Basketball has always been a passion of mine, especially the NBA. The league, with its rich history and epic battles, has always been a source of endless fascination. For anyone who loves the game, ranking the top teams feels like a pilgrimage through the hall of fame. Let’s embark on this journey and reminisce about some of the greatest sides to ever grace the hardwood.
First up, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. You can’t discuss the best NBA teams without mentioning this squad. They finished the regular season with an unprecedented 72-10 record. Michael Jordan, at the age of 33, continued to defy time and logic, averaging 30.4 points per game. When you throw in Scottie Pippen’s versatility and Dennis Rodman’s rebounding dominance, it’s no wonder they steamrolled their way to the championship. Their dominant playoff performance included a 15-3 record, making that season almost mythical in its excellence.
Another team constantly in these conversations is the 1985-86 Boston Celtics. They posted a 67-15 record during the regular season, spearheaded by Larry Bird. With Bird averaging 25.8 points per game and the frontcourt being bolstered by Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, they were a force to be reckoned with. The team’s defensive efficiency was also unmatched, with a defensive rating of 100.8, one of the best in NBA history. They cruised through the playoffs and clinched their 16th NBA title in dominant fashion.
The 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers also deserve a spot on this list. During the regular season, they had a solid 56-26 record, but it was their playoff run that cemented their place in history. Behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, they went 15-1 in the postseason, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in any sport. Shaq, towering at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing over 320 pounds, dominated the paint like no other, bringing in monster rebounds and blocking shots with ease.
The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors were a marvel to watch. After setting the record for most wins in a single season the previous year with a 73-9 finish, they added Kevin Durant to the mix. The result? A lethal combination that finished the regular season 67-15 and an astonishing 16-1 in the playoffs. Their offensive rating was an astounding 115.6, something rarely achieved. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s sharpshooting, combined with Durant’s all-around game, made for an unstoppable force.
It’s hard to ignore the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers with their iconic 33-game winning streak. They ended the regular season with a 69-13 record, led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Chamberlain, known for his almost mythical 100-point game, played with a combination of skill and size that made him an offensive powerhouse and a defensive stalwart. West, “Mr. Clutch,” provided the perimeter threat. That team brought home the first championship for the Lakers since relocating to Los Angeles, setting the standard for future franchises.
For a more recent highlight, you have to look at the 2012-13 Miami Heat. They boasted a 27-game winning streak, finishing the regular season with a 66-16 record. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh formed a “Big Three” that was nearly impossible to stop. LeBron was in the prime of his career, averaging 26.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. The team’s effective field goal percentage was 55.2%, showcasing an almost unreal level of offensive efficiency.
The 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers had the perfect blend of Showtime flair and ruthless efficiency. Finishing the season 65-17, Magic Johnson led the way with his unparalleled playmaking ability. They had an offensive rating of 115.6, demonstrating their incredible scoring prowess. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, nearing the end of his illustrious career, still averaged 17.5 points per game. Their dynamic up-tempo playing style left many opponents struggling to keep up.
The 1999-2000 Los Angeles Lakers, the beginning of the Shaq-Kobe era, also deserve praise. They finished the regular season with a 67-15 record. Shaquille O’Neal, the league MVP, averaged 29.7 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. Kobe Bryant was emerging as a superstar, averaging 22.5 points per game. The chemistry between these two legends was electric, if sometimes volatile, but it led to the first of three consecutive championships for the Lakers.
If you’re a fan of more traditional basketball, the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers might be your pick. They went 68-13 in the regular season, led by Wilt Chamberlain, who averaged 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds per game. Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham provided additional firepower. The team’s simple yet effective style, combined with Chamberlain’s unmatched physicality, made them nearly unbeatable during that season.
The 2007-08 Boston Celtics turnaround season is another must-mention. They went from being one of the worst teams to having a 66-16 record after adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form a “Big Three” with Paul Pierce. Garnett’s defensive intensity, Allen’s sharpshooting, and Pierce’s scoring versatility were key components. They battled through a tough playoff schedule, including a seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James, ultimately winning the championship and restoring the Celtics’ legacy.
For those who want to dive deeper into these historical teams and more basketball-related content, feel free to explore arena plus. It’s an excellent resource for stats, historical records, and in-depth analyses. The legends of these teams live on, inspiring new generations and cementing their legacies as some of the greatest ever in NBA history.