Every NBA champion, 2000–2026
The Gauntlet
How hard was every NBA title run since 2000?
Opponent difficulty is the sum of the four playoff opponents' regular-season point differentials per game; the hatched part of each bar is what injuries and suspensions took away. Use Sort by to reorder, tap or hover a label for what it means, click a champion to open the four series.
* out or missed games (injury, inactive)† suspended‡ played every game but minutes cut by a quarter or moreGold chip = sweep, dashed chip = went the distance
| #Position in the current sort. | The season the title was won (year the Finals were played). | The champion, with regular-season record and point differential per game. | Opp. difficultySolid = opponent difficulty as actually faced (Adjusted). Hatched = what injuries and suspensions took away. Scaled to the hardest raw path. | Sum of the four playoff opponents' regular-season point differentials per game. Higher = tougher path on paper. | Points per game of opponent quality lost to injuries and suspensions, summed over the four series. More negative = more luck. | Raw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking. | First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut. | Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. | Conference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. | Finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. | Playoff win-loss record and total games played. Sorts by total games. | Total points scored minus allowed across the whole playoff run. | Average margin of victory per playoff game. | What the champion's and opponents' regular-season point differentials plus home court predicted, per playoff game, after injury adjustments on both sides. | Playoff PD per game minus Expected PD per game. Positive = the champion beat what the numbers predicted. | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Los Angeles Lakers58–24, +7.12 PD | 20.97 | −1.67 | 19.30 | 3–0 POR | 4–1 SAS* | 4–3 SAC* | 4–0 NJN | 15–4 (19) | +72 | +3.8 | +2.0 | +1.8 | 1 Los Angeles Lakers58–24, +7.12 PD 19.30AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.3–0 POR R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 SAS* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 SAC* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 NJN | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 |  Dallas Mavericks57–25, +4.24 PD | 18.88 | −0.27 | 18.61 | 4–2 POR | 4–0 LAL† | 4–1 OKC | 4–2 MIA | 16–5 (21) | +121 | +5.8 | −0.3 | +6.0 | 2 Dallas Mavericks57–25, +4.24 PD 18.61AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–2 POR R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 LAL† Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 OKC FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 MIA | |||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Los Angeles Lakers67–15, +8.55 PD | 19.13 | −1.16 | 17.97 | 3–2 SAC | 4–1 PHX* | 4–3 POR | 4–2 IND | 15–8 (23) | +54 | +2.4 | +4.2 | −1.8 | 3 Los Angeles Lakers67–15, +8.55 PD 17.97AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.3–2 SAC R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 PHX* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 POR FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 IND | |||||||||||||||||
| 4 |  Cleveland Cavaliers57–25, +6.00 PD | 19.48 | −1.68 | 17.80 | 4–0 DET | 4–0 ATL | 4–2 TOR* | 4–3 GSW†* | 16–5 (21) | +181 | +8.6 | +0.5 | +8.1 | 4 Cleveland Cavaliers57–25, +6.00 PD 17.80AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 DET R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 ATL Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 TOR* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 GSW†* | |||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Los Angeles Lakers56–26, +3.38 PD | 22.06 | −4.86 | 17.20 | 3–0 POR* | 4–0 SAC | 4–0 SAS* | 4–1 PHI* | 15–1 (16) | +204 | +12.8 | −0.9 | +13.7 | 5 Los Angeles Lakers56–26, +3.38 PD 17.20AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.3–0 POR* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 SAC Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 SAS* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 PHI* | |||||||||||||||||
| 6 |  Golden State Warriors53–29, +5.54 PD | 18.56 | −1.54 | 17.02 | 4–1 DEN | 4–2 MEM*† | 4–1 DAL* | 4–2 BOS | 16–6 (22) | +111 | +5.0 | +0.9 | +4.1 | 6 Golden State Warriors53–29, +5.54 PD 17.02AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 DEN R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 MEM*† Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 DAL* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 BOS | |||||||||||||||||
| 7 |  San Antonio Spurs62–20, +7.72 PD | 17.49 | −0.54 | 16.95 | 4–3 DAL | 4–1 POR | 4–2 OKC* | 4–1 MIA | 16–7 (23) | +214 | +9.3 | +3.9 | +5.4 | 7 San Antonio Spurs62–20, +7.72 PD 16.95AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–3 DAL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 POR Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 OKC* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 MIA | |||||||||||||||||
