It is time to explore the elite NBA players who achieved the extraordinary feat of securing two championships, two Finals MVPs, and one regular season MVP.
In the illustrious history of the NBA, only a select group of basketball legends have managed to attain the ultimate trifecta of success. These remarkable athletes have not only earned the prestigious title of NBA champion not once but twice. They have also stood out as the most valuable player in the league during the regular season and have been hailed as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA Finals, not once, but twice as well.
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This unique and exclusive club of players who have achieved the “Triple Crown” of 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs, and 1 regular season MVP stands as a testament to their extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. This article delves into the rarefied air of those select few who have accomplished this remarkable feat.
From iconic figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James to unexpected surprises, we will celebrate their remarkable achievements and what sets them apart from the rest of the league’s elite. It is time to honor the basketball legends who have forever etched their names in the record books with at least two titles, two Finals MVPs, and a regular-season MVP.
11. Willis Reed 
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NBA Championships: 2
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 1
Willis Reed is a celebrated figure in the history of the NBA, renowned for his exceptional achievements and contributions with the New York Knicks. With two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and one NBA MVP award to his name, Reed has solidified his place among the legends of the game despite often being forgotten.
Reed’s journey to greatness began when he was drafted No. 10 overall by the New York Knicks in 1964. Throughout his career, he displayed an impressive blend of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, including scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. His leadership on the court was instrumental in helping the Knicks secure NBA championships in the 1969-70 and 1972-73 seasons.
Reed’s impact was not limited to his team’s success in the regular season; he was equally dominant in the NBA Finals. He earned the Finals MVP award twice, underlining his ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stage. His performances in those championship series are etched in NBA lore.
In 1970, Reed delivered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, despite a significant injury, he hobbled onto the court and hit the first two baskets of the game, providing an emotional lift that galvanized his team to victory. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity remain a symbol of sports heroism.
Reed’s outstanding contributions were further recognized with the NBA MVP award in 1970 when he posted 21.7 points and 13.9 rebounds per game while leading the Knicks to a 60-22 record and eventually a championship at the end of the year.
10. Kevin Durant
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NBA Championships: 2
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 1
Kevin Durant, often referred to as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, is a contemporary superstar who has achieved remarkable success in his career. Durant’s journey to NBA stardom began when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. From the outset, Durant showcased his scoring prowess, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2008.
His ascent to superstardom continued as he led the league in scoring four times and has earned 13 All-Star selections. Durant’s combination of height, ball-handling ability, and a deadly jump shot made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. In 2014, he won his first NBA MVP award while with the Thunder by posting a league-leading 32.0 points per game on 50.3% shooting from the field.
Durant’s quest for an NBA championship reached its zenith when he joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016 during free agency. In his first two seasons with the Warriors, he helped lead the team to back-to-back NBA championships, earning Finals MVP honors both times. His ability to perform at an elite level on the sport’s grandest stage solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
The combination of Durant’s scoring prowess, defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, and leadership qualities culminated in his receipt of the NBA MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the league’s all-time greats even if he joined a 73-9 side to win his titles.
9. Hakeem Olajuwon
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NBA Championships: 2
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 1
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most dominant and versatile big men to have ever graced the NBA hardwood. With two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and one NBA MVP award, Olajuwon’s basketball legacy is one of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, grace, and tenacity.
Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon’s journey to NBA superstardom began when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft. His remarkable career with the Rockets was marked by consistent excellence on both ends of the floor.
Olajuwon’s defensive prowess was particularly extraordinary. He was a shot-blocking maestro and remains the all-time leader in blocked shots in NBA history. His ability to guard multiple positions and dominate the paint made him the heart of the Rockets’ defense which is why he made nine All-Defensive Teams and won Defensive Player of the Year twice.
In 1994 and 1995, Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships. His impact on the Finals was undeniable, and he was awarded the Finals MVP both times. He averaged 26.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in 1994 against Patrick Ewing and the Knicks, followed by averages of 32.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game against Shaquille O’Neal and the Magic in 1995.
In 1994, Olajuwon’s MVP-caliber performance was recognized with the NBA MVP award when he averaged 27.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, making him one of the few players in history to achieve the Triple Crown of 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs, and 1 regular season MVP.
8. Larry Bird
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NBA Championships: 3
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 3
Larry Bird, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, left an indelible mark on the NBA with his exceptional s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, basketball IQ, and leadership. With three NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and three NBA MVP awards, Bird’s place in basketball history is nothing short of legendary as easily a top-two small forward ever.
Bird’s journey to NBA stardom began when he was selected by the Boston Celtics as the No. 6 overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft (although his first season came in 1979-80). His impact on the Celtics franchise was immediate and transformative as he won Rookie of the Year and began having championship success shortly after.
