NBA Finals
Updated: 12/11/2025, 1:06:50 PM Wikipedia source
The NBA Finals is the annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Eastern and Western Conference champions play a best-of-seven series to determine the league champion. The team that wins the series is awarded the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, which replaced the original Walter A. Brown Trophy in 1976–77, though under the same name until 1984. The series was initially known as the BAA Finals prior to the 1949–50 season when the Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA. The competition oversaw further name changes to NBA World Championship Series from 1950 to 1985, as well as a brief stint as the Showdown, before settling on NBA Finals in 1986. Since 2018, it has been officially known as the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV for sponsorship reasons. The NBA Finals was initially structured in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. In 1985, to ease the amount of cross-country travel, it was changed to a 2–3–2 format, in which the first two and last two games of the series were played at the arena of the team who earned home-court advantage by having the better record during the regular season. In 2014, the 2–2–1–1–1 format was restored. The team with the better regular season record hosts the first two games and the other team hosts the next two games. If needed, the remaining three are played at each team's home arena alternately, starting with the arena of the team with the better regular season record. A total of 21 franchises have won the NBA Finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the most recent and earning their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City, and second overall.
Infobox
Sport
Basketball
Month played
June
Established
1947 (1947)
Administrator
National Basketball Association
Format
Best-of-seven series
Teams
2
Defending champions
Oklahoma City Thunder(2nd title)
Most championships
Boston Celtics(18 titles)
Broadcast
ABC/ESPN
Tables
· Team records › Finals appearances
32
32
No.
32
Team
Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers
W
17
L
15
Win%
531
Most recent appearance
2020
Most recent title
2020
Notes
5–1 in Minneapolis and 12–14 in Los Angeles. Currently hold the record for the most appearances in the NBA Finals and have appeared in the Finals in every decade since the 1940s. They also attained a three-peat in Minneapolis from 1952 to 1954, and another in Los Angeles from 2000 to 2002. The Lakers have defeated nine different NBA franchises in the NBA Finals and lost to five, both records. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive NBA Finals.
23
23
No.
23
Team
Boston Celtics
W
18
L
5
Win%
783
Most recent appearance
2024
Most recent title
2024
Notes
Won eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966, and are the most successful team in the NBA Finals, winning 18 championships. Three of their five Finals losses occurred against the rival Lakers. Appeared in a record 10 consecutive NBA Finals.
12
12
No.
12
Team
Philadelphia/San Francisco/Golden State Warriors
W
7
L
5
Win%
583
Most recent appearance
2022
Most recent title
2022
Notes
2–1 in Philadelphia and 5–4 in California. Won the first championship and another title in Philadelphia, before eventually winning five more as the Golden State Warriors, including four in eight years between 2015 and 2022. Second franchise to appear in five consecutive NBA Finals.
9
9
No.
9
Team
Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers
W
3
L
6
Win%
333
Most recent appearance
2001
Most recent title
1983
Notes
1–2 in Syracuse and 2–4 in Philadelphia. Won one title in Syracuse, before winning another two following the move to Philadelphia. Five of their six losses occurred against the Lakers.
8
8
No.
8
Team
New York Knicks
W
2
L
6
Win%
250
Most recent appearance
1999
Most recent title
1973
Notes
In their most recent appearance, they became the first eighth seed to ever reach the Finals. Five of their appearances and both titles occurred against the Lakers.
7
7
No.
7
Team
Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons
W
3
L
4
Win%
429
Most recent appearance
2005
Most recent title
2004
Notes
0–2 in Fort Wayne and 3–2 in Detroit. Appeared in three straight NBA Finals, winning back-to-back in 1989 and 1990. Both losses in Detroit came in Game 7s.
7
7
No.
7
Team
Miami Heat
W
3
L
4
Win%
429
Most recent appearance
2023
Most recent title
2013
Notes
Udonis Haslem featured in all Finals appearances. Coach Erik Spoelstra featured in six Finals as head coach and one finals as assistant coach. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive Finals. In their most recent appearance, they became the first team to reach the Finals after qualifying in the play-in tournament.
6
6
No.