| 8 | Los Angeles Lakers57–25, +4.72 PD | 17.39 | −0.86 | 16.53 | 4–2 OKC | 4–0 UTA* | 4–2 PHX | 4–3 BOS* | 16–7 (23) | +88 | +3.8 | +0.7 | +3.1 | 8 Los Angeles Lakers57–25, +4.72 PD 16.53AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–2 OKC R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 UTA* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 PHX FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 BOS* | |||||||||||||||||
| 9 |  Oklahoma City Thunder68–14, +12.87 PD | 15.97 | −0.66 | 15.31 | 4–0 MEM* | 4–3 DEN | 4–1 MIN | 4–3 IND | 16–7 (23) | +192 | +8.3 | +9.4 | −1.1 | 9 Oklahoma City Thunder68–14, +12.87 PD 15.31AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 MEM* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 DEN Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 MIN FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 IND | |||||||||||||||||
| 10 | San Antonio Spurs58–24, +8.43 PD | 15.62 | −0.69 | 14.93 | 4–1 DEN | 4–2 PHX† | 4–1 UTA | 4–0 CLE* | 16–4 (20) | +79 | +4.0 | +4.8 | −0.9 | 10 San Antonio Spurs58–24, +8.43 PD 14.93AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 DEN R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 PHX† Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 UTA FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 CLE* | |||||||||||||||||
| 11 |  Miami Heat52–30, +3.87 PD | 14.74 | −0.07 | 14.67 | 4–2 CHI | 4–1 NJN | 4–2 DET | 4–2 DAL | 16–7 (23) | +87 | +3.8 | +0.2 | +3.6 | 11 Miami Heat52–30, +3.87 PD 14.67AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–2 CHI R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 NJN Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 DET FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 DAL | |||||||||||||||||
| 12 | Los Angeles Lakers65–17, +7.66 PD | 16.76 | −2.17 | 14.59 | 4–1 UTA* | 4–3 HOU* | 4–2 DEN | 4–1 ORL | 16–7 (23) | +166 | +7.2 | +4.0 | +3.2 | 12 Los Angeles Lakers65–17, +7.66 PD 14.59AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 UTA* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 HOU* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 DEN FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 ORL | |||||||||||||||||
| 13 |  New York Knicks53–29, +6.33 PD | 14.64 | −0.33 | 14.31 | 4–2 ATL | 4–0 PHI* | 4–0 CLE | 4–1 SAS | 16–3 (19) | +283 | +14.9 | +2.3 | +12.6 | 13 New York Knicks53–29, +6.33 PD 14.31AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–2 ATL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 PHI* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 CLE FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 SAS | |||||||||||||||||
| 14 | Miami Heat46–20, +5.98 PD | 15.17 | −0.95 | 14.22 | 4–1 NYK* | 4–2 IND | 4–3 BOS* | 4–1 OKC | 16–7 (23) | +163 | +7.1 | +2.2 | +4.9 | 14 Miami Heat46–20, +5.98 PD 14.22AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 NYK* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 IND Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 BOS* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 OKC | |||||||||||||||||
| 15 |  Toronto Raptors58–24, +6.09 PD | 18.74 | −5.34 | 13.40 | 4–1 ORL | 4–3 PHI | 4–2 MIL | 4–2 GSW* | 16–8 (24) | +131 | +5.5 | +2.9 | +2.6 | 15 Toronto Raptors58–24, +6.09 PD 13.40AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 ORL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 PHI Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 MIL FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 GSW* | |||||||||||||||||
| 16 | San Antonio Spurs59–23, +7.78 PD | 15.27 | −1.90 | 13.37 | 4–1 DEN | 4–2 SEA* | 4–1 PHX* | 4–3 DET | 16–7 (23) | +100 | +4.3 | +4.6 | −0.3 | 16 San Antonio Spurs59–23, +7.78 PD 13.37AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 DEN R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 SEA* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 PHX* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 DET | |||||||||||||||||
| 17 | San Antonio Spurs60–22, +5.41 PD | 16.47 | −3.43 | 13.04 | 4–2 PHX | 4–2 LAL* | 4–2 DAL* | 4–2 NJN | 16–8 (24) | +132 | +5.5 | +2.1 | +3.4 | 17 San Antonio Spurs60–22, +5.41 PD 13.04AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–2 PHX R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 LAL* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 DAL* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 NJN | |||||||||||||||||
| 18 |  Detroit Pistons54–28, +5.84 PD | 13.22 | −0.28 | 12.94 | 4–1 MIL | 4–3 NJN | 4–2 IND | 4–1 LAL* | 16–7 (23) | +146 | +6.3 | +3.0 | +3.3 | 18 Detroit Pistons54–28, +5.84 PD 12.94AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 MIL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 NJN Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 IND FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 LAL* | |||||||||||||||||
| 19 |  Boston Celtics66–16, +10.26 PD | 12.48 | −0.42 | 12.06 | 4–3 ATL | 4–3 CLE* | 4–2 DET | 4–2 LAL* | 16–10 (26) | +136 | +5.2 | +7.8 | −2.5 | 19 Boston Celtics66–16, +10.26 PD 12.06AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–3 ATL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 CLE* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 DET FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 LAL* | |||||||||||||||||
