Lists

Debating The Top 25 Seasons In NBA History

Darren - March 9, 2020
Lists

Debating The Top 25 Seasons In NBA History

Darren - March 9, 2020

Mandatory Credit: The Sixer Sense

6. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers

Definitely the best team in the history of the 76ers, Philly had a magnificent 1967. “The City of Brotherly Love” could hardly believe what unfolded in front of them as their team won its second-ever NBA Championship. They finished the season with a strong record of 68-13.

Mandatory Credit: phillytribe.com

New coach Alex Hunnam reinvigorated the squad. Meanwhile, Wilt Chamberlain put up some of the best numbers of his career on the way to glory. But this was a team effort, with three other players around the 20-point mark per game. The 76ers averaged a record 125 points per game. In sum, their attack was devastating.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

5. 2007-2008 Boston Celtics

The Celtics were outstanding in 07-08 but still haven’t received the credit they deserve. With an overall record of 66-16, they were consistently excellent all throughout the roster. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajan Rondo, and Ray Allen were destructive on the court.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Considering the Celtics went 24-58 the previous year, it shows how dramatic a turnaround this was. Not only was this a great individual season, but it was also one of the biggest improvements of all-time. They were able to carry their excellent form into the Finals, beating the Lakers 4-2.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

4. 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers

When we think of the classic Lakers, the likes of Shaq, Kobe, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson come to mind right away. But arguably the best version of the franchise was their 1972 NBA Championship-winning side. This was quite simply an extraordinary team that went 69-13 in the regular season.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

They also went on an NBA-record 33-game winning streak. In short, they ran through almost everybody in front of them during a relentless campaign. Finally, they went 4-1 against the Knicks to win the Finals. To sum up, this was a classic side that deserves its place near the top of the greatest season rankings.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

3. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls

The 1996-97 incarnation of the Bulls was a polished winning machine. With Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson tearing it up, they were an almost unstoppable force. Their record was almost as good as the year before, going 69-13.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

In fact, very few teams were able to give them trouble over the course of the season. It was only in the high-stakes Finals that they faltered. But they still managed to hold out for a 4-2 win over the Utah Jazz. This wasn’t just a great team, it was the evolution of a dynasty.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

2. 1971-72 Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks might never have been the sexiest team in the NBA, but they have produced some legendary moments. 2019-20 isn’t the first time they’ve had a phenomenal regular season. If you go back to the ’70s, they had their most magnificent year to date, even bringing the championship home to Wisconsin.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

Their offense was simply unstoppable, with Lew Alcindor (eventually Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) averaging 31.7 points and 3.3 assists per game. Nobody was able to give them a proper challenge as they swept the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals. Only time will tell if this season’s roster can live up to this lofty bar.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have to be first on our list because of their phenomenal overall record and the fact that it all paid off in the end. This was a majestic side with the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman in their primes. They became the first NBA team to win 70 games in a season, going 72-10 overall.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

Unlike the Golden State Warriors, the Bulls carried their ludicrous form into the Finals. They defeated the Seattle Supersonics 4-2 to win their fourth NBA title in six seasons. So many legends emerged from this side. In sum, they’re the greatest regular-season team roster in the history of the NBA.

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