The NBA has seen some truly dominant teams throughout its illustrious history. From dynasties to super teams, these teams have left an indelible mark on the sport and are regarded as some of the best in NBA history. Here, we take a look at the best NBA teams of all time.
1. Chicago Bulls (1990s): Led by the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s were simply unstoppable. Alongside Scottie Pippen and with coaching genius Phil Jackson at the helm, the Bulls won six NBA championships in just eight seasons, including two three-peats. Their blend of offensive firepower, tenacious defense, and Jordan’s unmatched clutch abilities make them undoubtedly the best team in NBA history.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (1980s): The Showtime Lakers of the 1980s were a spectacle to behold. Led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and a supporting cast that included James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper, the Lakers won five NBA championships during the decade. With their fast-paced style of play, exceptional teamwork, and the magic of Magic Johnson, the Lakers showcased some of the most entertaining basketball the league has ever seen.
3. Boston Celtics (1960s): The Boston Celtics of the 1960s were a legendary team that dominated the NBA for almost the entire decade. Led by the legendary Bill Russell, the Celtics won an incredible 11 championships in just 13 seasons, including eight consecutive titles. Russell’s defensive prowess, combined with the skills of teammates such as Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones, made the Celtics a formidable force that set the standard for excellence in the NBA.
4. Golden State Warriors (2010s): The Golden State Warriors of the 2010s revolutionized the game of basketball with their emphasis on three-point shooting and high-tempo offense. Led by their ‘Splash Brothers’ backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, alongside Draymond Green, the Warriors won three championships in five seasons. Their 73-9 regular-season record in 2016 stands as the best regular-season record in NBA history. The Warriors’ fluid, fast-paced style of play and their record-breaking shooting made them one of the most exciting and dominant teams in recent memory.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (2000s): The Lakers of the early 2000s were a powerhouse led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, along with coach Phil Jackson. The team won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, with their dominant size, inside-outside scoring, and suffocating defense. With exceptional role players like Derek Fisher and Robert Horry, the Lakers established themselves as one of the best teams of the decade.
Honorable Mentions:
– Miami Heat (2010s): Led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, the Heat won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
– San Antonio Spurs (1990s-2000s): With the legendary Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs won five championships between 1999 and 2014.
– Philadelphia 76ers (1980s): The ’83-’84 Sixers featured Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and cohesive team play which led them to the championship.
According to multiple sources, each of these teams left an indelible mark on the NBA, redefining the game with their unique playing styles and exceptional talent. Their legacy continues to inspire players and basketball enthusiasts, and they will forever be remembered as some of the best NBA teams of all time.