP and champion 2011/2012 NBA season via cdn.nba
| Duration | December 25, 2011 – June 21, 2012 |
| Champion Team | Miami Heat |
| Finals MVP | LeBron James |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
The 2011/2012 NBA season was a unique and condensed year in basketball history, featuring several notable storylines and memorable moments. The Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, won their first NBA championship together by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Chicago Bulls’ star point guard Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL during the playoffs, which had a significant impact on the Bulls’ championship aspirations and led to a lengthy recovery period. After a relocation and a period as the Oklahoma City Thunder, the franchise officially retired the Seattle SuperSonics name and colors, bringing an end to the SuperSonics’ legacy.
33. 2012/2013 NBA Season
2012/2013 NBA Season Finals via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 30, 2012 – June 20, 2013 |
| Champion Team | Miami Heat |
| Finals MVP | LeBron James |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
The 2012–13 NBA season was the 67th season of the National Basketball Association. This season was an eventful and exciting season with several notable characteristics. The Miami Heat continued their dominance into the playoffs, where they faced the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. LeBron James had a phenomenal season and won his fourth NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
34. 2013/2014 NBA Season
2013/2014 NBA Season Finals via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 29, 2013 – June 15, 2014 |
| Champion Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| Finals MVP | Kawhi Leonard |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 19 minutes |
The 2013/2014 NBA season featured captivating storylines, remarkable individual performances, and a memorable NBA Finals that saw the San Antonio Spurs emerge victorious and capture their fifth NBA championship in franchise history. Several star players dealt with significant injuries during the season. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in April 2013, which affected his subsequent seasons. The Miami Heat, seeking their third consecutive NBA championship, made it to the NBA Finals once again.
35. 2014/2015 NBA Season
Champion team 2014/2015 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 28, 2014 – June 16, 2015 |
| Champion Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Finals MVP | Andre Iguodala |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
The 2014/2015 season saw a surge in three-point shooting, with teams adopting a more outside-focused style of play. The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, had a historic season. Stephen Curry had a phenomenal season and won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The return of LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers sparked a resurgence for the team. Alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007.
36. 2015/2016 NBA Season
The 2015-16 NBA Season Was The Best Season Of All Time via fadeawayworld
| Duration | October 27, 2015 – June 19, 2016 |
| Champion Team | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Finals MVP | LeBron James |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
The 2015/2016 NBA season was one of the most memorable and historic seasons in recent NBA history. Stephen Curry had an exceptional season and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) unanimously, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat. The success of teams like the Golden State Warriors and their “small ball” approach, which emphasized speed, skill, and three-point shooting, influenced the league’s style of play, leading to more teams adopting similar strategies. Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs had a breakout season and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
37. 2016/2017 NBA Season
2016/2017 NBA Season Finals via cdn.vox-cdn
| Duration | October 25, 2016 – June 12, 2017 |
| Champion Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Finals MVP | Kevin Durant |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
The 2016/2017 NBA season featured the continued dominance of the Golden State Warriors, impressive individual performances, and the emergence of new stars. The Golden State Warriors, already a dominant team, became even more formidable with the addition of Kevin Durant in the previous offseason. The Houston Rockets, under coach Mike D’Antoni, fully embraced the three-point revolution. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Kawhi Leonard, remained a powerhouse in the Western Conference.
38. 2017/2018 NBA Season
Finals MVP and Champion 2017/2018 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 17, 2017 – June 8, 2018 |
| Champion Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Finals MVP | Kevin Durant |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 16 minutes |
The 2017/2018 NBA season featured memorable performances, significant milestones, and the continued dominance of established teams and players. The season saw significant injuries to star players. For instance, Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs played only nine games due to a mysterious quad injury, leading to tension and trade speculation. For the first time, the NBA All-Star Game used a new format where two captains, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, selected teams from the pool of All-Star players, regardless of conference affiliation.
39. 2018/2019 NBA Season
2018/2019 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | October 16, 2018 – June 13, 2019 |
| Champion Team | Toronto Raptors |
| Finals MVP | Kawhi Leonard |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
The 2018/2019 season saw two NBA legends, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, announce their retirements. The Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, had a historic season. Kawhi Leonard was the driving force behind the Toronto Raptors’ success. The term “load management” gained prominence during the 2018/2019 season, as teams strategically rested star players during the regular season to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during the playoffs.
40. 2019/2020 NBA Season
Champions of 2019/2020 NBA season via ojbsport
| Duration | October 22, 2019 – October 11, 2020 |
| Champion Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Finals MVP | LeBron James |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the 2019/2020 NBA season. On March 11, 2020, the NBA suspended the season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, won the NBA championship. LeBron James was named the NBA Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career, showcasing his continued dominance and leadership on the court. During the resumed season, NBA players used their platform to advocate for social justice and racial equality.
41. 2020/2021 NBA Season
Finals MVP and Champion 2020/2021 NBA Season via cdn.nba
| Duration | December 22, 2020 – July 20, 2021 |
| Champion Team | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Finals MVP | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Average Game Length | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect the NBA during the 2020/2021 season. While the league implemented strict health and safety protocols, games were still occasionally postponed or rescheduled due to positive cases and contact tracing. The season was shortened to 72 games for each team, as opposed to the usual 82-game regular season, to account for the delayed start caused by the pandemic. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, had a dominant season and reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. Young players like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Devin Booker continued to impress and solidify themselves as the future faces of the league.
