Are you ready to test your basketball knowledge?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved a good trivia session, especially when it involves basketball. Whether you’re hanging out with friends during halftime, killing time before the big game, or just want to see who knows their stuff, NBA trivia is the perfect way to add some excitement to any gathering.
Championship History
Let’s kick things off with some championship knowledge. This category covers the most prestigious moments in NBA history!
- Which team has won the most NBA championships?
Answer: Boston Celtics (17 championships) - What year did the Chicago Bulls complete their second three-peat?
Answer: 1998 - Which team won the most recent NBA championship as of 2024?
Answer: Boston Celtics (2024) - How many consecutive championships did the Los Angeles Lakers win in the early 2000s?
Answer: Three (2000, 2001, 2002) - Which player has the most NBA championship rings?
Answer: Bill Russell (11 rings) - What team won the very first NBA championship in 1947?
Answer: Philadelphia Warriors - Which teams played in the 2016 NBA Finals?
Answer: Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors - How many championships did the Miami Heat win in the LeBron James era (2010-2014)?
Answer: Two (2012, 2013) - Which was the last team to win back-to-back championships before the Warriors did it in 2017-2018?
Answer: Miami Heat (2012-2013) - What was special about the Golden State Warriors’ 2016 regular season record?
Answer: They went 73-9, the best regular season record in NBA history
Looking for more ways to engage with fellow basketball fans? Check out our collection of interesting topics to talk about that can help you start great conversations at any game watch party!
Legendary Players
Time to test your knowledge about the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood!
- Who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points) - Which player is known as “The King”?
Answer: LeBron James - Who holds the record for most points scored in a single NBA game?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain (100 points on March 2, 1962) - Which player won the most NBA MVP awards?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6 MVP awards) - Who was nicknamed “Air Jordan”?
Answer: Michael Jordan - Which player has the most career rebounds in NBA history?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain (23,924 rebounds) - Who is the only player to win the MVP award unanimously?
Answer: Stephen Curry (2015-16 season) - Which player is known as “The Mailman”?
Answer: Karl Malone - Who holds the record for most assists in NBA history?
Answer: John Stockton (15,806 assists) - Which player was nicknamed “The Answer”?
Answer: Allen Iverson - Who won the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
Answer: Kobe Bryant - Which player is famous for the “Skyhook” shot?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Who was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft?
Answer: LeBron James - Which player scored 81 points in a single game in 2006?
Answer: Kobe Bryant - Who is known as “The Admiral”?
Answer: David Robinson
Want to dive deeper into meaningful conversations? Our deep topics to talk about can help you connect on a different level with fellow sports fans!
Team Records and Statistics
Every NBA fan loves a good stat! Let’s see how well you know the numbers behind the game.
- Which team holds the record for most wins in a single season?
Answer: Golden State Warriors (73 wins in 2015-16) - What’s the longest winning streak in NBA history?
Answer: 33 games (Los Angeles Lakers, 1971-72) - Which team scored the most points in a single game?
Answer: Detroit Pistons (186 points vs. Denver Nuggets in 1983) - What’s the highest scoring game in NBA history?
Answer: Detroit Pistons 186, Denver Nuggets 184 (370 total points) - Which franchise has the worst all-time winning percentage?
Answer: Los Angeles Clippers - What team has the longest playoff drought in NBA history?
Answer: Los Angeles Clippers (15 seasons, 1977-1992) - Which team has appeared in the most NBA Finals?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers (32 appearances) - What’s the most lopsided NBA Finals series in history?
Answer: 1989 Finals (Pistons swept Lakers 4-0) - Which team has the most retired jersey numbers?
Answer: Boston Celtics (23 retired numbers) - What’s the highest individual season scoring average?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain (50.4 points per game in 1961-62) - Which team has the most 60+ win seasons?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers - What’s the record for most three-pointers made in a single game by a team?
Answer: Milwaukee Bucks (29 three-pointers in 2020) - Which franchise has won the most division titles?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers - What’s the largest margin of victory in NBA history?
