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

6 min read Post on May 15, 2025

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

The 1970s & 1980s: A Look at the Second-Leading Scorers

This era saw the rise of dynasties and legendary players. Let's examine the crucial contributions of the #2 scorers who helped build these championship teams.

The Portland Trail Blazers Dynasty (1977):

The 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers, led by the legendary Bill Walton, shocked the NBA with their championship victory. But who was their consistent second-leading scorer? That would be Maurice Lucas.

Maurice Lucas's Contribution: Lucas averaged 20.2 points and 9.2 rebounds during the regular season. His consistent scoring and tough defense were crucial elements in the Blazers' championship run. He provided a powerful inside presence and was a key figure in their playoff success.

The Los Angeles Lakers Showtime Era (1980s):

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the 1980s, showcasing the "Showtime" style of basketball. Determining the consistent #2 scorer across their multiple championships is complex. It often fluctuated between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, depending on the season and playoff performance.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Role: While often the leading scorer, Kareem’s consistent high scoring meant he frequently was the #2 scorer in certain games or stretches of seasons.
Magic Johnson's Versatility: Johnson's all-around game often put him in the running for the second highest scorer. His playmaking ability was key, setting up scoring opportunities for others while also contributing significantly himself.
Other Contributors: Players like Jamaal Wilkes and James Worthy also filled the #2 scorer role in certain games throughout the decade, highlighting the depth of the Lakers' roster.

Boston Celtics' Success (1980s):

The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, also enjoyed significant success in the 1980s. Their second-leading scorer frequently shifted between key players.

Kevin McHale's Impact: McHale's scoring prowess inside provided a consistent scoring threat and balanced Bird's offensive dominance. His post moves and scoring ability made him a frequent contender for the #2 spot.
Dennis Johnson's Consistency: Dennis Johnson's reliable scoring and defensive presence made him another potential #2 scorer in certain stretches. He played a crucial role in the Celtics' championship success.
Robert Parish's Defensive Contributions: While not always a high scorer, Robert Parish's presence inside helped free up scoring opportunities for both Bird and McHale, indirectly contributing to their success.

The 1990s & 2000s: A New Generation of #2 Scorers

This era saw the rise of new stars and rivalries, with the #2 scorers playing vital roles in their teams' success.

The Chicago Bulls Dynasty (1990s):

The Chicago Bulls' dynasty, defined by Michael Jordan's brilliance, also featured a consistent #2 scorer who played an undeniable role.

Scottie Pippen's Significance: Scottie Pippen's all-around excellence was fundamental to the Bulls' championship runs. His scoring, defense, and playmaking made him an essential counterpart to Jordan. He consistently ranked second in scoring on the team, and his contributions cannot be overstated.

The San Antonio Spurs' Rise (1990s & 2000s):

The San Antonio Spurs, known for their team-oriented style of play, had several players fill the #2 scorer role during their championship years.

Tim Duncan's Leadership: Duncan's consistent scoring and leadership provided a solid foundation for the Spurs' success. Often the second leading scorer, his consistency was key.
Tony Parker's Explosiveness: Parker's speed and scoring ability added an extra dimension to the Spurs' offense, regularly taking on the #2 scorer role.
Manu Ginobili's Versatility: Ginobili's energy and scoring bursts off the bench made him a valuable asset, often becoming the #2 scorer during crucial playoff moments.

The Los Angeles Lakers' Return to Glory (2000s):

The Lakers' success in the early 2000s featured Kobe Bryant as the primary star, but who were his key supporting scorers?

Shaquille O'Neal's Dominance: During the three-peat, Shaquille O'Neal consistently ranked as the second highest scorer, complementing Kobe's scoring output with his dominance in the paint.
Pau Gasol's Post Play: After Shaq's departure, Pau Gasol joined Kobe, offering a versatile scoring threat and providing strong support that often made him the #2 scorer.

The 2010s & 2020s: Modern NBA Scoring Dynamics

The modern NBA is characterized by high-scoring offenses and more balanced team scoring. Let's examine the #2 scorers of recent champions.

Miami Heat's Big 3 (2010s):

The Miami Heat's "Big 3" era showcased the power of a balanced attack, making identifying a consistent #2 scorer difficult.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh's Interplay: The roles frequently shifted between Wade and Bosh, depending on the game and season. Their offensive chemistry and ability to score in various ways led to their success, often with the second-highest scoring player fluctuating between the two.

Golden State Warriors Dynasty (2010s):

The Golden State Warriors' dynasty saw a different dynamic, with a clear second-leading scorer.

Klay Thompson's Shooting Prowess: Klay Thompson's exceptional three-point shooting consistently made him the Warriors' #2 scorer, perfectly complementing Stephen Curry's scoring ability.
Draymond Green's All-Around Game: While not a high-volume scorer, Draymond Green’s impact as a playmaker and secondary scoring option was a critical aspect of the Warriors' championship runs.

Recent Champions (2020s):

The recent NBA champions have shown a continued trend of diverse scoring attacks.

Milwaukee Bucks (2021): Khris Middleton played a crucial role as the #2 scorer, consistently delivering high-scoring performances alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Golden State Warriors (2022): While Stephen Curry led the scoring, Klay Thompson reclaimed his role as a consistent high scorer, frequently acting as the #2 scorer.

Conclusion:

This journey through NBA history has revealed the crucial contributions of the #2 scorers on championship teams since 1977. From legendary players to rising stars, these individuals played a vital role in their teams' success, often overshadowed by their superstar teammates. Understanding their impact is key to appreciating the complexity and depth of winning NBA franchises.

Call to Action: Think you could name all the #2 scorers? Test your knowledge again! Share this article with fellow basketball fans and challenge them to identify the #2 scorers for every NBA champion since 1977. Let’s see who truly masters the nuances of NBA championship history! #NBATrivia #NBAHistory #Championships #SecondScorers #NBAChampions