The NBA Western Conference Finals has produced some of the most dominant teams and thrilling playoff moments in basketball history. Year after year, powerhouse franchises battle for a shot at the NBA Finals. These teams define excellence in the West and shape how fans and bettors approach NBA picks.
This article highlights the eight teams with the most NBA Western Conference Finals appearances. Each franchise earned its spot through consistency, talent, and strong leadership. From dynasties like the Lakers and Spurs to rising contenders like the Thunder, these teams have left a mark on the conference’s legacy.
Understanding their success helps fans appreciate the evolution of Western Conference basketball. It also offers insight into which teams historically thrive in high-pressure situations. That’s especially valuable when making informed NBA picks during playoff season.
We’ll explore each team’s journey, key players, and unforgettable postseason moments. From the Showtime Lakers to the Warriors’ recent dynasty, these stories showcase greatness and resilience.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to NBA history, this guide offers perspective on the teams that shaped the NBA Western Conference. Dive into the legacy of playoff dominance and see why these franchises remain Western powerhouses.
Portland Trailblazers: 7 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1976-77 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2018-19 season
The Portland Trail Blazers have made seven appearances in the NBA Western Conference Finals, showcasing decades of competitive basketball and resilience. Their journey began in 1977, when they won their only NBA championship behind Bill Walton’s play and strong team chemistry.
That same year marked their first Western Conference Finals appearance. Walton led the Blazers past the Lakers, and Portland swept the Finals. In 1990 and 1992, Clyde Drexler powered Portland back to the Western Conference spotlight. The 1990 squad fell to the Pistons in the Finals, while the 1992 team lost to Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
In 1999 and 2000, the Blazers returned to the Western Conference Finals. Led by Rasheed Wallace and Scottie Pippen, the 2000 team came within one quarter of beating the Lakers. However, a fourth-quarter collapse ended their Finals hopes.
More recently, the 2018-19 team, led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, made a surprising run to the conference finals. Despite being swept by the Warriors, Portland’s resilience and thrilling playoff moments, including Lillard’s buzzer-beater against OKC, stood out.
Though they haven’t returned since, the Blazers’ seven NBA Western Conference Finals appearances reflect a legacy of toughness and competitiveness. Their postseason runs remain etched in NBA history.
Sacramento Kings: 8 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1948-49 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2001-02 season
The Sacramento Kings have made eight appearances in the NBA Western Conference Finals, with a history stretching back to their early years as the Royals. Their first trip came in 1949, when the franchise was known as the Rochester Royals. They won the NBA championship in 1951 after defeating the New York Knicks in the Finals.
After relocating and rebranding over the decades, the Kings returned to prominence in the early 2000s. From 2001 to 2003, they fielded one of the league’s most exciting teams. Led by Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Peja Stojaković, and Vlade Divac, the Kings became a serious title contender.
Their most memorable run came in 2002, when they reached the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The series was intense, controversial, and went to seven games. Bibby’s clutch shooting and Webber’s versatility pushed the Lakers to the limit. However, the Kings narrowly lost in Game 7 overtime.
That 2002 team is still remembered as one of the best squads to never win a title. Their ball movement, shooting, and chemistry made them must-watch basketball and a favorite for NBA betting sites.
While the Kings have yet to return to the conference finals, their eight appearances reflect a rich, storied legacy. They remain a team capable of greatness when their core clicks. For Sacramento fans, the dream of another deep run continues to inspire. The NBA Western Conference still remembers the impact of the Kings’ most dominant eras.
Houston Rockets: 8 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1976-77 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2017-18 season
The Houston Rockets have made eight appearances in the NBA Western Conference Finals, consistently showcasing elite talent and thrilling postseason runs. Their playoff history began heating up in the 1980s, led by Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon.
In 1986, Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson guided the Rockets past the Lakers to reach the NBA Finals. Olajuwon delivered dominant performances, making him a popular choice for NBA player props due to his scoring and rebounding.
The Rockets reached their peak in the mid-1990s, winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In both years, Olajuwon outplayed fellow legends, including David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal, cementing his legacy. His performances remain some of the most clutch in NBA playoff history.
