The 10 Best NBA Teams of All-Time: A Deep Dive into Basketball Dominance

When it comes to NBA history, we’ve seen some truly iconic teams that changed the game and defined eras. From unforgettable regular-season performances to championship runs that etched their names in basketball lore, these teams represent the pinnacle of NBA excellence. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 Best NBA Teams of All-Time.

1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

Record: 72-10
Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman
Highlights:
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are often regarded as the best NBA team of all time. Their 72-10 record was the best in NBA history at the time (until the Warriors’ 73-9 record in 2016). The combination of Michael Jordan’s brilliance, Scottie Pippen’s all-around game, and Dennis Rodman’s rebounding dominance made them a nearly unstoppable force. This team also won the NBA Championship, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals, and they had a near-perfect postseason run, finishing 15-3.

2. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors

Record: 67-15
Key Players: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green
Highlights:
The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors might be the most complete team ever assembled. With a 67-15 regular-season record and a near-perfect 16-1 run through the playoffs, they were unbeatable. Led by a trio of shooters—Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson—the Warriors’ offense was a juggernaut. On defense, Draymond Green anchored the team with his versatility. Their dominance culminated in a 4-1 Finals win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, cementing their legacy as one of the best teams in NBA history.

3. 1985-86 Boston Celtics

Record: 67-15
Key Players: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish
Highlights:
This Celtics squad is often considered the greatest in NBA history. Their offense was fluid and efficient, led by Larry Bird, who was at his peak. The Celtics boasted depth with Hall of Famers like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. This team was also a defensive powerhouse, and their 67-15 record still stands as one of the best. The Celtics’ championship run was nearly flawless, as they claimed the title with an incredibly well-rounded team.

4. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls

Record: 69-13
Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr
Highlights:
Coming off a 72-win season, the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls continued to dominate the NBA. With a 69-13 regular-season record, they were a force to be reckoned with. Jordan and Pippen remained the heart of the team, while key players like Steve Kerr and Toni Kukoč provided necessary depth. In the playoffs, the Bulls cruised to their fifth NBA title under the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, defeating the Utah Jazz in the Finals.

5. 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 65-17
Key Players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy
Highlights:
The 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers are widely regarded as one of the best offensive teams in NBA history. Known for their “Showtime” basketball, the Lakers thrived in fast breaks, making them a nightmare to defend. Magic Johnson ran the show as one of the greatest point guards of all time, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook and James Worthy’s scoring ability made them nearly unbeatable. The Lakers captured the NBA title that season, defeating the Boston Celtics in a thrilling six-game Finals.

6. 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 56-26
Key Players: Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant
Highlights:
The 2000-01 Lakers, despite a regular-season record that doesn’t fully reflect their dominance, were one of the most unstoppable teams in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal was a physical force in the paint, and Kobe Bryant was emerging as one of the league’s most lethal scorers. The Lakers went 15-1 in the playoffs, only losing one game in the entire postseason to capture their second consecutive NBA Championship. The team’s dominance in the playoffs was legendary, with Shaq being named Finals MVP.

7. 2012-13 Miami Heat

Record: 66-16
Key Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh
Highlights:
The 2012-13 Miami Heat were a balanced team that combined offensive firepower and defensive intensity. LeBron James was at the peak of his powers, leading the Heat through a 27-game win streak during the regular season. Their strong defense, led by LeBron and Shane Battier, helped them finish with the NBA’s best record. In the Finals, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series, with LeBron earning his second Finals MVP.

8. 2004-05 San Antonio Spurs

Record: 59-23
Key Players: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili
Highlights:
The 2004-05 San Antonio Spurs are a testament to the power of well-coached basketball. Tim Duncan, one of the greatest power forwards of all time, led a Spurs team that was built on discipline, fundamentals, and unselfish ball movement. With solid performances from Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili, the Spurs captured the NBA Championship that year, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling seven-game series.

9. 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 57-25
Key Players: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love
Highlights:
The 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers made history by coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals to defeat the Golden State Warriors, who had set an NBA record for wins that season (73-9). LeBron James was the Finals MVP after a legendary performance, including his famous block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7. This victory marked Cleveland’s first-ever NBA Championship and was one of the most thrilling Finals of all time.

10. 1991-92 Chicago Bulls

Record: 67-15
Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen
Highlights:
The 1991-92 Chicago Bulls were a force of nature. After their first championship in 1991, they returned with a vengeance. Michael Jordan, in the prime of his career, led the Bulls with his scoring ability, and Scottie Pippen’s all-around game elevated the team. The Bulls dominated the regular season, and their path to the Finals was just as impressive. They ultimately secured their second consecutive NBA Championship with a 4-2 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in the Finals.