Test Your NBA Knowledge: Second Leading Scorers Of Every Champion Since 1977

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Think you're an NBA expert? Beyond the MVPs and leading scorers, true basketball aficionados know the crucial role of the second-leading scorer on championship teams. These players, often unsung heroes, provide essential support, scoring crucial points, and bolstering team performance. This article puts your NBA knowledge to the test, challenging you to name the second-highest scorer for every NBA champion since the 1977 season. Get ready to see how well you remember those pivotal players who contributed to their team's success!

The 1970s Champions – A Look Back at the Second-Leading Scorers

The 1970s marked a period of significant change in the NBA. The game was evolving, with a shift towards faster-paced offenses and more dynamic players. This era saw the rise of several legendary teams and players, many of whom relied on strong second-leading scorers to secure championship titles. Let's look at some of those key contributors:

• 1977 Portland Trail Blazers: Second-leading scorer: Maurice Lucas. Lucas averaged 19.5 points and 9.7 rebounds, providing a vital inside presence alongside Bill Walton. His tenacious rebounding and scoring ability were instrumental in the Blazers' unexpected championship run. This showcases the importance of a strong second-leading scorer in a championship team.

• 1978 Washington Bullets: Second-leading scorer: Elvin Hayes. A veteran presence, Hayes averaged 21.1 points and 11.1 rebounds, providing consistent scoring alongside Wes Unseld. His experience was crucial in leading the Bullets to victory. This exemplifies the value of veteran leadership alongside star power.

• 1979 Seattle SuperSonics: Second-leading scorer: Dennis Johnson. Johnson, a future Hall of Famer, provided crucial scoring and defensive prowess, averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, a testament to his all-around game. The impact of a versatile second-leading scorer became evident in the Sonics' success.

• 1980 Los Angeles Lakers: Second-leading scorer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. While often the leading scorer, this year Abdul-Jabbar’s contribution is noteworthy. His consistent post presence opened up scoring opportunities for others.

These examples highlight the diverse contributions of second-leading scorers in the 1970s NBA, demonstrating their crucial role in achieving championship success. Their consistent scoring, rebounding, and overall court presence were all invaluable assets to their teams.

The 1980s and the Rise of Dynasties – Identifying the Unsung Heroes

The 1980s witnessed the rise of dominant dynasties like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. These teams featured iconic players, but their success also hinged on the contributions of their second-leading scorers. Let's examine some of these unsung heroes:

• 1980-1982 Los Angeles Lakers: Second-leading scorer varied throughout this three-year championship run, often being Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jamaal Wilkes, highlighting the depth of their talent.

• 1984-1986 Boston Celtics: Second-leading scorers often included players like Kevin McHale, Larry Bird, and Robert Parish, highlighting a remarkable balanced offensive attack across various years.

• 1987-1988 Los Angeles Lakers: Again, the second leading scorer varied during this period, but included valuable offensive contributions from James Worthy and others. The deep bench strength of championship teams of this era is clearly reflected in the versatility of their high-scoring players.

The 1980s saw the continued evolution of the NBA game, with an increasing emphasis on teamwork and offensive versatility. The second-leading scorers of this era played a vital role in facilitating the scoring prowess of their star players and providing crucial offensive support when needed. This highlights the increasing importance of well-rounded offensive players in building championship caliber teams.

The 1990s and Beyond – A New Era of Second-Leading Scorers

The NBA continued its evolution in the 1990s and beyond, characterized by increased scoring, athleticism, and strategic diversity. The role of the second-leading scorer adapted to these changes, often involving players with exceptional shooting ability or complementary skills to the team's star.

• 1991 Chicago Bulls: Second-leading scorer: Scottie Pippen. A testament to the crucial contribution of exceptional all-around players.

• 1990s-2020s Champions: This era saw a multitude of players filling the second leading scorer role. The names vary greatly, but a pattern emerges: the second leading scorer's role became more flexible, often based on the needs and style of the specific team.

• Modern NBA (2010s-2020s): In this modern era, with a focus on positionless basketball, the second-leading scorer could be a high-scoring guard, a versatile forward, or even a center. The common thread remains their ability to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.

Bonus Section: Analyzing Trends Among Second-Leading Scorers

Analyzing the trends among second-leading scorers reveals interesting patterns. Initially, many were power forwards or centers, reflecting the game's focus on inside scoring. However, as the game evolved, the position of the second-leading scorer diversified, with guards and swingmen becoming increasingly prevalent. This shift mirrors the league's overall emphasis on perimeter scoring and versatility. The impact of coaching strategies is also notable; coaches often tailor their offensive schemes to maximize the contributions of both their leading and second-leading scorers, creating a balanced and effective attack.

Conclusion

This quiz has tested your knowledge of the unsung heroes of NBA championship teams—the second-leading scorers. Remember those crucial players who provided essential support for their star players, leading to victory. Their consistent scoring, rebounding, and overall court presence were invaluable. They often played a pivotal role in their teams' success.

How well did you do? Share your score and challenge your friends to test their NBA knowledge with this quiz on second-leading scorers of every NBA champion since 1977. Let's see who truly knows their NBA history! Share this article and keep the basketball conversation going!