In the 2010s, the Rockets returned to Western Conference relevance with James Harden leading the charge. In 2015 and 2018, Houston reached the NBA Western Conference Finals, pushing the defending champion Warriors to the brink in 2018.
That year, Harden and Chris Paul led a team that nearly broke Golden State’s dynasty. Paul’s injury in Game 5 changed the series, and the Rockets fell in seven games.
Harden’s offensive explosions consistently made him a top pick in NBA player props, with bettors tracking his point totals nightly. However, his performance in WCF Game 7 was also notorious, as he uncharacteristically missed 11 three pointers.
From Olajuwon to Harden, the Rockets’ conference finals runs reflect star power, resilience, and championship potential. With eight appearances, they remain one of the West’s most formidable playoff franchises. Fans continue to hope for another deep postseason push.
Phoenix Suns: 10 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1975-76 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2020-21 season
The Phoenix Suns have made 10 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, building a legacy of elite talent and memorable playoff moments. Their first trip came in 1976, led by Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams. The Suns stunned many that season and reached the NBA Finals, pushing the Celtics to six games.
In 1993, Charles Barkley led Phoenix back to the NBA Western Conference Finals. The Suns defeated the SuperSonics in seven tough games. Barkley’s MVP season and clutch performances drove Phoenix to the NBA Finals, where they battled Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
Throughout the 2000s, Steve Nash led a high-octane Suns offense that frequently challenged NBA odds. Under coach Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix reached the conference finals in 2005, 2006, and 2010. Their “Seven Seconds or Less” offense redefined modern basketball.
In 2021, the Suns made a dramatic return to the conference finals, led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker. They defeated the Clippers and reached their first NBA Finals since 1993. Paul’s leadership and Booker’s scoring swung NBA odds throughout the postseason.
Though they lost in the Finals, the 2021 run restored belief in Phoenix as a title contender. The Suns returned again in 2022 and 2023 but fell short.
From Barkley to Booker, the Suns have produced exciting teams and unforgettable playoff drama. Their 10 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances highlight decades of competitiveness and star power. Bettors and fans alike watch closely, knowing the Suns always bring postseason fireworks.
Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder: 11 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1977-78 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2024-25 season
The Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, including its history as the Seattle SuperSonics, has made 11 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances. Their journey began in 1978, when the SuperSonics reached the conference finals and then advanced to the NBA Finals. In 1979, they returned and won the franchise’s only NBA championship behind Dennis Johnson and Jack Sikma.
The SuperSonics made additional Western Conference Finals appearances in 1980, 1987, and 1993. In 1996, led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, Seattle returned to the Finals after defeating the Jazz in seven games.
After relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, the franchise quickly rebuilt into a Western powerhouse. In 2011, the Thunder reached the conference finals, led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. They defeated the Spurs in 2012 and reached the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Heat.
Durant and Westbrook powered deep playoff runs in 2014 and 2016. In 2016, the Thunder pushed the Warriors to seven games, nearly ending Golden State’s record-setting season. Durant’s scoring and Westbrook’s intensity delivered unforgettable performances.
The Thunder’s most recent appearance is in 2025, with their young core of players led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC’s 2024-2025 team utilizes SGA’s scoring with a solid team that can cover all positions.
With 11 total NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, including their Seattle years, the Thunder franchise stands among the West’s elite. From Sikma to Westbrook, their history features grit, star power, and iconic playoff moments fans still celebrate today.
San Antonio Spurs: 14 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1978-79 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2016-17 season
The San Antonio Spurs have made 14 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, building a dynasty rooted in teamwork, consistency, and elite coaching. Their success began in the late 1970s, led by George Gervin. The Spurs reached the conference finals in 1979, falling to the Washington Bullets.
After a brief lull, San Antonio reemerged in the 1990s. Everything changed in 1997 when they drafted Tim Duncan. Teaming up with David Robinson, Duncan helped the Spurs win their first title in 1999. They reached the NBA Western Conference Finals by defeating Portland with Duncan and Robinson dominating inside.