6
Team
Chicago Bulls
W
6
L
0
Win%
1.000
Most recent appearance
1998
Most recent title
1998
Notes
All six titles were with head coach Phil Jackson and players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The titles were won via two three-peats, in 1991–1993 and 1996–1998. They are the only active NBA franchise with multiple Finals appearances and no losses.
6
6
No.
6
Team
San Antonio Spurs
W
5
L
1
Win%
833
Most recent appearance
2014
Most recent title
2014
Notes
All five titles were with Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich. They were the first franchise to move from the ABA to the NBA, and subsequently win a championship.
5
5
No.
5
Team
Cleveland Cavaliers
W
1
L
4
Win%
200
Most recent appearance
2018
Most recent title
2016
Notes
LeBron James featured in all five Finals appearances. The Cavaliers appeared in four straight Finals from 2015 to 2018, all against the Golden State Warriors, winning in 2016. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive Finals.
5
5
No.
5
Team
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder
W
2
L
3
Win%
400
Most recent appearance
2025
Most recent title
2025
Notes
1–2 as Seattle SuperSonics and 1–1 as Oklahoma City Thunder. They remain the only franchise since 1977 to win a title in one city and later relocate.
4
4
No.
4
Team
Houston Rockets
W
2
L
2
Win%
500
Most recent appearance
1995
Most recent title
1995
Notes
Won back-to-back championships with Hakeem Olajuwon and coach Rudy Tomjanovich. Their 1995 triumph was done as the 6-seed, the lowest seeded team in NBA History to win a championship. Both losses against the Boston Celtics.
4
4
No.
4
Team
St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks
W
1
L
3
Win%
250
Most recent appearance
1961
Most recent title
1958
Notes
All appearances when the team was in St. Louis. Reached four NBA Finals in five years, all against the Boston Celtics.
4
4
No.
4
Team
Baltimore/Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards
W
1
L
3
Win%
250
Most recent appearance
1979
Most recent title
1978
Notes
0–1 as the Baltimore Bullets, and 1–2 as the Washington Bullets. All appearances in the Finals came between 1971 and 1979, featuring Wes Unseld.
3
3
No.
3
Team
Milwaukee Bucks
W
2
L
1
Win%
667
Most recent appearance
2021
Most recent title
2021
Notes
Won in the 1971 and 2021 Finals. 1971 and 1974 appearances were by teams that featured Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
3
3
No.
3
Team
Portland Trail Blazers
W
1
L
2
Win%
333
Most recent appearance
1992
Most recent title
1977
Notes
Their only title was won with Bill Walton. The team lost two finals with Clyde Drexler.
3
3
No.
3
Team
Dallas Mavericks
W
1
L
2
Win%
333
Most recent appearance
2024
Most recent title
2011
Notes
1-1 against the Miami Heat and 0-1 against the Boston Celtics. First championship team led by Dirk Nowitzki.
3
3
No.
3
Team
Phoenix Suns
W
0
L
3
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
2021
Most recent title
None
Notes
Lost in the 1976, 1993 and 2021 Finals to the Celtics, Bulls and Bucks, respectively. Best historical win–loss record and most Finals appearances amongst all franchises to have not won a title.
2
2
No.
2
Team
Utah Jazz
W
0
L
2
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
1998
Most recent title
None
Notes
Both appearances were with coach Jerry Sloan and players Karl Malone and John Stockton, and losses to the Bulls in six games.
2
2
No.
2
Team
New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets
W
0
L
2
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
2003
Most recent title
None
Notes
All appearances when the team was in New Jersey.
2
2
No.
2
Team
Orlando Magic
W
0
L
2
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
2009
Most recent title
None
Notes
They lost both of their Finals appearances, winning just one game between the two series.
2
2
No.
2
Team
Indiana Pacers
W
0
L
2
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
2025
Most recent title
None
Notes
First appearance in 2000 was led by Reggie Miller and coach Larry Bird, losing to Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Second appearance in 2025 was led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Baltimore Bullets
W
1
L
0
Win%
1.000
Most recent appearance
1948
Most recent title
1948
Notes
Team folded in 1954 and is the only championship-winning team to fold.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Rochester Royals/Kansas City/Sacramento Kings
W
1
L
0
Win%
1.000
Most recent appearance
1951
Most recent title
1951
Notes
Only appearance in NBA Finals as the Rochester Royals.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Toronto Raptors
W
1
L
0
Win%
1.000
Most recent appearance
2019
Most recent title
2019
Notes
Only appearance in NBA Finals. The first and only team based outside the United States to win an NBA title or reach the NBA Finals.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Denver Nuggets
W
1
L
0
Win%
1.000
Most recent appearance
2023
Most recent title
2023
Notes
Only appearance as of 2023.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Chicago Stags
W
0
L
1
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
1947
Most recent title
None
Notes
Team folded in 1950.
