About the Greatest NBA Teams
Evaluating the greatest teams in NBA history requires balancing regular season dominance with playoff success. A 73-win team that does not win the championship is historically fascinating, but a 72-win team that does will always rank higher. The combination of record-setting regular seasons and playoff dominance is what separates the truly great from the merely excellent.
The Michael Jordan-led 1995-96 Chicago Bulls remain the gold standard. Their 72-10 record stood for 20 years and was achieved alongside a dominant 15-3 playoff run. The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, featuring the addition of Kevin Durant, arguably had the most dominant postseason run ever at 16-1.
Dynasty teams like the 1960s Celtics, 1980s Lakers, and 2010s Warriors each defined their eras. The common thread is elite talent, exceptional coaching, and the chemistry needed to sustain excellence over an entire season and deep playoff run. Regular season records provide one measure of greatness, but the ultimate test is the championship.
How We Rank These Teams
Our ranking considers wins, playoff record, strength of competition, era-adjusted dominance, and historical legacy. A team that wins 67 games and a championship in a competitive era scores higher than one that wins 67 in a weaker period. The rating column provides a composite score based on these factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best NBA team of all time?
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are widely considered the greatest NBA team, going 72-10 in the regular season and winning the championship with a 15-3 playoff record. Michael Jordan won his 4th MVP that season.
Did the 73-9 Warriors win the championship?
No. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors set the regular season wins record at 73-9 but lost the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, including a historic 3-1 comeback by LeBron James.
Which team had the best playoff run ever?
The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors went 16-1 in the playoffs, losing only one game the entire postseason. Their only loss came in Game 4 of the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How many 70-win teams are there in NBA history?
Only two teams have won 70 or more games: the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10) and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (73-9).
Does regular season record predict championship success?
Not always. Many teams with the best regular season record have failed in the playoffs. The 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks (67-15) were upset in the first round, proving that playoff basketball is a different game.