In the 2000s, San Antonio became a model franchise. They reached the conference finals in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Each run ended with an NBA championship, showcasing clutch performances by Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili. Their unselfish play and calm under pressure defined the era.
In 2012, the Spurs returned to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Thunder. They bounced back in 2013 and 2014, reaching the Finals both years. In 2014, they dismantled the Heat in five games, securing their fifth title.
Kawhi Leonard emerged as a two-way force, earning Finals MVP. The team’s culture, built by Gregg Popovich, remained elite.
San Antonio’s final conference finals appearance came in 2017, when they fell to the Warriors after Leonard’s injury. With 14 appearances, the Spurs stand among the West’s most successful teams. Their discipline, talent, and iconic playoff moments remain benchmarks in NBA Western Conference history.
Philadelphia / Golden State Warriors: 18 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1946-47 season (as Philadelphia Warriors)
Last WCF Appearance: 2021-22 season (as Golden State Warriors)
The Golden State Warriors have made 18 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, spanning eras as the Philadelphia Warriors, San Francisco Warriors, and Golden State Warriors.
Their playoff legacy began in 1947, when the Philadelphia Warriors won the first-ever Basketball Association of America title. They returned in 1956 behind Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston, winning another championship.
In the 1960s, the franchise moved west and became the San Francisco Warriors. Wilt Chamberlain led the team to the 1964 NBA Finals. Later, Rick Barry powered the team to the 1975 championship as the Golden State Warriors. That Finals sweep shocked the basketball world.
The Warriors returned to dominance in 2015, launching a modern dynasty. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green redefined basketball with pace and shooting. Curry and Thompson became known as two of the best NBA shooters of all time, changing how teams approach offense.
In 2015, they defeated the Rockets in the NBA Western Conference Finals, then won the NBA title. From 2015 to 2019, they made five straight Finals appearances, winning three championships. Kevin Durant joined in 2016, forming one of the most talented cores ever.
In 2022, the Warriors made another Finals run, defeating the Mavericks in the conference finals. Curry earned his first Finals MVP as the Warriors captured their fourth title in eight years.
Throughout their history, the Warriors combined star power, innovation, and clutch performances. With 18 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, their legacy continues to grow. From Chamberlain to Curry, their stars defined eras and inspired generations.
Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers: 42 appearances
First WCF Appearance: 1948-49 season
Last WCF Appearance: 2022-23 season
The Los Angeles Lakers have made 42 NBA Western Conference Finals appearances, the most in league history. Their legacy began as the Minneapolis Lakers, dominating the early NBA behind George Mikan. Mikan, one of the best NBA centers of all time, led the Lakers to five championships in six years from 1949 to 1954.
In 1960, the franchise moved to Los Angeles and continued its dominance. In the 1960s and 1970s, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor delivered multiple conference finals appearances. West earned the nickname “Mr. Clutch” and became one of the game’s most respected stars.
The 1980s ushered in the “Showtime” era. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Lakers to nine NBA Finals. Kareem, another of the best NBA centers of all time, dominated with his skyhook and consistent excellence. Magic’s playmaking and leadership brought five titles in that decade.
In the early 2000s, the Lakers formed another dynasty. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the team to four conference finals and three titles. Shaq’s size and dominance placed him among the best NBA centers of all time. Meanwhile, Kobe emerged as one of the best NBA shooting guards of all time, delivering clutch moments and elite scoring.
In 2009 and 2010, Kobe led the Lakers to back-to-back championships, defeating Denver and Phoenix in the NBA Western Conference Finals. His leadership and determination became legendary.
More recently, LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Lakers to the 2020 conference title and NBA championship. They defeated the Nuggets in the bubble playoffs.
With 42 appearances, the Lakers’ success spans every generation. Their stars, from Mikan to Kobe to LeBron, defined excellence. The franchise’s playoff legacy remains unmatched, built on greatness, winning culture, and unforgettable performances in the NBA Western Conference.
Hungry for more NBA content? Check out the NBA teams with the most championships, or NBA teams that have the most Eastern Conference Finals appearances.