Top 10 Best NBA Teams of All Time

The history of the NBA is filled with legendary teams that not only dominated their respective eras but also left a lasting legacy on the game. In 1996, as part of the NBA’s 50th-anniversary celebration, a panel of media members selected the Top 10 NBA teams of all time. These teams set records, revolutionized basketball, and achieved the ultimate prize winning the NBA Championship. Averaging a remarkable 66 wins per season with an .805 winning percentage, each of these teams went on to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Here, we break down the Top 10 Best NBA Teams of All Time, offering insights into their success and influence on the game.

1. 1964-65 Boston Celtics

Record: 62-18 (.775)
Key Players: Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn
Championship: 4-1 vs. L.A. Lakers

The Boston Celtics of the 1960s were nothing short of a dynasty, and the 1964-65 team represents the peak of that dominance. With Bill Russell anchoring the defense, John Havlicek making the play that led to Johnny Most’s famous “Havlicek stole the ball!” call, and an unparalleled supporting cast, this Celtics squad clinched their seventh consecutive championship. Their win over Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers in the Eastern Finals and subsequent Finals victory against the Lakers solidified their greatness.

2. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 68-13 (.840)
Key Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham
Championship: 4-2 vs. San Francisco Warriors

Led by Wilt Chamberlain in his prime, the 76ers dismantled Boston’s hold on the league. This team started the season 46-4 and finished with 68 wins, a record at the time. Their playoff run, which included a 4-1 triumph over the Celtics in the Eastern Finals, put an end to Boston’s eight-year reign and established the 76ers as the new kings of the NBA. Chamberlain’s all-around dominance, along with a deep roster, made this one of the most complete teams in history.

3. 1969-70 New York Knicks

Record: 60-22 (.732)
Key Players: Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley
Championship: 4-3 vs. L.A. Lakers

The 1969-70 Knicks are best remembered for Willis Reed’s unforgettable moment in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, where he hobbled onto the court despite a leg injury and inspired his team to victory. Behind Reed, Walt Frazier’s dazzling playmaking, and a cohesive unit built on passing and defense, this team captured New York’s first NBA title. They are revered for their unselfishness and basketball IQ, attributes that allowed them to outlast the Lakers in a seven-game Finals.

4. 1971-72 L.A. Lakers

Record: 69-13 (.841)
Key Players: Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich
Championship: 4-1 vs. New York Knicks

With a 33-game winning streak that remains the longest in NBA history, the 1971-72 Lakers were an unstoppable force. Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Gail Goodrich formed a potent trio, and the team’s deep roster allowed them to win games in dominant fashion. This was the year the Lakers finally broke through and won their first title in Los Angeles after years of near-misses, defeating the Knicks 4-1 in the Finals. Their regular-season success and championship made them a landmark team in NBA history.

5. 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 65-17 (.793)
Key Players: Moses Malone, Julius Erving, Maurice Cheeks
Championship: 4-0 vs. L.A. Lakers

Moses Malone’s “Fo’, Fo’, Fo'” prediction nearly came true as the 76ers stormed through the 1983 playoffs with a 12-1 record, securing their first title in 16 years. Malone was a dominant force both offensively and defensively, while Julius Erving provided his usual brilliance. This team remains one of the most efficient playoff performers in NBA history, sweeping the Lakers in the Finals and cementing their status as one of the best teams ever assembled.

6. 1985-86 Boston Celtics

Record: 67-15 (.817)
Key Players: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson
Championship: 4-2 vs. Houston Rockets

The 1985-86 Celtics were nearly unbeatable, especially at home, where they posted a staggering 40-1 record. Led by MVP Larry Bird, the team had one of the best frontcourts ever with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. A key addition was Bill Walton, whose presence off the bench gave the Celtics unprecedented depth. Boston rolled through the playoffs and defeated the Houston Rockets to win the championship, marking their 16th title in franchise history.

7. 1986-87 L.A. Lakers

Record: 65-17 (.793)
Key Players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy
Championship: 4-2 vs. Boston Celtics

Showtime reached its pinnacle in 1987, with Magic Johnson putting on a masterclass in leading the fast-break offense that defined this era of Lakers basketball. Magic, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, spearheaded a team that was both dynamic and disciplined. Their Finals win over the Celtics in six games is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, symbolizing the rivalry’s peak and the Lakers’ resurgence as champions.

8. 1988-89 Detroit Pistons

Record: 63-19 (.768)
Key Players: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman
Championship: 4-0 vs. L.A. Lakers

The Bad Boys Pistons were known for their physical, lockdown defense, and this 1989 team exemplified those traits. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars led a team that emphasized depth, teamwork, and relentless effort. Their playoff run culminated in a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Lakers in the Finals, marking the first of back-to-back championships. Their ability to outmuscle and outlast opponents made them one of the toughest teams in NBA history.

9. 1991-92 Chicago Bulls

Record: 67-15 (.817)
Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant
Championship: 4-2 vs. Portland Trail Blazers

By 1992, Michael Jordan had established himself as the best player in the league, and the Bulls were an unstoppable force. Jordan’s individual brilliance was complemented by Scottie Pippen’s versatility and Horace Grant’s toughness. The Bulls won 67 games and secured their second consecutive title by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six games. This season marked the beginning of the Bulls’ dynasty that would go on to dominate the 1990s.

10. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

Record: 72-10 (.878)
Key Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman
Championship: 4-2 vs. Seattle SuperSonics

The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls set a new standard for excellence in the NBA, finishing with a 72-10 record that stood as the best regular-season mark for over two decades. With Michael Jordan in his first full season after returning from retirement, the Bulls were virtually unbeatable. Their blend of offensive efficiency, defensive tenacity, and incredible depth powered them to a fourth championship, with Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman leading the charge. This Bulls team remains the gold standard in NBA history.

Conclusion

In NBA history, the greatest teams have combined exceptional talent, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the game to achieve lasting success. From the Boston Celtics’ early dynasty to the dominance of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, each of these teams has left an indelible mark on basketball. Their ability to not only win championships but also influence future generations of players and coaches is what cements their legacy. These teams exemplify excellence in all facets of the game, showcasing the power of teamwork, skill, and determination in creating dynasties that continue to inspire basketball fans worldwide.