1
1
No.
1
Team
Washington Capitols
W
0
L
1
Win%
000
Most recent appearance
1949
Most recent title
None
Notes
Team folded in 1951.
| No. | Team | W | L | Win% | Most recent appearance | Most recent title | Notes |
| 32 | Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers | 17 | 15 | 531 | 2020 | 2020 | 5–1 in Minneapolis and 12–14 in Los Angeles. Currently hold the record for the most appearances in the NBA Finals and have appeared in the Finals in every decade since the 1940s. They also attained a three-peat in Minneapolis from 1952 to 1954, and another in Los Angeles from 2000 to 2002. The Lakers have defeated nine different NBA franchises in the NBA Finals and lost to five, both records. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive NBA Finals. |
| 23 | Boston Celtics | 18 | 5 | 783 | 2024 | 2024 | Won eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966, and are the most successful team in the NBA Finals, winning 18 championships. Three of their five Finals losses occurred against the rival Lakers. Appeared in a record 10 consecutive NBA Finals. |
| 12 | Philadelphia/San Francisco/Golden State Warriors | 7 | 5 | 583 | 2022 | 2022 | 2–1 in Philadelphia and 5–4 in California. Won the first championship and another title in Philadelphia, before eventually winning five more as the Golden State Warriors, including four in eight years between 2015 and 2022. Second franchise to appear in five consecutive NBA Finals. |
| 9 | Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers | 3 | 6 | 333 | 2001 | 1983 | 1–2 in Syracuse and 2–4 in Philadelphia. Won one title in Syracuse, before winning another two following the move to Philadelphia. Five of their six losses occurred against the Lakers. |
| 8 | New York Knicks | 2 | 6 | 250 | 1999 | 1973 | In their most recent appearance, they became the first eighth seed to ever reach the Finals. Five of their appearances and both titles occurred against the Lakers. |
| 7 | Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons | 3 | 4 | 429 | 2005 | 2004 | 0–2 in Fort Wayne and 3–2 in Detroit. Appeared in three straight NBA Finals, winning back-to-back in 1989 and 1990. Both losses in Detroit came in Game 7s. |
| 7 | Miami Heat | 3 | 4 | 429 | 2023 | 2013 | Udonis Haslem featured in all Finals appearances. Coach Erik Spoelstra featured in six Finals as head coach and one finals as assistant coach. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive Finals. In their most recent appearance, they became the first team to reach the Finals after qualifying in the play-in tournament. |
| 6 | Chicago Bulls | 6 | 0 | 1.000 | 1998 | 1998 | All six titles were with head coach Phil Jackson and players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The titles were won via two three-peats, in 1991–1993 and 1996–1998. They are the only active NBA franchise with multiple Finals appearances and no losses. |
| 6 | San Antonio Spurs | 5 | 1 | 833 | 2014 | 2014 | All five titles were with Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich. They were the first franchise to move from the ABA to the NBA, and subsequently win a championship. |
| 5 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1 | 4 | 200 | 2018 | 2016 | LeBron James featured in all five Finals appearances. The Cavaliers appeared in four straight Finals from 2015 to 2018, all against the Golden State Warriors, winning in 2016. One of five franchises to reach four consecutive Finals. |
| 5 | Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder | 2 | 3 | 400 | 2025 | 2025 | 1–2 as Seattle SuperSonics and 1–1 as Oklahoma City Thunder. They remain the only franchise since 1977 to win a title in one city and later relocate. |
| 4 | Houston Rockets | 2 | 2 | 500 | 1995 | 1995 | Won back-to-back championships with Hakeem Olajuwon and coach Rudy Tomjanovich. Their 1995 triumph was done as the 6-seed, the lowest seeded team in NBA History to win a championship. Both losses against the Boston Celtics. |
| 4 | St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks | 1 | 3 | 250 | 1961 | 1958 | All appearances when the team was in St. Louis. Reached four NBA Finals in five years, all against the Boston Celtics. |
| 4 | Baltimore/Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards | 1 | 3 | 250 | 1979 | 1978 | 0–1 as the Baltimore Bullets, and 1–2 as the Washington Bullets. All appearances in the Finals came between 1971 and 1979, featuring Wes Unseld. |
