Welcome to our new series of articles entitled 'Get to know the NBA', where we will rank and discuss the great teams, players, coaches and more to help you learn the history of the NBA and fall in love with the game of basketball. Articles will drop every Friday.
First up, the 10 Greatest Teams in NBA History.
10. 1970/71 Milwaukee Bucks- 66-16 record- Head Coach- Larry Costello
The 1971 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks were ahead of their time in many ways, averaging 118.4 points per game without the three point shot. Largely thanks to 23 year old superstar Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who led the team with 31.7 points per game and 16 rebounds as he was named league MVP and won the scoring title. While Oscar Robertson was an able no.2 who averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists to help lead a free flowing team.
The team led the league in points per game, Offensive Rating (103.9) and Defensive Rating (93.1) and lost just two games in the playoffs on their way to a 4-0 sweep of the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals for their first NBA Championship.
9. 1966/67 Philadelphia 76ers- 68-13 record- Head Coach- Alex Hannum
The 1967 Champions were an offensive enigma led by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. The big man averaged 24 points, 24 rebounds and 8 assists as he won a 2nd of three straight league MVP's. The team eased through the majority of the regular season, averaging 125.2 PPG to lead the league, while also leading the association in Offensive Rating (101.5) and Net Rating (+7.7).
Despite their great regular season the team still defied the odds by defeating 8x defending Champions the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals before beating the San Francisco Warriors 4-2 in the NBA Finals.
8. 1988/89 Detroit Pistons- 63-19 record- Head Coach- Chuck Daly
One of the most famous teams in NBA history truly came of age in 1989 as the 'Bad Boy' Pistons claimed the teams first NBA Championship. Their team was known for their hard-nose defense and rough play, largely led by Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman. They were the team that everybody loved to hate but their tactics worked and they were a damn good basketball team. They finished second in Opponents PPG (100.8) & third in Defensive Rating (104.7), with their offense led by point guard Isiah Thomas.
The 89 Pistons swept the Larry Bird led Boston Celtic, before beating MJ's Bulls and then sweeping the 2x defending Champion Los Angeles Lakers to claim a first of back to back Championships for the BAD BOYS!
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626003339220c8838eebb440/62cc4cb50d838f5a458be89c_Thomas.jpg)
7. 2002/03 San Antonio Spurs- 60-22 record- Head Coach- Gregg Popovich
Arguably the best in-carnation of the Popovich led San Antonio Spurs who have won a total of 5 NBA Championships together. A powerful two way team led by league MVP Tim Duncan, who averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. It was the first year Duncan, Tony Parker & Manu Ginobili played together and they won it all before going on to anchor the dynasty for the next 11 years.
The 2003 Spurs impressively took down the 3x defending Champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals before beating the New Jersey Nets 4-2 in the NBA Finals, to claim the franchises 2nd championship.
6. 1986/87 Los Angeles Lakers- 65-17 record- Head Coach- Pat Riley
The Lakers largely dominated throughout the 1980's but the 1987 team was the best. The team bouncing back after going down 4-1 to the Houston Rockets in the 1986 Western Conference finals. LA led the league with 117.8 PPG, as well as having the best Offensive Rating (115.6). They were led by league MVP Magic Johnson, who averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists & 2 steals, 1 of 7 Lakers to average at least 10 points in an offensively elite team.
The team went 11-1 through the first three rounds of the playoffs before defeating the 59 win & defending champion Boston Celtics 4-2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers claiming their 4th title in eight years.
5. 2012/13 Miami Heat- 66-16 record- Head Coach- Erik Spoelstra
The third season of the Miami Big Three led by LeBron James, Dwayne Wade & Chris Bosh proved to be the best. The team dominated through the regular season with highlight reel plays a regular occurrence before thrilling series in the Eastern Conference & NBA Finals. The team was led by league MVP LeBron James who averaged 27 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. While legendary sharp shooter Ray Allen played a crucial role coming off the bench.
Miami just edged the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the Eastern Conference before falling behind 3-2 in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, the classic Ray Allen three pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining in game 6 tied the game before the Heat won in overtime and then went on to win Game 7 and claim their 2nd straight championship.
4. 1999/00 Los Angeles Lakers- 67-15 record- Head Coach- Phil Jackson
The 2000 Lakers were one of the most dominant teams in NBA history led by the all conquering Shaquille O'Neal. The legendary center was named league MVP, All Star Game MVP & Finals MVP, while also winning the NBA scoring title, averaging nearly 30 PPG, as well as 14 rebounds and 3 blocks during the regular season before upping that to 31/15 during the playoffs.
The team led the league in Defensive Rating (98.2) and Net Rating (+9.1), with Kobe Bryant having a breakout year, averaging 22/6/5. With LA edging the Portland Trail Blazers in seven games to make it out of the West before taking down the Reggie Miller led Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the NBA Finals, the first of three straight title triumphs.
3. 1985/86 Boston Celtics- 67-15 record- Head Coach- K.C. Jones
The Boston Celtics were the dominant team in the East during the 1980's, winning three championships but the 86 team took things to a higher level than the rest. The team added former league MVP Bill Walton to their already capable squad and it helped create one of the most dominant teams in history. Led by arguably the best frontcourt in history in Larry Bird, Kevin McHale & Robert Parish. Bird won his third consecutive MVP award averaging 26/10/7/2 steals, with McHale averaging 21/8/2 blocks and Walton winning 6th Man of the Year.
The team had the third best Offensive Rating in the league (111.8) & the best Defensive Rating (102.6). Losing just one game on their route to the NBA Finals before beating the Houston Rockets 4-2 in the NBA Finals, avenging their loss to LA Lakers in 1985 finals.
2. 2016/17 Golden State Warriors- 67-15 record- Head Coach- Steve Kerr
The 2015/16 Warriors broke the record for most regular season wins 73-9 but lost in the NBA Finals, to this already elite team they added Kevin Durant and became the most dominant team of the past 20 years. Dominating on both sides of the ball with the highest PPG in the league (115.9), the best Offensive Rating (115.6) and the 2nd best Defensive Rating (104.0). The team also led the league in Field Goal %, Assists, Steals & Blocks.
Durant & Steph Curry led the team during the regular season with each averaging 25 PPG before bumping that up to 28 PPG in the playoffs. The team finished the playoffs with a 16-1 record, the best playoff record of all time.
1. 1995/96 Chicago Bulls- 72-10 record- Head Coach- Phil Jackson
Without doubt the greatest team in history has to be the 1996 Chicago Bulls, led by arguably the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. The team dominated nearly every aspect of every game, beginning the season with 37-0 home stand. Chicago led the league in PPG (105.2) Offensive Rating (115.2) & Defensive Rating (101.8). This team was built around prime Jordan & Scottie Pippen, with both players being named to the All NBA & All Defensive 1st teams. With Jordan winning MVP and the scoring title averaging 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists & 2 steals. Dennis Rodman was the big off-season addition to the team and he led the league with 14.9 rebounds per game and was also named to the All Defensive 1st team, with Phil Jackson named Coach of the Year.
The team lost just one game on route to the finals, sweeping the Orlando Magic team that had beaten them in the 1995 Conference Semi-Finals. Before defeating the Seattle SuperSonics 4-2 in the NBA Finals.
There have been many great teams throughout the 75 years of the NBA but these 10 took things to another level! Watch the highlights, check them out, their domination left a lasting memory.
(PHOTO- RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports)
STAY CONNECTED
Keep in touch with the latest Coast to Coast episodes, news and more.