Answer: 68 points (Cavaliers beat Heat 148-80 in 1991) - Which team had the best home record in a single season?
Answer: Boston Celtics (40-1 at home in 1985-86)
Need some more conversation topics for your next basketball gathering? Check out our guide on topics to talk about with your crush – perfect for those game night dates!
Modern NBA Era (2010-Present)
The NBA has evolved so much in recent years. Let’s see what you know about the modern game!
- Who won the 2020 NBA Finals MVP?
Answer: LeBron James - Which team drafted Ja Morant in 2019?
Answer: Memphis Grizzlies (2nd overall pick) - Who was the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year?
Answer: LaMelo Ball - Which player led the league in scoring during the 2021-22 season?
Answer: Joel Embiid - Who won the 2023 NBA Finals MVP?
Answer: Nikola Jokić - Which team completed a 3-1 Finals comeback in 2016?
Answer: Cleveland Cavaliers - Who was the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Answer: Marcus Smart - Which player led the NBA in assists during the 2022-23 season?
Answer: Tyrese Haliburton - Who won the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest?
Answer: Derrick Jones Jr. - Which team has Kawhi Leonard played for since 2019?
Answer: Los Angeles Clippers - Who was the 2023 NBA Most Improved Player?
Answer: Lauri Markkanen - Which player led the league in rebounding during the 2021-22 season?
Answer: Rudy Gobert - Who won the 2022 NBA Finals?
Answer: Golden State Warriors - Which team selected Paolo Banchero first overall in 2022?
Answer: Orlando Magic - Who was the 2023 NBA MVP?
Answer: Joel Embiid
Coaching Legends
Behind every great team is a great coach. Test your knowledge of NBA’s finest strategists!
- Who is the winningest coach in NBA history?
Answer: Gregg Popovich - Which coach led the 1992 “Dream Team”?
Answer: Chuck Daly - Who coached the Chicago Bulls during their six championships?
Answer: Phil Jackson - Which coach is known as “The Zen Master”?
Answer: Phil Jackson - Who coached the Boston Celtics to 9 championships?
Answer: Red Auerbach - Which coach has the most wins with a single franchise?
Answer: Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) - Who was the youngest head coach to win an NBA championship?
Answer: Bill Russell (34 years old) - Which coach invented the triangle offense?
Answer: Tex Winter (popularized by Phil Jackson) - Who coached the Golden State Warriors during their 73-9 season?
Answer: Steve Kerr - Which coach has the highest winning percentage in NBA history?
Answer: Phil Jackson (.704) - Who was the first coach to win NBA championships with three different teams?
Answer: Phil Jackson (Bulls, Lakers) - Which coach is nicknamed “Pop”?
Answer: Gregg Popovich - Who coached the Miami Heat during the LeBron James era?
Answer: Erik Spoelstra - Which coach led the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” to two championships?
Answer: Chuck Daly - Who was the first African American head coach in the NBA?
Answer: Bill Russell
Looking for ways to connect with fellow sports fans on a deeper level? Our collection of deep questions to ask a girl or guy can help take your conversations beyond just sports!
Historic Moments
Some moments in NBA history are simply unforgettable. Let’s relive these iconic events!
- What year did the NBA and ABA merge?
Answer: 1976 - Who hit “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs?
Answer: Michael Jordan - What was the “Decision” in 2010?
Answer: LeBron James’ televised announcement joining the Miami Heat - Which player scored 33 points in the final 30 seconds of a playoff game?
Answer: Reggie Miller (1995 vs. Knicks) - What happened during the 2004-05 “Malice at the Palace”?
Answer: Massive brawl between Pistons and Pacers players and fans - Who hit the game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals?
Answer: Kyrie Irving - What was Magic Johnson’s “Junior Skyhook” moment?
Answer: Game-winning shot in Game 4 of 1987 Finals - Who scored 11 points in 35 seconds against the Rockets in 2004?
Answer: Tracy McGrady - What was special about the 1992 Olympics basketball team?
