Who Won the 2001 NBA Finals?

The 2001 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s 2000-01 season. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. Shaquille O’Neal was named the Finals MVP.

The Teams

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers were the two teams that battled it out in the 2001 NBA Finals. The Lakers were the defending champions, having won the title in 2000. The 76ers were led by Allen Iverson, who was in his fourth year in the league.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Philadelphia ers four games to one in the best-of-seven 2001 NBA Finals. This is the Lakers’ third consecutive NBA championship and 11th overall. Shaquille O’Neal is named NBA Finals MVP for the third consecutive year. Kobe Bryant averages 28.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game during the playoffs.

Philadelphia 76ers

In 2001, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Sixers were led by all-star guard Allen Iverson, who was in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. The Lakers were a star-studded team with superstars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Ultimately, the Sixers prevailed, winning the series 4-1.

The Series

The 2001 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s 2000–01 season. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal was named the Most Valuable Player of the series.

Game 1

The 76ers went into Game 1 with a game plan to stop Shaquille O’Neal, and for much of the game, it worked. O’Neal had just eight points in the first three quarters, and the Lakers looked like they might be in trouble. But Kobe Bryant took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 28 points in the final period to lead the Lakers to a 108-102 victory.

Game 2

The Los Angeles Lakers entered Game 2 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers hoping to even the series at 1-1. Despite a strong performance by Shaquille O’Neal, who finished with 28 points and 20 rebounds, the Lakers were unable to overcome a balanced Sixers team and lost 106-91. Allen Iverson led the way for Philadelphia, scoring 31 points, while Dikembe Mutombo grabbed 15 rebounds.

Game 3

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia Sixers 103-88 in game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals.

Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 4 of the 2001 NBA Finals, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 96-91. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and Shaquille O’Neal had 24 to lead the Lakers to victory. Allen Iverson scored 27 points for the 76ers in the losing effort.

Game 5

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-107 to win the 2001 NBA Finals. This was the Lakers’ 3rd consecutive championship. Shaquille O’Neal was named Finals MVP for the 3rd consecutive year.

The Aftermath

After the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2001 NBA Finals, the city of Los Angeles erupted in celebration. Fans young and old poured into the streets, honking their horns and cheering for their team. It was a momentous occasion not just for the Lakers, but for the city as well.

The Legacy of the 2001 NBA Finals

The Los Angeles Lakers of the 2000-2001 season will be remembered as one of the best teams ever assembled. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were in their primes, forming one of the most dominant tandems the league has ever seen. The team also featured veteran role players like Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, and Rick Fox. The Lakers entered the playoffs as the heavy favorites to win the championship.

They would not be disappointed. The Lakers won 15 of their 16 playoff games, with their only loss coming in Game 1 of the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. They would go on to win the next four games, cementing their place in history as one of the greatest teams of all time.

The 2001 NBA Finals will also be remembered for what happened after the final buzzer sounded in Game 4. As the Lakers celebrated their championship victory, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant engaged in a now-famous embrace. It was a moment that cemented their legacy as one of the greatest duos in NBA history.