Complete list of every NBA Finals sweep in history

While the 2024 NBA Finals still have a long way to go, the Boston Celtics looked dominant in Game 1, winning 107-89. If they continue playing at a high level, it's possible that this series results in a sweep. However, history indicates that it's unlikely. There have been 77 NBA Finals in history. Out of those 77 matchups, only nine teams have completed a series sweep, an 11.6 percent rate.

What teams have swept in the NBA Finals?

Here is the complete list:

1959 - Boston Celtics defeat Minneapolis Lakers

This was only the beginning of the Boston Celtics' historic run, as they went on to win eight consecutive Finals. They had multiple legends on their roster, but one series stat that stands out is Bill Russell's rebound average of 29.5 per game.

1971 - Milwaukee Bucks defeat Baltimore Bullets

The Bucks were loaded between an up-and-coming Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and veteran Oscar Robertson. Milwaukee didn't win another title for 50 years, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and company ending the drought in 2021.

1975 - Golden State Warriors defeat Washington Bullets

The Washington Bullets had a much better record (60-22) than the Golden State Warriors (48-34). Most teams on this list were dominant the entire season, and their records reflect that. Surprisingly, the Warriors swept the Bullets. The Warriors, led by Rick Berry, won two games by a single point in this series. 

1983 - The Philadelphia 76ers defeat Los Angeles Lakers

Although the Lakers had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson,  the 76ers were too talented between Finals MVP Moses Malone, Andrew Toney, Julius Erving, and Maurice Cheeks. They dominated the entire season, finishing with a 65-17 regular season record.

1989 - Detroit Pistons defeat Los Angeles Lakers

Interestingly, the Lakers swept every playoff series leading up to the 1989 NBA Finals, only to get swept themselves. Magic Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2, a significant factor in the series. 

1995 - Houston Rockets defeat Orlando Magic

The battle of the bigs! Orlando Magic's Shaquille O'Neal faced off against the Houston Rockets' Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon had a dominant four-game stretch, scoring over 30 points in each game, resulting in Finals MVP.

2002 - Los Angeles Lakers defeat New Jersey Nets

The iconic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the way for the Lakers in the 2002 NBA Finals. This sweep was the Lakers' third consecutive championship.

2007 - San Antonio Spurs defeat Cleveland Cavaliers

It was impressive that LeBron James, at 22, could carry the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. But they ran into the Spurs' dynasty trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.

2018 - Golden State Warriors defeat Cleveland Cavaliers

This one doesn't come as a surprise; the Warriors, with Kevin Durant, were arguably the best team in NBA history. LeBron James and the Cavaliers were too outmatched. Game 4 was James' last game in a Cavaliers jersey, as he went to the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.