The NBA has seen its fair share of extraordinary teams, but a few stand out as the greatest of all time. When I think of legendary teams, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls immediately come to mind. With a staggering 72-10 regular-season record, it’s hard to argue against their dominance. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman drove the team to this incredible success. The team boasted efficiency on both ends, leading the league in defense and maintaining one of the top offensive ratings. Their playoff journey culminated in an NBA Championship, solidifying their spot in history.
Another team I can’t forget is the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors. Led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, this squad clinched a remarkable 67-15 regular-season record. What really sets them apart is their playoff performance, going 16-1 to win the NBA Championship. Their high-tempo, three-point-heavy offense revolutionized modern basketball. The Warriors boasted a +11.6 point differential per game, which is insane. Their effective field goal percentage? An unreal 56.3%, tops in the league.
If you want another good one, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics deserve a mention. With legends like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics achieved a 67-15 record. They went on to steamroll through the playoffs, losing only three games en route to clinching the title. Boston Garden was practically a fortress, where they posted a 40-1 home record that season. Bird was in his prime, earning his third consecutive MVP award. Their impeccable ball movement and stifling defense set a gold standard in the NBA.
Flash forward a little, and the 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers surface as another juggernaut. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led this team to a regular-season record of 56-26, which may not seem phenomenal on paper. However, their playoff dominance is unprecedented—they went 15-1, only losing once in the NBA Finals to the Philadelphia 76ers. Shaq’s dominant paint presence and Kobe’s clutch scoring made them nearly impossible to stop. Their playoff run showcased a monstrous offensive rating and a stout defensive front.
The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, consisting of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich, achieved a then-legendary 69-13 regular-season mark. They set a record for the longest winning streak in NBA history at 33 games, a record that still stands. The team averaged 121 points per game, demonstrating their offensive prowess. Chamberlain was a rebounding titan, securing over 19 rebounds per game during that season. When it came to the playoffs, they only lost three games on their way to the championship title.
Moving to more recent times, I can’t skip mentioning the 2012-13 Miami Heat. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led the Heat to a 66-16 regular-season record. They also boasted a 27-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA history. LeBron won both the MVP and Finals MVP, showing how crucial he was. Their “Big Three” era was defined by high efficiency, versatility, and a relentless pace. They won the NBA Championship, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling seven-game series.
I also think about the 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers when talking about elite teams. Known for their “Showtime” offense, Magic Johnson led this cohort to a 65-17 regular-season mark. Featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, this team was a nightmare for opponents. Their fast-break offense was nearly unstoppable, averaging over 115 points per game. They clinched the NBA title by defeating the Boston Celtics in the Finals, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
Finally, let me shed some light on the 2007-08 Boston Celtics. After acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, alongside Paul Pierce, they transformed overnight. They went 66-16 in the regular season and eventually won the NBA title by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. Garnett’s defensive prowess, Allen’s shooting, and Pierce’s scoring made them a balanced yet deadly team. This squad had a stifling defense with a defensive rating of 98.9, the lowest in the league that season.
Whether it’s the dynastic run of the Chicago Bulls or the revolutionary style of the Golden State Warriors, each era has produced teams that aren’t just great—they’re legendary. And if you’re craving more sports insights or want to catch up on the latest games, check out arena plus. The excitement in the NBA continues to evolve, but these teams set benchmarks that future squads will strive to emulate.