Bird was a key figure in the Celtics’ championship successes in 1981, 1984, and 1986, earning three NBA championships in his illustrious career. His rivalry with Magic Johnson, another basketball icon, added extra drama and excitement to the league during the 1980s.
In addition to his championship wins, Bird was twice awarded the NBA Finals MVP, underscoring his ability to shine on the biggest stage. His rivalry with Magic Johnson reached its zenith in these Finals, and their matchups are some of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
Bird’s remarkable consistency and impact on the game earned him three NBA MVP awards in 1984, 1985, and 1986, an achievement matched by few in NBA history. He was the embodiment of a complete player, excelling in virtually every aspect of the game which is why he retired with incredible career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
7. Shaquille O’Neal
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NBA Championships: 4
Finals MVP Awards: 3
NBA MVP Award: 1
With four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, and one NBA MVP award, Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy in the world of professional basketball is marked by sheer power, s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, and an indomitable presence on the court. Standing at 7’1” and weighing in at over 300 pounds during his playing career, Shaq was a force of nature in the paint. He was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and immediately made a tremendous impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Shaq’s combination of size, strength, and agility was virtually unmatched. He dominated both ends of the floor, excelling as a scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. He won NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000, 2001, and 2002 and then with the Miami Heat in 2006, adding four titles to his resume.
In those championship runs, Shaq was the anchor of his teams, earning three Finals MVP awards in the process. His impact in the playoffs, particularly in the NBA Finals, was undeniable, and his presence in the paint often proved insurmountable for opponents. His averages between the 2000 and 2002 Finals are ridiculous. In 2020, he posted 38.0 points and 16.7 rebounds per game followed by 33.0 points and 15.8 rebounds per game in 2021. In 2022, Shaq averaged 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
In 2000, Shaq’s incredible performances were recognized with the NBA MVP award (averaging 29.7 points and 13.6 rebounds per game), making him one of the few players to achieve the Triple Crown including four Championships, three Finals MVPs, and a regular season MVP. Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy in the NBA remains iconic, representing the power and athleticism that define the sport’s most dominant big men.
6. Kobe Bryant
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NBA Championships: 5
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 1
Kobe Bryant’s journey to basketball stardom began when he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, and was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team with which he would become synonymous. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear that Kobe possessed a unique combination of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and an unparalleled desire to win.
Kobe’s impact on the Lakers franchise was profound. He played a pivotal role in leading the team to five NBA championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. His partnership with Shaquille O’Neal during the early 2000s was a defining era in Lakers history, and Kobe’s ability to perform under pressure in the NBA Finals was undeniable.
He was twice named the Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010 alongside Pau Gasol, underscoring his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. His competitive spirit and clutch performances remain a source of inspiration for athletes and fans alike because he proved he was an all-time great without Shaq by his side.
In 2008, Kobe was awarded the NBA MVP when he averaged 28.3 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field, and this accolade was supposed to have come his way a long time ago. His relentless pursuit of excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and work ethic that set an example for the entire league culminated in this prestigious accolade.
Kobe’s legacy transcends the basketball court, extending to his impact on the game’s global popularity and the lives he touched through his philanthropic efforts and mentoring of younger players. His unfortunate passing in 2020 left a void in the basketball world, but his memory and influence continue to live on, serving as a constant reminder of the pursuit of greatness in the face of all challenges.
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NBA Championships: 5
Finals MVP Awards: 3
NBA MVP Award: 2
Tim Duncan, often referred to as “The Big Fundamental,” is one of the most revered and consistent players in the history of the NBA. After getting selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1997 NBA Draft, he was a model of consistency, leading the Spurs to numerous successful seasons and creating a legacy of excellence.
Duncan’s impact on the Spurs franchise was profound. He played an integral role in securing five NBA championships for San Antonio in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. His ability to perform at an elite level for an extended period made the Spurs a perennial contender.
In the NBA Finals, Duncan’s dominance was undeniable, earning him three Finals MVP awards. The first came in 1999 when he averaged 27.4 points and 14.0 rebounds per game against Marcus Camby and the New York Knicks. In 2003, Duncan posted 24.2 points and 17.0 rebounds, followed by averages of 20.6 points and 14.1 rebounds per game against the reigning champion Detroit Pistons.
Duncan’s excellence was also recognized with two NBA MVP awards in 2002 and 2003, emphasizing his incredible individual talent and leadership qualities in back-to-back dominant seasons. What set Duncan apart was his quiet, unassuming demeanor, which masked a fierce competitive spirit and an unrelenting work ethic. He led by example and was the undisputed star of the iconic Spurs dynasty that won five titles.
4. Magic Johnson
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NBA Championships: 5
Finals MVP Awards: 3
NBA MVP Award: 3
Magic Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest point guard in the history of the NBA. With five NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, and three NBA MVP awards, Magic’s legacy in the world of basketball is defined by his extraordinary playmaking ability, charisma, and leadership.