| 3 | Milwaukee Bucks | 2 | 1 | 667 | 2021 | 2021 | Won in the 1971 and 2021 Finals. 1971 and 1974 appearances were by teams that featured Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. |
| 3 | Portland Trail Blazers | 1 | 2 | 333 | 1992 | 1977 | Their only title was won with Bill Walton. The team lost two finals with Clyde Drexler. |
| 3 | Dallas Mavericks | 1 | 2 | 333 | 2024 | 2011 | 1-1 against the Miami Heat and 0-1 against the Boston Celtics. First championship team led by Dirk Nowitzki. |
| 3 | Phoenix Suns | 0 | 3 | 000 | 2021 | None | Lost in the 1976, 1993 and 2021 Finals to the Celtics, Bulls and Bucks, respectively. Best historical win–loss record and most Finals appearances amongst all franchises to have not won a title. |
| 2 | Utah Jazz | 0 | 2 | 000 | 1998 | None | Both appearances were with coach Jerry Sloan and players Karl Malone and John Stockton, and losses to the Bulls in six games. |
| 2 | New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets | 0 | 2 | 000 | 2003 | None | All appearances when the team was in New Jersey. |
| 2 | Orlando Magic | 0 | 2 | 000 | 2009 | None | They lost both of their Finals appearances, winning just one game between the two series. |
| 2 | Indiana Pacers | 0 | 2 | 000 | 2025 | None | First appearance in 2000 was led by Reggie Miller and coach Larry Bird, losing to Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Second appearance in 2025 was led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. |
| 1 | Baltimore Bullets | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1948 | 1948 | Team folded in 1954 and is the only championship-winning team to fold. |
| 1 | Rochester Royals/Kansas City/Sacramento Kings | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1951 | 1951 | Only appearance in NBA Finals as the Rochester Royals. |
| 1 | Toronto Raptors | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 2019 | 2019 | Only appearance in NBA Finals. The first and only team based outside the United States to win an NBA title or reach the NBA Finals. |
| 1 | Denver Nuggets | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 2023 | 2023 | Only appearance as of 2023. |
| 1 | Chicago Stags | 0 | 1 | 000 | 1947 | None | Team folded in 1950. |
| 1 | Washington Capitols | 0 | 1 | 000 | 1949 | None | Team folded in 1951. |
· Team records › Active franchises with no Finals appearance
Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
Team
Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers
No. of seasons
55
Founded
1970
Other achievements
Reached the Western Conference finals in 2021. Oldest active franchise with no Finals appearance.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
Team
Minnesota Timberwolves
No. of seasons
36
Founded
1989
Other achievements
Reached the Western Conference finals in 2004, 2024, and 2025.
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets*
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets*
Team
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets*
No. of seasons
35
Founded
1988
Other achievements
Never reached the Eastern Conference finals. Reached the second round four times, in 1993, 1998, 2001, and 2002.
Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
Team
Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
No. of seasons
30
Founded
1995
Other achievements
Reached the Western Conference finals in 2013.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/Pelicans*
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/Pelicans*
Team
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/Pelicans*
No. of seasons
23
Founded
2002
Other achievements
Never reached the Western Conference finals. Reached the second round twice, in 2008 and 2018.
| Team | No. of seasons | Founded | Other achievements |
| Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers | 55 | 1970 | Reached the Western Conference finals in 2021. Oldest active franchise with no Finals appearance. |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 36 | 1989 | Reached the Western Conference finals in 2004, 2024, and 2025. |
| Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets* | 35 | 1988 | Never reached the Eastern Conference finals. Reached the second round four times, in 1993, 1998, 2001, and 2002. |
| Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies | 30 | 1995 | Reached the Western Conference finals in 2013. |
| New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets/Pelicans* | 23 | 2002 | Never reached the Western Conference finals. Reached the second round twice, in 2008 and 2018. |
· Team records › Individual games records
185
185
No.
