What is the difference in the past? Only 7 different teams have won the championship since 1983. 27 years and only 7 teams have won it (Celtics-3, Lakers-8, Spurs-4, Heat-1, Pistons-3, Bulls- 6, Rockets- 2). Yes teams have made runs and been good for a short period of time (Cavaliers are a good example) but there has not really been that much variety of winning.