The NBA has witnessed legendary teams dominate different eras, setting standards for excellence. Some teams left their mark with record-breaking seasons, while others solidified their greatness through championship success. Here’s a look at the greatest NBA teams of all time.
1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan led the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls to a historic 72-10 regular-season record. Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman provided elite defense and versatility. The Bulls dominated opponents with suffocating defense and an efficient triangle offense. Jordan secured his fourth MVP award, averaging 30.4 points per game. The Bulls steamrolled through the playoffs, finishing with a 15-3 record and capturing their fourth NBA title by defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in six games.
2. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant’s arrival transformed an already dominant Golden State Warriors team into an unstoppable force. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green complemented Durant’s scoring prowess with elite shooting and defensive intensity. The Warriors posted a 67-15 regular-season record before storming through the playoffs with a near-perfect 16-1 record. They dismantled LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the NBA Finals, securing their second title in three years. Their offensive firepower and defensive versatility made them one of the most complete teams in NBA history.
3. 1985-86 Boston Celtics
Larry Bird orchestrated the 1985-86 Boston Celtics to a 67-15 record, winning his third consecutive MVP award. Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson played crucial roles in a dominant season. The Celtics established their dominance at home, finishing with a remarkable 40-1 record at the Boston Garden. They breezed through the playoffs and defeated the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals to claim their 16th championship. Their combination of elite passing, defense, and clutch performances solidified them as one of the greatest teams of all time.
4. 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Showtime Lakers to a 65-17 regular-season record. Johnson secured the MVP award by averaging 23.9 points, 12.2 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper provided crucial contributions. The Lakers stormed through the playoffs, eventually defeating their archrivals, the Boston Celtics, in six games in the NBA Finals. Their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, led by Johnson’s court vision, revolutionized the game and cemented their place among the greatest teams ever.
5. 1990-91 Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan’s first championship-winning team showcased the emergence of a dynasty. The Bulls compiled a 61-21 regular-season record, with Jordan winning the MVP award. Pippen excelled as the perfect second star, while Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright provided defensive toughness. Chicago swept the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, officially ending Detroit’s reign. They then defeated Magic Johnson’s Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals, marking the beginning of the Bulls’ six-title dominance in the 1990s.
6. 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant propelled the 2000-01 Lakers to one of the most dominant playoff runs ever. The team coasted through the regular season with a 56-26 record but flipped the switch in the postseason. They went 15-1 in the playoffs, losing only once to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. O’Neal averaged 30.4 points and 15.4 rebounds in the Finals, earning the Finals MVP. Bryant delivered clutch performances, solidifying the Lakers as an all-time great team.
7. 2012-13 Miami Heat
LeBron James led the Miami Heat to a 66-16 record and won his fourth MVP award. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh complemented James with elite two-way play. The Heat embarked on a 27-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA history. In the playoffs, they survived a grueling seven-game Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers before facing the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Ray Allen’s legendary three-pointer in Game 6 saved the Heat, and they went on to win in seven games, securing back-to-back championships.
8. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers
Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance defined the 1966-67 76ers. The team posted a 68-13 regular-season record, with Chamberlain averaging 24.1 points, 24.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham provided scoring and defensive depth. The 76ers ended the Boston Celtics’ eight-year championship run by defeating them in the Eastern Division Finals. They then defeated the San Francisco Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals, solidifying their place among the greatest teams ever.
9. 2007-08 Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen formed an elite trio that led the 2007-08 Celtics to a 66-16 record. Garnett anchored the defense, Pierce delivered clutch performances, and Allen’s shooting stretched defenses. The Celtics battled through a tough playoff run, defeating LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought series and the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. They then dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the NBA Finals, securing their first championship since 1986.
10. 2013-14 San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili orchestrated a basketball masterpiece in the 2013-14 season. The Spurs finished the regular season with a 62-20 record, relying on ball movement and unselfish play. Kawhi Leonard emerged as a defensive force and won the NBA Finals MVP. The Spurs dominated the Miami Heat in the Finals, winning the series in five games. Their fluid offense, led by Gregg Popovich’s brilliant coaching, set a new standard for team basketball.
Final Thoughts
Each of these teams dominated their respective eras with a unique blend of star power, teamwork, and coaching excellence. Whether through record-breaking seasons or legendary playoff runs, these squads left an indelible mark on NBA history. Basketball fans will forever debate which team ranks as the absolute greatest, but each of these teams earned their place among the best to ever play the game.