185
Team
Los Angeles Lakers
W
93
L
92
Win%
503
Notes
Holds the record for the most games in the Finals, with a record of 20–15 in Minneapolis and 73–77 while in Los Angeles. Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2020.
129
129
No.
129
Team
Boston Celtics
W
81
L
53
Win%
604
Notes
Recorded the first ever sweep in the Finals. Won 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2024.
65
65
No.
65
Team
Golden State Warriors
W
38
L
27
Win%
585
Notes
Includes records of 10–6 while in Philadelphia, 3–8 while in San Francisco, and 25–13 in their current incarnation. Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2022.
53
53
No.
53
Team
Philadelphia 76ers
W
24
L
29
Win%
453
Notes
Includes a record of 9–11 while in Syracuse, and 15–18 while in Philadelphia. Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2001.
48
48
No.
48
Team
New York Knicks
W
20
L
28
Win%
417
Notes
Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 1999.
41
41
No.
41
Team
Miami Heat
W
18
L
23
Win%
439
Notes
Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2023.
40
40
No.
40
Team
Detroit Pistons
W
22
L
18
Win%
550
Notes
Includes a record of 4–8 while in Fort Wayne, and 18–10 while in Detroit. Lost 4–3 their last Finals appearance in 2005.
35
35
No.
35
Team
Chicago Bulls
W
24
L
11
Win%
686
Notes
Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 1998.
34
34
No.
34
Team
San Antonio Spurs
W
23
L
11
Win%
676
Notes
Won 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2014.
30
30
No.
30
Team
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder
W
14
L
16
Win%
467
Notes
Includes a record of 9–9 while in Seattle, and 1–4 while in Oklahoma City. Lost 1–4 their last Finals appearance in 2012. Won 4-3 in 2025.
26
26
No.
26
Team
Cleveland Cavaliers
W
7
L
19
Win%
269
Notes
Lost 4–0 in their last Finals appearance in 2018, as well as becoming the only team in the Finals to overcome a 3–1 deficit in 2016.
25
25
No.
25
Team
Atlanta Hawks
W
11
L
14
Win%
440
Notes
All appearances in the Finals occurred while the team was in St. Louis.
23
23
No.
23
Team
Houston Rockets
W
12
L
11
Win%
522
Notes
Won 4–0 in their last Finals appearance in 1995.
20
20
No.
20
Team
Washington Wizards
W
5
L
15
Win%
250
Notes
Includes a record of 0–4 in Baltimore and 5–11 in Washington, all as the Bullets.
18
18
No.
18
Team
Phoenix Suns
W
6
L
12
Win%
333
Notes
Lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2021.
17
17
No.
17
Team
Milwaukee Bucks
W
11
L
6
Win%
647
Notes
Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2021.
17
17
No.
17
Team
Portland Trail Blazers
W
7
L
10
Win%
412
Notes
Lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 1992.
17
17
No.
17
Team
Dallas Mavericks
W
7
L
10
Win%
412
Notes
Lost 4–1 in their last finals appearance in 2024.
13
13
No.
13
Team
Indiana Pacers
W
5
L
8
Win%
385
Notes
Lost 4–2 in their only Finals appearance in 2000. Lost 4-3 in their second appearance in 2025.
12
12
No.
12
Team
Utah Jazz
W
4
L
8
Win%
333
Notes
Lost 4–2 in both Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998, both times against the Bulls.
10
10
No.
10
Team
Brooklyn Nets
W
2
L
8
Win%
200
Notes
All Finals appearances have occurred while the team was in New Jersey, and lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2003.
9
9
No.
9
Team
Orlando Magic
W
1
L
8
Win%
111
Notes
Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2009.
7
7
No.
7
Team
Sacramento Kings
W
4
L
3
Win%
571
Notes
All appearances have occurred while the team was in Rochester.
6
6
No.
6
Team
Baltimore Bullets
W
4
L
2
Win%
667
Notes
Franchise defunct. Only championship-winning team to fold.
6
6
No.