Magic’s “magical” journey in the NBA began when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft. He was an immediate sensation known for his exceptional passing, court vision, and versatility. He played a key role in leading the Lakers to multiple championships during the “Showtime” era, including the first in his rookie campaign. Magic went on to capture the Finals MVP in his rookie season as well, capping off the greatest first season in basketball history.
Magic Johnson then continued as a critical component of the Lakers’ success in the 1980s, as he helped secure four more NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates with his incredible passing and leadership on the court was unmatched.
In the NBA Finals, Magic’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary. He was awarded the Finals MVP three times, underscoring his ability to shine on the grandest stage in basketball. Magic averaged 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game in 1982 followed by 26.2 points and 13.0 assists per game in 1987. These are clearly Finals MVP-worthy numbers.
Along with being a championship player, Johnson was dominant in the regular season, capturing three MVP trophies which should solidify his stance as the best to have ever occupied the point guard spot.
3. LeBron James
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NBA Championships: 4
Finals MVP Awards: 4
NBA MVP Award: 4
LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and dominant figures in the history of the NBA. With four NBA championships, four Finals MVP awards, and four NBA MVP awards, LeBron’s legacy is marked by his incredible versatility, leadership, and unmatched longevity.
LeBron’s journey to the NBA was highly anticipated, and he lived up to the immense expectations when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. His arrival in the league heralded a new era of basketball greatness, as he made the Finals in his fourth season in the league although he would lose to the San Antonio Spurs.
LeBron’s impact on the franchises he played for, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers, has been monumental. He has led his teams to four NBA championships, in 2012 and 2013 with the Miami Heat, in 2016 with the Cavaliers, and in 2020 with the Lakers. In every team James has played for, he has delivered an NBA championship because he placed himself in the best positions to succeed time and time again.
In the NBA Finals, LeBron’s contributions have been nothing short of legendary. He has been awarded the Finals MVP four times, underlining his ability to carry his team to victory on the grandest stage. His greatest Finals MVP performance might have come in 2016 when he was down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors and averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game to complete the greatest comeback in Finals history.
LeBron’s incredible individual performances and leadership qualities have been recognized with four NBA MVP awards (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), showcasing his extraordinary talent and impact on the game. With 20 seasons under his belt, James might not be done with accumulating accolades just yet.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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NBA Championships: 6
Finals MVP Awards: 2
NBA MVP Award: 5
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, once the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the league and arguably the best center ever. With six NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a record-setting five NBA MVP awards, Kareem’s legacy is a testament to his enduring excellence, versatility, and impact on the game.
His signature move, the “Skyhook,” became one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball history and it was the demise of many defenses year after year. Kareem’s impact on the teams he played for, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, was immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in leading his teams to six NBA championships in 1971 (with Milwaukee), 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988 (with the Lakers).
His championship run in 1971 gifted him his first title and Finals MVP when the big man averaged 27.0 points, 18.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Kareem went on to win Finals MVP in 1985 with the Lakers with Magic Johnson as his point guard, posting 25.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Kareem’s basketball IQ and contributions to his teams were further recognized with an unprecedented six NBA MVP awards, showcasing his remarkable individual talent and his ability to elevate his teams. No other player has won at least six MVP trophies but that is why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a total of 13 Triple Crown awards.
1. Michael Jordan
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NBA Championships: 6
Finals MVP Awards: 6
NBA MVP Award: 5
Michael Jordan, the greatest player to have ever played, is widely regarded as the most iconic and dominant figure in the history of the NBA. With six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, and five NBA MVP awards, Jordan’s legacy is an unparalleled testament to his extraordinary talent, competitive spirit, and lasting impact on the sport.
Michael Jordan’s journey to the NBA began when he was selected as the No. 3 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. His arrival in the league marked the start of an era defined by his exceptional scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive drive, capturing Rookie of the Year immediately.
Jordan’s impact on the Chicago Bulls and the game of basketball as a whole was monumental. He led the Bulls to six NBA championships via two three-peats in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. His ability to perform at an elite level in clutch moments, particularly in the NBA Finals, solidified his status as the ultimate winner.
In the NBA Finals, Jordan’s performances were nothing short of legendary. He was awarded the Finals MVP six times, emphasizing his unrivaled ability to take over games when it mattered most. It didn’t matter who the opponent was, as Jordan dispatched Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and John Stockton en route to perfection in the Finals.
Michael Jordan’s incredible individual performances and leadership qualities were also recognized with five NBA MVP awards, underscoring his extraordinary talent and his ability to elevate his team. Only Bill Russell (five) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six) have won as many or more MVP trophies as Jordan, which shows how the GOAT not only dominated the playoffs but also the regular seasons. With a total of 17 Triple Crown trophies, Jordan should be hailed as the best to have ever done it.
