The NBA regular season is a long and grueling journey that lasts from October to April. Every team plays 82 games, and the journey can be both mentally and physically exhausting. However, there are certain teams that have risen to the challenge and set records that will go down in history. From the 72-10 Bulls to the 73-win Warriors, let’s take a look at the NBA’s greatest regular season records.
Chicago Bulls – 1995-1996 Season (72-10)
The 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team, led by Michael Jordan, set the standard for regular season excellence by finishing the year with an NBA-record 72 wins and 10 losses. The team featured an incredible starting lineup that included Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Ron Harper. They swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs before defeating the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Seattle SuperSonics to win the championship.
Los Angeles Lakers – 1971-1972 Season (69-13)
The 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers team, led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, set the record for the most wins in a season before the Bulls broke it in 1996. The Lakers won 69 games and lost only 13, and they went on to win the championship by defeating the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
Golden State Warriors – 2015-2016 Season (73-9)
The 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, set a new record for the most wins in a season with a stunning record of 73-9. The team dominated the regular season and seemed unstoppable as they broke multiple records along the way. However, they fell short in the NBA Finals and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
Boston Celtics – 2007-2008 Season (66-16)
The 2007-2008 Boston Celtics team, led by Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, set the record for the most wins by a first-year trio. The team finished the season with a 66-16 record and went on to win the championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
San Antonio Spurs – 2015-2016 Season (67-15)
The 2015-2016 San Antonio Spurs team, led by Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan, finished the season with a 67-15 record. The team was dominant throughout the season and set numerous records, including a 40-1 home record. However, they were eliminated in the playoffs in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In conclusion, the NBA regular season is a long and challenging journey, and setting records is no easy feat. From the 72-10 Bulls to the 73-win Warriors, and all of the teams in between, these records will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. While some of these teams went on to win championships, others fell short in the playoffs. However, their regular season excellence will always be remembered as a testament to the hard work and dedication required to be the best.