When I think about the greatest NBA teams, my mind immediately jumps to the '90s Chicago Bulls. Led by Michael Jordan, this team was truly iconic. With six NBA championships in the span of eight years, their success rate was astronomical. Over 72 games won in the 1995-96 season, this team set a benchmark for efficiency and prowess.
Another team that stands out for me is the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors. Adding Kevin Durant to a roster that already featured Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green was a masterstroke. They went on to post a 16-1 record in the playoffs, indicating a championship win rate of over 94%. Watching their incredible team synergy and high-speed transitions on court made each game an exhilarating experience.
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics roster also deserves a mention. With Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Dennis Johnson leading the way, they dominated their era. They boasted a 40-1 record at the Boston Garden, which is a home win percentage of over 97%. To this day, basketball enthusiasts hold their balanced attack and defensive setups in high regard.
Ah, the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s! Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar turned basketball into an art form. Johnson’s unprecedented ability to make pinpoint passes combined with Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable skyhook made the Lakers the team to beat. They won five championships in ten years, which means they had a 50% success rate for that decade. Not too shabby at all.
People always ask me if the 2000-2002 Los Angeles Lakers were the most dominant team in the modern era. With Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant at the helm, it’s hard to contest their place in history. After all, they completed a three-peat, winning 75% of their NBA Finals in those years. They had a rare combination of brute strength and finesse, a dual-threat that kept opponents constantly guessing.
If we’re talking defense, the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons come to mind. While they didn’t have a standalone superstar like some other teams, their teamwork and defensive strategy were unparalleled. They held their opponents to under 90 points per game during the playoffs, translating to defense efficiency that was almost unheard of at the time. Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Chauncey Billups orchestrated a masterclass in how defense wins championships.
The San Antonio Spurs from 1999 to 2014 are another prime example of sustained greatness. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili made the Spurs a powerhouse. They won five championships in a 15-year period, maintaining an incredible level of consistency and trust in their system. Their system-focused approach and adaptability made them a challenging opponent year in and year out.
Another team etched in my memory is the 2012-13 Miami Heat. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led this team to 27 consecutive wins, which is the second-longest win streak in NBA history. Their winning streak underscored their ability to adapt and conquer, a trait that made them formidable opponents in every game.
When discussing great teams, one cannot overlook the influence of modern analytics and sports science. The Houston Rockets of the late 2010s, with James Harden, utilized a heavy focus on three-pointers and analytics to shape game outcomes. They played at an average pace of 100 possessions per game, pushing the limits of traditional team strategies and redefining what it means to play efficient basketball.
There’s no doubt that each of these teams brought something special to the game. Whether it’s the Celtics’ home win percentage, the Spurs’ long-term consistency, the Warriors’ playoff win rate, or the Heat’s epic win streak, these teams have cemented their place in NBA history. For anyone wanting to delve deeper, I'd recommend checking out arena plus for more on the greatest NBA teams.