Answer: First time NBA players competed (the “Dream Team”) - Who hit the “Baseline Move” shot in the 1980 Finals?
Answer: Magic Johnson - What happened in the 1994 Knicks-Pacers fight?
Answer: Patrick Ewing and Xavier McDaniel grabbed Reggie Miller by the throat - Who made the “From Downtown” shot in the 2016 playoffs?
Answer: Steph Curry (from the logo) - What was the “Ray Allen Game”?
Answer: Allen’s game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of 2013 Finals - Who scored 13 points in 33 seconds against the Spurs in 2004?
Answer: Derek Fisher - What was the “Willis Reed Game”?
Answer: Reed returned from injury to lead Knicks to 1970 championship
Fun Facts and Oddities
Time for some quirky NBA trivia that’ll make you the hit of any basketball conversation!
- Which player legally changed his name to Metta World Peace?
Answer: Ron Artest - Who was the first player drafted straight out of high school?
Answer: Moses Malone (1974) - Which team was originally called the Rochester Royals?
Answer: Sacramento Kings - Who holds the record for most career technical fouls?
Answer: Rasheed Wallace (317) - Which player wore No. 69 before it was banned?
Answer: Dennis Rodman (briefly) - What’s unique about Charles Barkley’s golf swing?
Answer: He has a noticeable hitch/pause mid-swing - Which NBA player appeared on the TV show “Friends”?
Answer: Charles Barkley - Who was the tallest player in NBA history?
Answer: Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol (both 7’7″) - Which player’s jersey retirement ceremony was held in both arenas during a game?
Answer: Magic Johnson (Lakers honored him at halftime) - Who was known for wearing goggles on the court?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Which team plays in two different states?
Answer: New York Knicks (play in both New York and New Jersey) - Who was the first player to win MVP without making the playoffs?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-76) - Which player famously practiced in college by himself at 4 AM?
Answer: Michael Jordan - Who was the last player to average a triple-double for a season before Westbrook?
Answer: Oscar Robertson (1961-62) - Which NBA player has appeared in the most movies?
Answer: Shaquille O’Neal - Who was known as “The Human Eraser”?
Answer: Marvin Webster - Which player holds the record for most ejections in a career?
Answer: Vince Carter (16) - What’s unique about Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game?
Answer: No official video footage exists - Which team has never made the Conference Finals?
Answer: Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats - Who was the shortest player to win Slam Dunk Contest?
Answer: Nate Robinson (5’9″)
Why NBA Trivia is Perfect for Basketball Fans
You know what’s great about NBA trivia? It’s like the perfect blend of entertainment and education, all wrapped up in one fun package. I remember sitting in a sports bar last year during the playoffs, and our table started tossing around random basketball facts. Before we knew it, the whole bar was involved in an epic trivia showdown!
NBA trivia questions are ideal for any basketball gathering because they spark conversations, bring out friendly competition, and let’s be honest – everyone loves showing off what they know. Plus, you’ll probably learn something new along the way. My nephew discovered that Michael Jordan was actually cut from his high school basketball team during one of our trivia nights, and he’s been hooked on basketball history ever since.
Wrapping Up Your NBA Trivia Journey
Well, there you have it – over 100 NBA trivia questions that are sure to challenge even the most dedicated basketball fan! I don’t know about you, but I always discover something new whenever I dive into basketball trivia. Did you manage to ace all the questions, or did some of these stump you?
Whether you’re using these questions for a watch party, a road trip, or just settling a friendly debate at the office, I hope they bring as much fun to your gatherings as they have to mine. My family’s holiday basketball trivia night has become such a hit that we’re already planning an expanded version for next year!
Want to keep the conversation going? Check out our collection of questions for couples that work great for date nights during the playoffs, or explore our how well do you know me questions perfect for testing your friends’ knowledge beyond just basketball!
Remember, trivia is all about having fun and bringing people together. So grab some snacks, gather your friends, and get ready for some serious (but fun) basketball bragging rights!
Did you know all the answers? Let me know in the comments which questions challenged you the most!