6
Team
Toronto Raptors
W
4
L
2
Win%
667
Notes
Won 4–2 in their only Finals appearance in 2019.
6
6
No.
6
Team
Washington Capitols
W
2
L
4
Win%
333
Notes
Franchise defunct.
5
5
No.
5
Team
Denver Nuggets
W
4
L
1
Win%
800
Notes
Won 4–1 in their only Finals appearance in 2023.
5
5
No.
5
Team
Chicago Stags
W
1
L
4
Win%
200
Notes
Franchise defunct.
| No. | Team | W | L | Win% | Notes |
| 185 | Los Angeles Lakers | 93 | 92 | 503 | Holds the record for the most games in the Finals, with a record of 20–15 in Minneapolis and 73–77 while in Los Angeles. Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2020. |
| 129 | Boston Celtics | 81 | 53 | 604 | Recorded the first ever sweep in the Finals. Won 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2024. |
| 65 | Golden State Warriors | 38 | 27 | 585 | Includes records of 10–6 while in Philadelphia, 3–8 while in San Francisco, and 25–13 in their current incarnation. Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2022. |
| 53 | Philadelphia 76ers | 24 | 29 | 453 | Includes a record of 9–11 while in Syracuse, and 15–18 while in Philadelphia. Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2001. |
| 48 | New York Knicks | 20 | 28 | 417 | Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 1999. |
| 41 | Miami Heat | 18 | 23 | 439 | Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2023. |
| 40 | Detroit Pistons | 22 | 18 | 550 | Includes a record of 4–8 while in Fort Wayne, and 18–10 while in Detroit. Lost 4–3 their last Finals appearance in 2005. |
| 35 | Chicago Bulls | 24 | 11 | 686 | Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 1998. |
| 34 | San Antonio Spurs | 23 | 11 | 676 | Won 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2014. |
| 30 | Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder | 14 | 16 | 467 | Includes a record of 9–9 while in Seattle, and 1–4 while in Oklahoma City. Lost 1–4 their last Finals appearance in 2012. Won 4-3 in 2025. |
| 26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 7 | 19 | 269 | Lost 4–0 in their last Finals appearance in 2018, as well as becoming the only team in the Finals to overcome a 3–1 deficit in 2016. |
| 25 | Atlanta Hawks | 11 | 14 | 440 | All appearances in the Finals occurred while the team was in St. Louis. |
| 23 | Houston Rockets | 12 | 11 | 522 | Won 4–0 in their last Finals appearance in 1995. |
| 20 | Washington Wizards | 5 | 15 | 250 | Includes a record of 0–4 in Baltimore and 5–11 in Washington, all as the Bullets. |
| 18 | Phoenix Suns | 6 | 12 | 333 | Lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2021. |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | 11 | 6 | 647 | Won 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2021. |
| 17 | Portland Trail Blazers | 7 | 10 | 412 | Lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 1992. |
| 17 | Dallas Mavericks | 7 | 10 | 412 | Lost 4–1 in their last finals appearance in 2024. |
| 13 | Indiana Pacers | 5 | 8 | 385 | Lost 4–2 in their only Finals appearance in 2000. Lost 4-3 in their second appearance in 2025. |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | 4 | 8 | 333 | Lost 4–2 in both Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998, both times against the Bulls. |
| 10 | Brooklyn Nets | 2 | 8 | 200 | All Finals appearances have occurred while the team was in New Jersey, and lost 4–2 in their last Finals appearance in 2003. |
| 9 | Orlando Magic | 1 | 8 | 111 | Lost 4–1 in their last Finals appearance in 2009. |
| 7 | Sacramento Kings | 4 | 3 | 571 | All appearances have occurred while the team was in Rochester. |
| 6 | Baltimore Bullets | 4 | 2 | 667 | Franchise defunct. Only championship-winning team to fold. |
| 6 | Toronto Raptors | 4 | 2 | 667 | Won 4–2 in their only Finals appearance in 2019. |
| 6 | Washington Capitols | 2 | 4 | 333 | Franchise defunct. |
| 5 | Denver Nuggets | 4 | 1 | 800 | Won 4–1 in their only Finals appearance in 2023. |
| 5 | Chicago Stags | 1 | 4 | 200 | Franchise defunct. |
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