| 20 | Golden State Warriors58–24, +5.98 PD | 13.59 | −2.84 | 10.75 | 4–1 SAS‡ | 4–1 NOP* | 4–3 HOU* | 4–0 CLE | 16–5 (21) | +210 | +10.0 | +1.4 | +8.6 | 20 Golden State Warriors58–24, +5.98 PD 10.75AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 SAS‡ R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 NOP* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 HOU* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 CLE | |||||||||||||||||
| 21 |  Milwaukee Bucks46–26, +5.89 PD | 12.67 | −2.39 | 10.28 | 4–0 MIA | 4–3 BKN* | 4–2 ATL* | 4–2 PHX* | 16–7 (23) | +118 | +5.1 | +1.9 | +3.2 | 21 Milwaukee Bucks46–26, +5.89 PD 10.28AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 MIA R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 BKN* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 ATL* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 PHX* | |||||||||||||||||
| 22 | Golden State Warriors67–15, +11.63 PD | 13.80 | −5.01 | 8.79 | 4–0 POR | 4–0 UTA* | 4–0 SAS* | 4–1 CLE | 16–1 (17) | +230 | +13.5 | +8.9 | +4.6 | 22 Golden State Warriors67–15, +11.63 PD 8.79AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 POR R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 UTA* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 SAS* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 CLE | |||||||||||||||||
| 23 | Golden State Warriors67–15, +10.10 PD | 11.95 | −4.40 | 7.55 | 4–0 NOP* | 4–2 MEM* | 4–1 HOU* | 4–2 CLE* | 16–5 (21) | +164 | +7.8 | +8.3 | −0.5 | 23 Golden State Warriors67–15, +10.10 PD 7.55AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 NOP* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 MEM* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 HOU* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 CLE* | |||||||||||||||||
| 24 | Miami Heat66–16, +7.87 PD | 9.24 | −1.82 | 7.42 | 4–0 MIL | 4–1 CHI* | 4–3 IND | 4–3 SAS | 16–7 (23) | +148 | +6.4 | +5.6 | +0.8 | 24 Miami Heat66–16, +7.87 PD 7.42AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–0 MIL R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 CHI* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 IND FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–3 SAS | |||||||||||||||||
| 25 | Boston Celtics64–18, +11.34 PD | 9.43 | −6.01 | 3.42 | 4–1 MIA* | 4–1 CLE* | 4–0 IND* | 4–1 DAL | 16–3 (19) | +153 | +8.1 | +10.4 | −2.3 | 25 Boston Celtics64–18, +11.34 PD 3.42AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 MIA* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 CLE* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 IND* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 DAL | |||||||||||||||||
| 26 | Los Angeles Lakers52–19, +5.79 PD | 6.87 | −4.01 | 2.86 | 4–1 POR* | 4–1 HOU* | 4–1 DEN* | 4–2 MIA* | 16–5 (21) | +144 | +6.9 | +5.4 | +1.5 | 26 Los Angeles Lakers52–19, +5.79 PD 2.86AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 POR* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 HOU* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 DEN* FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 MIA* | |||||||||||||||||
| 27 |  Denver Nuggets53–29, +3.33 PD | 2.28 | −1.59 | 0.69 | 4–1 MIN* | 4–2 PHX* | 4–0 LAL | 4–1 MIA* | 16–4 (20) | +166 | +8.3 | +3.4 | +4.9 | 27 Denver Nuggets53–29, +3.33 PD 0.69AdjustedRaw plus the injury discount: opponent difficulty as actually faced. The default ranking.as faced R1First-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series. * missed games, † suspended, ‡ minutes cut.4–1 MIN* R2Second-round result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–2 PHX* Conf. finalsConference-finals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–0 LAL FinalsFinals result and opponent. Sorts by number of games in the series.4–1 MIA* | |||||||||||||||||
How the numbers are built, and what they miss
- Point differential (PD) is each team's regular-season points scored minus allowed, per game, computed from every game result. NBA Cup finals are excluded.
- Injury discount compares each player's minutes, game by game, with his regular-season minutes per team game. Lost minutes are valued at his rating above the team's 6th to 10th men, converted to points per game. Because the baseline is per team game, a team is only docked for being less healthy than it was while earning its PD. A star who also missed half the regular season costs little, since his absence is already in the PD.
- Player ratings are EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus, from Dunks & Threes) for 2002 to 2026, matched to the box scores by NBA player ID. EPM begins in 2002, so the 2000 and 2001 runs use FiveThirtyEight's RAPTOR instead; both are on a points-per-100-possessions scale.
- Not counted: healthy players a coach chose to sit (the box score's own DNP labels proved unreliable, so every zero-minute game by a rotation player was reviewed by hand), players traded away mid-season, and anyone who played hurt at normal minutes. Minutes cannot see a bad ankle. The gold-barred notes are from reporting at the time and cover some of that.
- Expected margin is champion PD minus opponent PD, plus that season's home-court edge weighted by how many games the champion hosted. The injury-adjusted version applies both teams' discounts.
- Box scores and results: Eoin Moore's NBA dataset on Kaggle. Ratings: EPM (Dunks & Threes); RAPTOR (FiveThirtyEight) for 2000 and 2001.