Can You Name The Second-Leading Scorers Of Every NBA Champion Since 1977?

6 min read Post on May 16, 2025

Can You Name The Second-Leading Scorers Of Every NBA Champion Since 1977?

The 1970s and 1980s: A Look Back at Second-Leading Scorers

This era saw the rise of legendary teams and players. Let's examine the players who consistently provided the second-highest scoring output for these championship squads.

The Portland Trail Blazers Dynasty (1977):

The 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, led by Bill Walton, surprised many to win the NBA Championship. But who was their second-leading scorer?

Player Name: Dave Twardzik
Scoring Average: Around 11 points per game during the regular season. His playoff scoring fluctuated.
Notable Playoff Performance: Twardzik's contributions were more about his overall game than pure scoring. He provided crucial hustle and strong defense.
Impact on the team’s success: While not a high-volume scorer, Twardzik’s consistent effort and defensive tenacity were essential components of the Blazers' championship run. He provided the necessary glue for the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers Show (1980s):

The Showtime Lakers dominated the 1980s, with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the charge. Their second-leading scorers varied across their championship years.

1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988: Different players filled the second-leading scorer role each year, including Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, and James Worthy. These players all provided significant scoring and overall contributions. Their scoring averages varied based on the season and the needs of the team.
Scoring Averages: Varied significantly year to year, but typically in the range of 15-20 points per game.
Roles within the team: These players provided balanced scoring, allowing the Lakers to maintain a high-powered offensive attack. Their roles often involved creating their own shots or capitalizing on the offensive opportunities generated by Magic Johnson.
Comparison to Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: These players successfully complemented the legendary duo, providing essential scoring punch without overshadowing the superstars.

Boston Celtics' Rivalry (1980s):

The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, provided a fierce rivalry against the Lakers throughout the 1980s. Their second-leading scorers also contributed greatly to their success.

Player Names (varying by year): Players like Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, and Robert Parish often filled the second-leading scorer role depending on the year.
Their contributions beyond scoring: McHale was a phenomenal scorer, but Parish was dominant in rebounding and defense, while Johnson was an exceptional playmaker and defender.
Impact on the team’s overall success: These players provided a solid foundation for Larry Bird, ensuring the Celtics had a well-rounded, high-performing team.

The 1990s: The Rise of New Stars and Supporting Roles

The 1990s saw the emergence of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty, alongside other championship contenders.

Chicago Bulls Dominance (1990s):

The Bulls’ success revolved around Michael Jordan, but their supporting cast was integral to their six championships.

Player Names: Scottie Pippen consistently held the second-leading scorer position for most of the Bulls' championship runs.
Relationship with Michael Jordan: Pippen was Jordan's perfect complement, providing exceptional scoring, defense, and all-around playmaking.
Individual stats: Pippen's scoring averages were consistently high, and his all-around game was vital for the Bulls' success.
Their importance to the team's success: Pippen's consistent performance made the Bulls’ offense and defense incredibly strong and difficult to counter.

Houston Rockets' Unexpected Victories (1990s):

The Houston Rockets' back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 were largely unexpected.

Player Names: Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon formed a formidable duo, with Drexler often the second-leading scorer. In the later years, Robert Horry was a huge factor, though not necessarily second in scoring.
Their roles: Drexler's scoring prowess provided a great balance to Olajuwon's dominance in the paint, while Horry's contributions were immense, but largely defensive and clutch shooting.
How they contributed to the team’s surprising championship wins: Their combined scoring, defensive pressure, and teamwork proved crucial in their upset victories.

Other Championship Teams of the 90s:

1993: The Houston Rockets (second-leading scorer: Clyde Drexler)
1999: The San Antonio Spurs (second-leading scorer: Tim Duncan)

The 2000s and 2010s: The Modern NBA and its Second Fiddles

This era featured intense rivalries and the rise of superstar trios.

The Lakers and Spurs' Rivalry (2000s):

The Lakers and Spurs battled for supremacy, each with exceptional supporting casts.

Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2002, 2009-2010): Players like Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol held various positions regarding scoring, but often, players like Derek Fisher or Robert Horry played crucial support roles.
San Antonio Spurs (2003, 2005, 2007): Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan formed a powerful core, with Parker and Ginobili often alternating as second-leading scorers.
Scoring Averages, Team Roles, Supporting Superstars: These players' scoring averages, roles in the offense, and their impact on enabling the stars to perform is key to their success.

Miami Heat's Big Three Era (2010s):

The Miami Heat's "Big Three" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh required strong supporting players.

Player Names: Players like Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers consistently delivered crucial contributions.
Individual statistics: Their scoring might not have been the highest but their overall contributions to the team were immense.
How they contributed to the team's success: Their defensive tenacity and clutch play were indispensable in the Heat's championship runs.
Their importance in supporting the "Big Three": Their ability to space the floor, defend, and consistently execute were crucial for the Big 3 to thrive.

Other Championship Teams of the 2000s and 2010s:

2006: Miami Heat (second-leading scorer: Dwyane Wade)
2011, 2012, 2013: Dallas Mavericks (2011), Miami Heat (2012, 2013) – The second-leading scorers varied across these teams.

The 2020s: A New Generation of Second-Leading Scorers

The current decade presents a new set of champions and supporting players.

Recent Champions and Their Supporting Casts:

2022: Golden State Warriors (second-leading scorer: Klay Thompson)
2023: Denver Nuggets (second-leading scorer: Jamal Murray)

Conclusion:

This journey through NBA history highlights the importance of the second-leading scorers on each championship team since 1977. From Dave Twardzik's hustle to Scottie Pippen's all-around brilliance and Klay Thompson's shooting prowess, these players weren't just supporting players; they were integral to their team's championship success. Many were key players integral to the team’s success, proving that a strong supporting cast is crucial for an NBA title.

How did you do? Test your knowledge further by researching the second-leading scorers of other NBA playoff teams or try to name the third-leading scorers of these championship teams! Share your score and challenge your friends to test their knowledge of NBA champions' supporting casts and the vital roles of these often-unsung heroes.