# Why NBA Champions Struggle to Repeat

> How defending champions fail to defend titles: lessons for New York Knicks.
- Title: Why NBA Champions Struggle to Repeat · Complex | Shortify
- Summary: How defending champions fail to defend titles: lessons for New York Knicks. Defending NBA champions face unique challenges that make repeating titles…
- Keywords: nba, new york knicks, golden state warriors, los angeles lakers, milwaukee bucks, denver nuggets, boston celts, oklahoma city thunder, championship defense, title repeat, playoffs, nba champions
- Source: Complex — https://complex.com/bets/a/matt-burke/back-to-back-nba-champions-challenges
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:35:09.411+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba, new york knicks, golden state warriors, los angeles lakers, milwaukee bucks, denver nuggets, boston celts, oklahoma city thunder, championship defense, title repeat, playoffs, nba champions
## NBA Repeat Champion Streak
The NBA hasn’t had a repeat champion since 2018.
## 2018-19 Warriors' Tensions
Kevin Durant’s free agency caused internal conflicts with Draymond Green.
## Warriors' Injuries
DeMarcus Cousins tore his quad, Curry dislocated his finger, and Klay Thompson had a hamstring strain.
## 2019-20 Raptors' Pandemic Play
The Raptors played in a bubble after the pandemic suspended NBA play.
## 2020-21 Lakers' Short Season
The Lakers had only 72 days between winning the title and the next season.
## 2021-22 Bucks' Complacency
The Bucks lost their title defense after a 51-31 regular season.
## 2022-23 Warriors' Internal Clash
Draymond Green and Jordan Poole had a physical altercation at practice.
## 2023-24 Nuggets' Playoff Collapse
The Nuggets lost a 20-point lead in Game 7 to the Timberwolves.
## 2024-25 Celtics' Game 4 Loss
The Celtics blew a 20-point lead in Game 1 and Game 2 to the Knicks.
## 2025-26 Thunder's Predictable Playoffs
The Thunder shot 33 percent from the floor in their Western Conference Finals loss.
## Knicks' Title Defense Lessons
The Knicks must avoid complacency and manage their team chemistry.
## Knicks' Key Challenges
The Knicks face contract drama and potential injuries.
## Knicks' Playoff Strategy
The Knicks need a strong regular season to secure homecourt advantage.
## Knicks' Title Defense
The Knicks aim to break the NBA’s 6-year repeat champion streak.
## NBA Title Defense Challenges
Defending champions face unique challenges that make repeating titles difficult.
## Key takeaway

Defending NBA champions face unique challenges that make repeating titles difficult, with the Knicks learning from past failures.