🏆 Who Won the NBA Finals 2025? A Definitive Recap of the Championship Showdown

The 2025 NBA Finals was one for the history books — a thrilling seven-game series that kept basketball fans on the edge of their seats. In a dramatic finale, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics , securing their second consecutive NBA championship and solidifying their place among the league's modern-day dynasties.

This article dives deep into the entire journey of the 2025 NBA Finals: from the teams involved, standout players, pivotal moments, to the final clinching game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just catching up, this guide has everything you need to know about who won the NBA Finals 2025 .

🏀 The Road to the 2025 NBA Finals

Before we reveal who won the NBA Finals 2025 , let’s take a look at how both teams reached the grand stage.

🔥 Western Conference Champions – Denver Nuggets

Led by two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokić , the Denver Nuggets entered the 2024–2025 season with a mission: defend their title. With a strong supporting cast including Jamal Murray , Michael Porter Jr. , and defensive anchor Aaron Gordon , the Nuggets dominated the Western Conference throughout the regular season.

They faced stiff competition from the likes of the Golden State Warriors , Phoenix Suns , and Los Angeles Clippers , but their depth, chemistry, and Jokić’s brilliance ensured they remained atop the West.

In the playoffs, the Nuggets dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies , New Orleans Pelicans , and Golden State Warriors in hard-fought series before advancing to the Finals.

⚔️ Eastern Conference Champions – Boston Celtics

On the other side of the bracket, the Boston Celtics were determined to bring home their first NBA title since 2008. Anchored by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown , and bolstered by savvy veteran leadership from Chris Paul and Al Horford , Boston had a dominant regular season.

Their playoff run included victories over the Miami Heat , New York Knicks , and a thrilling upset of the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics' blend of youth and experience made them a formidable opponent for the defending champs.

📋 2025 NBA Finals Matchup: Nuggets vs. Celtics

Team	Conference	Key Players	Seed
Denver Nuggets	Western	Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon	#1
Boston Celtics	Eastern	Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Chris Paul	#2

🏁 Series Breakdown: A Seven-Game Thriller

Let’s break down each game of the 2025 NBA Finals to understand how the Denver Nuggets became champions once again.

🏀 Game 1 – Nuggets 112, Celtics 109

The series kicked off in Denver with high intensity. Nikola Jokić dropped a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray added 28 points. The Celtics fought back late, but a clutch jumper from Murray sealed the win.

🏀 Game 2 – Celtics 107, Nuggets 104

Boston evened the series in Game 2 behind a career playoff-high 41 points from Jayson Tatum. Defensive adjustments limited Jokić’s impact, and the Celtics stole a road win heading back to Boston.

🏀 Game 3 – Celtics 115, Nuggets 112

In a shootout at TD Garden, the Celtics took a 2–1 series lead. Tatum and Brown combined for 72 points, while Chris Paul hit a dagger three in the final minute. Denver struggled with turnovers and foul trouble.

🏀 Game 4 – Nuggets 120, Celtics 116 (OT)

A must-win game for Denver saw Jokić dominate with 36 points and 16 rebounds. The game went into overtime after a last-second layup by Murray, and the Nuggets pulled away in OT thanks to timely defense and free throws.

🏀 Game 5 – Celtics 110, Nuggets 107

Back in Denver, the Celtics took a 3–2 series lead. Tatum delivered another 40-piece, and Marcus Smart came up big defensively. The Nuggets missed several key shots down the stretch.

🏀 Game 6 – Nuggets 118, Celtics 115

Facing elimination, the Nuggets showed their championship heart. Jokić and Murray combined for 68 points, and Aaron Gordon made several key defensive stops. Denver forced a Game 7 in Boston.

🏀 Game 7 – Nuggets 114, Celtics 110

The final game was a nail-biter. Jokić recorded a historic 40-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double — the first in a Game 7 in NBA Finals history. Tatum scored 38 points, but it wasn’t enough as Denver held off a furious Celtics rally in the fourth quarter.

With under 10 seconds left, Jamal Murray sank two free throws to seal the victory, and the Nuggets celebrated their second straight NBA title.

🏅 MVP of the 2025 NBA Finals: Nikola Jokić

As expected, Nikola Jokić was named Finals MVP after averaging a staggering 32.1 PPG, 14.3 RPG, and 11.7 APG across the seven games. His versatility, poise under pressure, and relentless playmaking cemented his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

Jokić joined elite company, becoming only the third player in NBA history to win multiple Finals MVP awards without ever playing for a superteam.

🎙️ Postgame Reactions and Legacy Talk

Following the win, the basketball world erupted in celebration and analysis.

“This is what legends are made of,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke. “Jokić is rewriting the narrative of what a superstar can be.”

Players, coaches, and analysts alike praised the Nuggets’ resilience and unselfish style of play. Meanwhile, Celtics fans expressed pride in their team’s effort despite falling short.

Head coach Mike Malone received widespread acclaim for his leadership and strategic adjustments throughout the series.

📈 What This Win Means for the Denver Nuggets

Winning back-to-back championships is no small feat. The Denver Nuggets have now established themselves as the new gold standard in the NBA.

Nikola Jokić cements his legacy as a top-five all-time center.
Jamal Murray solidifies his role as a co-star and clutch performer.
The organization has built a sustainable contender through smart drafting, development, and chemistry.

🧊 What Went Wrong for the Boston Celtics?

Despite a valiant effort, the Boston Celtics fell just short of the title. Here’s what analysts pointed out:

Overreliance on Tatum : While he delivered in clutch moments, Boston needed more consistent scoring from their role players.
Defensive breakdowns : Especially in transition and late-game situations.
Chris Paul’s age factor : At 40 years old, Paul still played well but couldn’t match the physicality in the later games.

Still, the Celtics proved they are legitimate contenders moving forward.

📊 2025 NBA Finals Stats Snapshot

Player	Team	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%
Nikola Jokić	DEN	32.1	14.3	11.7	56.2%
Jamal Murray	DEN	27.8	5.1	6.9	49.5%
Jayson Tatum	BOS	34.5	9.2	6.1	48.3%
Jaylen Brown	BOS	25.3	7.4	4.2	47.1%

📺 Where to Watch the 2025 NBA Finals Replay

If you missed any of the action or want to relive the magic, here’s where you can watch full replays and highlights:

NBA League Pass
ESPN+
YouTube NBA Highlights Channel
TNT On Demand

🗓️ Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the NBA?

Now that we’ve answered “who won the NBA Finals 2025” , the focus shifts to the future. Will the Nuggets continue their dominance? Can the Celtics make another deep run? And how will rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren impact the league?

One thing is certain: the NBA is in great hands, and the next chapter promises to be just as exciting.

🧠 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 NBA Finals