The NBA playoffs feature teams with varying histories of Finals appearances, from recent contenders to franchises still seeking their first trip. This year's mix includes historic teams like the Lakers and Cavaliers, alongside those like the Knicks and Timberwolves, who are striving for postseason success.
Key points
NBA playoff teams have varying histories of Finals appearances
Lakers and Cavaliers are recent contenders
Knicks and 76ers are still seeking postseason breakthroughs
Timberwolves have never reached the NBA Finals
The current playoff field includes historic franchises and rising contenders
Los Angeles LakersCleveland CavaliersNew York KnicksPhiladelphia 76ers
The road back to the NBA Finals is never easy, and for some franchises, the wait has stretched across decades filled with heartbreak, rebuilding years, and near misses. While a handful of organizations have remained regular contenders on basketballās biggest stage, others are still searching for a return trip that once felt routine. Every postseason brings renewed hope, but it also shines a spotlight on how long it has been since each team last competed for the Larry OāBrien Trophy.
This yearās playoff field features a fascinating mix of recent powers, historic franchises, and rising contenders trying to carve out their own place in league history. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have experienced Finals basketball within the last decade, while organizations such as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are still chasing the kind of postseason breakthrough their fan bases have craved for years. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves continue pursuing a milestone the franchise has never reached.
What makes this list compelling is the contrast between dynasties, droughts, and emerging eras. Some teams are trying to reclaim former glory, while others are hoping to establish themselves among the leagueās elite for the very first time. As another postseason unfolds, the pressure grows heavier, the expectations become louder, and the chase for an NBA Finals appearance becomes even more meaningful.
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Oklahoma City Thunder (2025)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2025)
The Thunder enter this postseason as the defending NBA champions after completing a breakthrough title run in 2025. Led by MVP-caliber star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and one of the leagueās deepest young cores, Oklahoma City finally fulfilled the promise that had been building over the last several seasons. Their championship victory marked the franchiseās first title since relocating to Oklahoma City and cemented the Thunder as the NBAās newest powerhouse. Now, the challenge becomes sustaining that success and proving their title run was the beginning of a dynasty rather than a one-year breakthrough.
Los Angeles Lakers (2020)
Los Angeles Lakers (2020)
Los Angeles Lakers (2020)
The Lakers most recently reached the NBA Finals in 2020 during the NBA bubble season, where LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the franchise to its 17th championship. That title run reinforced the organizationās reputation as one of basketballās premier franchises and added another chapter to its legendary history. Since then, the Lakers have remained competitive but inconsistent, often battling injuries and roster instability. Still, whenever the postseason arrives, expectations remain sky-high for a franchise accustomed to championship contention.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018)
Clevelandās last Finals appearance came in 2018, the final chapter of LeBron Jamesā second stint with the franchise. Despite carrying an undermanned roster through the Eastern Conference playoffs, James and the Cavaliers were ultimately overmatched by the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Following his departure, Cleveland entered a rebuilding phase focused on developing young talent and reshaping its identity. The current roster has restored optimism within the organization, signaling that the Cavaliers may once again be capable of making a deep playoff run.
The Spurs reached the NBA Finals in 2014 and delivered one of the most impressive championship performances in league history. Powered by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio overwhelmed the Miami Heat with beautiful ball movement and disciplined execution. That championship became the defining conclusion to one of the NBAās greatest dynasties under coach Gregg Popovich. Since then, the Spurs have transitioned into a rebuilding era, though the arrival of Victor Wembanyama has dramatically changed the franchiseās long-term outlook.
Detroit last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2005, one year after winning the championship in stunning fashion against the Lakers. The Pistons were known for their elite defense, toughness, and team-first mentality, led by Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace. Although they pushed the Spurs to seven games in the 2005 Finals, Detroit ultimately fell short of repeating as champions. The franchise has spent much of the years since searching for stability and a return to relevance in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers (2001)
Philadelphia 76ers (2001)
Philadelphia 76ers (2001)
The 76ers last reached the NBA Finals in 2001 behind the unforgettable MVP season of Allen Iverson. Philadelphia embraced an underdog identity throughout that playoff run, with Iverson delivering some of the most iconic performances in NBA postseason history. Although the Sixers stole Game 1 against the Lakers, they ultimately could not overcome a dominant Los Angeles squad. Since then, the organization has experienced several rebuilds and playoff disappointments despite featuring multiple superstar-caliber players over the years.
New York Knicks (1999)
New York Knicks (1999)
New York Knicks (1999)
The Knicks made their most recent Finals appearance in 1999 during the lockout-shortened season, becoming the first No. 8 seed ever to reach the NBA Finals. Led by Patrick Ewing, Latrell Sprewell, and Allan Houston, New York captured the cityās imagination with a gritty and emotional postseason run. Injuries and the powerful Spurs eventually prevented the Knicks from winning the title, but that playoff journey remains one of the franchiseās defining modern moments. For a fan base desperate for sustained success, the long Finals drought has only intensified the pressure surrounding every postseason appearance.
The Timberwolves remain one of the few NBA franchises that have never reached the Finals, despite several talented eras throughout their history. Kevin Garnett led Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals in 2004, but the team fell short of advancing to the championship series. In recent years, the franchise has built renewed momentum with a talented core capable of competing against the leagueās top teams. A Finals appearance would represent a historic breakthrough for an organization still chasing its defining postseason moment.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
The history behind every NBA Finals drought tells a different story ā some defined by dynasties fading away, others by rebuilding years and missed opportunities. As this postseason unfolds, several of these franchises have a legitimate chance to rewrite their narratives and move one step closer to basketballās biggest stage. Whether itās ending decades of frustration or returning to familiar championship territory, the pressure and excitement surrounding the NBA playoffs have never been greater.
