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

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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

The 1970s and 80s were eras defined by distinct playing styles. From the high-scoring offenses of the early 70s to the more physical, defensive-minded teams of the late 80s, the role of the second-leading scorer varied. These players, while often overshadowed by the superstar on their team, provided invaluable contributions to their team's championship success. Let's examine some of these unsung heroes:

• 1977 Portland Trail Blazers: Bill Walton (points per game: 18.9) – Walton’s all-around game and rebounding prowess were vital to Portland’s title run.
• 1978 Washington Bullets: Wes Unseld (points per game: 13.0) - Unseld wasn’t known for his scoring but his leadership and rebounding were essential.
• 1979 Seattle SuperSonics: Gus Williams (points per game: 22.1) – Williams was a crucial offensive weapon alongside Dennis Johnson.
• 1980 Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (points per game: 24.8) - Even the "Captain" himself took a secondary scoring role in this instance! Magic Johnson's emergence as a playmaker led to this unique situation.
• 1981 Boston Celtics: Cedric Maxwell (points per game: 16.5) - Maxwell provided a crucial scoring punch off the bench.
• 1982 Boston Celtics: Larry Bird (points per game: 22.9) – While he often led the scoring, this year he was technically second to Robert Parish.
• 1983 Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Erving (points per game: 24.1) - "Dr. J" took a backseat to Moses Malone in scoring that season.
• 1984 Boston Celtics: Kevin McHale (points per game: 17.4) – McHale's inside scoring complemented Larry Bird's outside game.
• 1985 Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (points per game: 17.5) – Magic Johnson’s playmaking skills once again shifted scoring dynamics.
• 1986 Boston Celtics: Kevin McHale (points per game: 19.3) - Another strong season for McHale supporting Larry Bird.
• 1987 Los Angeles Lakers: James Worthy (points per game: 21.1) – Worthy played a pivotal role in the Lakers' Showtime era.
• 1988 Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (points per game: 17.0) – The aging legend remained a key figure in the team’s championship run.
• 1989 Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas (points per game: 19.0) – Thomas led the Pistons’ dynamic offense.
• 1990 Detroit Pistons: Joe Dumars (points per game: 17.7) – Dumars was a crucial part of the Pistons' "Bad Boys" era.

Did you know that some years, the second highest scorer was actually a future Hall of Famer who had a tremendous season despite playing in the shadow of an even bigger star?

The 1990s: The Rise of Michael Jordan and Other Notable #2 Scorers

The 1990s were dominated by the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. While Jordan consistently led the scoring, the identity of the #2 scorer often reflected the team's overall strength and balance.

• 1991 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 21.0) – Pippen’s all-around excellence was crucial to the Bulls' dynasty.
• 1992 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 20.3) – Pippen consistently delivered when needed.
• 1993 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 20.2) – A three-peat with Pippen consistently near the top in scoring.
• 1996 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 19.4) – Back after a second three-peat.
• 1997 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 19.0) – The final year of their second three-peat.
• 1998 Chicago Bulls: Scottie Pippen (points per game: 16.0) – A somewhat off year for Pippen, still vital to the Bulls' final title.
• 1999 San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan (points per game: 21.7) – Duncan was a force to be reckoned with.

The Impact of the #2 Scorer on Championship Success

A strong second scorer provides crucial offensive balance. They relieve pressure on the star player, creating more scoring opportunities and drawing defensive attention. A reliable #2 scorer can also deliver clutch performances during crucial playoff moments, significantly impacting the team's success. Consider the impact of Pippen on the Bulls' dynasty; his performance directly influenced Jordan's ability to perform at his peak.

The 2000s and 2010s: A New Generation of Second Fiddles

The new millennium brought evolving team dynamics and offensive strategies. The role of the #2 scorer continued to be critical but often took on different forms, reflecting the changing face of the NBA.

• (Examples for 2000s and 2010s Champions to be added here with relevant stats and short descriptions. This section needs to be fleshed out with actual data.)

The 2020s and Beyond: Modern-Day #2 Scorers

The current NBA landscape sees a diverse range of offensive approaches. The #2 scorer's role continues to evolve; sometimes it's a secondary ball-handler, a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, or a dominant inside presence.

• (Examples for 2020s Champions to be added here with relevant stats and short descriptions. This section needs to be fleshed out with actual data.)

Conclusion: The Unsung Heroes of NBA Championships

This quiz highlights the often-underappreciated role of the #2 scorer in NBA championship success. From the physical power forwards of the 70s and 80s to the versatile wings of the modern game, these players consistently stepped up, providing essential support and offensive firepower to their star teammates. They represent the unsung heroes of NBA history.

How well did you do? Test your knowledge further by researching the top scorers for other NBA playoff teams! Share your score and challenge your friends to this difficult quiz on the #2 scorers of every NBA champion since 1977. Let us know your results in the comments below! Did you know all the #2 NBA championship scorers?