The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been around since 1946, and since then has seen some of the greatest teams and players in the sport’s history. In the 70-plus years since the NBA first began, teams have come and gone, while some have been able to stand the test of time and remain among the best in the league.
When it comes to determining who has the best record in the NBA, there are many factors to consider. These include the team’s regular season record, playoff success, championships, and even their overall legacy. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest teams in NBA history and see who stands out when it comes to the best record in the NBA.
Regular Season Success
When it comes to regular season success, it is hard to look past the 1996 Chicago Bulls. Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls went 72-10 in the regular season, setting the record for most wins in a single season. This was an astonishing feat for a team that was already considered one of the best of all time.
The Bulls were not the only team to have success in the regular season, however. The 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and a talented supporting cast, went 67-15 in the regular season, third-best all-time. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, also had great regular season success, going 63-19 in the 2005-06 season.
Playoff Success
When it comes to postseason success, there is no team more successful than the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have won 16 championships since the NBA began in 1946, the most of any team. Led by legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers have been able to consistently win in the playoffs, making them the gold standard for playoff success.
The Boston Celtics have also had great success in the playoffs, winning 17 championships since the NBA began. Led by greats such as Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Bob Cousy, the Celtics have been able to make deep playoff runs year after year. The Chicago Bulls have also had success in the playoffs, winning six championships in the 1990s thanks to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Legacy
When it comes to legacy, there is no one more iconic than Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is widely seen as the greatest basketball player of all time, and his teams won six championships in the 1990s. The Bulls’ dominance was so great that they are often referred to as the greatest team of all time.
The Lakers and Celtics also have great legacies, as they have been part of some of the greatest rivalries in basketball history. The Lakers and Celtics have combined to win 33 championships, making them two of the most successful franchises in the history of professional sports.
Conclusion
When it comes to determining who has the best record in the NBA, there is no one answer. While the 1996 Chicago Bulls may have had the most wins in a single season, the Lakers and Celtics have had more postseason success and have greater legacies. Ultimately, the answer is subjective and up to the individual to decide.