When you think of the greatest NBA teams of all time, you think of squads that not only dominated their respective eras but also changed the landscape of basketball. Whether it was through superior teamwork, record-breaking performances, or sheer talent, these teams have left an indelible mark on the game. But what makes them the best? Here, we rank the best NBA teams of all time based on their dominance, records, and overall impact on the league.
Legendary Teams That Made NBA History
The greatest NBA teams of all time aren’t just defined by regular-season wins or playoff appearances; it’s about the ability to perform under pressure, win championships, and influence the evolution of basketball. With that in mind, let’s explore what sets apart the best NBA teams of all time and how they earned their place among the legends of the sport.
1. 1995–96 Chicago Bulls (72–10, NBA Champions)
When it comes to the greatest NBA team of all time, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls have earned their place at the top. With Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls set an NBA record for regular-season wins (72) that stood for over two decades. Their team defense, along with Jordan’s unmatched scoring ability, led them to a dominant playoff run, winning the NBA Finals in six games.
This team was not just one of the best NBA teams of all time by record, but also set the blueprint for the modern NBA with their unselfish ball movement and relentless defense.
2. 2016–17 Golden State Warriors (67–15, 16–1 Playoffs)
The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, arguably the best super teams in NBA history, turned heads by redefining the game with their shooting and speed. With Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, they went 67–15 in the regular season and dominated the playoffs with a 16–1 record. Their 2017 Finals performance was a masterclass in basketball, as they completely outclassed the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They set the bar for future best NBA teams of all time ranked by showing how powerful a super team can be, and their game-changing three-point shooting and unselfishness on offense are still influencing teams today.
3. 1985–86 Boston Celtics (67–15, NBA Champions)
Widely regarded as one of the best NBA teams of all time, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics were a well-oiled machine. Led by Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, the Celtics boasted one of the most complete rosters ever assembled. Their defense was suffocating, and their offense was efficient, as they led the league in both categories. Their dominance culminated in a 15-3 postseason record and an NBA Championship.
This Celtics squad is often cited when discussing the best NBA teams of all time tier list, as their versatility and talent made them nearly unstoppable.
4. 1986–87 Los Angeles Lakers (65–17, NBA Champions)
The 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers, with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, exemplified the up-tempo “Showtime” style of basketball. Their ability to score in transition, combined with Magic’s court vision and Kareem’s signature skyhook, made them one of the top 10 best NBA teams of all time. Their 65-win season was a testament to their superiority, and they went on to win the NBA Finals in a thrilling six-game series against the Boston Celtics.
Their dominance in both the regular season and the playoffs makes them one of the best NBA teams of all time 2025 and a defining team in NBA history.
5. 2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers (56–25, 15–1 Playoffs)
Led by the dominant duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, the 2000-01 Lakers are among the top 10 NBA teams of all time. They dominated the playoffs, finishing with a 15-1 record, losing only one game to the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Finals. Shaq’s dominance in the paint and Kobe’s scoring and defense made this team nearly unbeatable.
The Lakers’ ability to dominate in the postseason solidified their place as one of the best super teams in NBA history, and their combination of size and skill makes them a unique entry in the rankings of best NBA teams of all time by record.
6. 2007–08 Boston Celtics (66–16, NBA Champions)
The 2008 Boston Celtics were built on a foundation of defense and unselfish offense. The acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen alongside Paul Pierce created the “Big Three,” which proved to be one of the most effective trio combinations in NBA history. Their championship win over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 is still regarded as one of the most satisfying in recent memory.
This team ranks highly among the top 10 best NBA teams of all time for its ability to defend, rebound, and share the basketball efficiently.
7. 2012–13 Miami Heat (66–16, NBA Champions)
With LeBron James at the peak of his powers, the 2012-13 Miami Heat were nearly unstoppable. They went on a historic 27-game win streak during the regular season, showcasing their depth, skill, and versatility. Their Finals win over the San Antonio Spurs in 2013—particularly Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer—solidified their place among the best NBA teams of all time ranked.
The Heat’s ability to control both ends of the floor and their unselfish approach to the game makes them one of the best NBA teams of all time 2025.
8. 2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers (73–9, NBA Champions)
The Cavaliers made history with LeBron James leading them to their first-ever NBA championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. LeBron’s block on Andre Iguodala and his clutch performances were pivotal to the Cavs’ historic victory. This team showcased the heart and resilience needed to win in the face of adversity.
9. 1991 Chicago Bulls (61–21, NBA Champions)
Jordan’s first championship season was a statement. The Bulls were a complete team with Jordan dominating offensively and Pippen being a top-tier defender. Their series victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 Finals marked the start of the Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s.
10. 2003–04 Detroit Pistons (54–28, NBA Champions)
A defensive powerhouse, the 2004 Pistons upset the heavily favored Lakers in the Finals. The Pistons’ “Team Basketball” approach, led by Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Ben Wallace, proved that a cohesive group could defeat a superstar-laden team. Their emphasis on defense and unselfish offense was a formula that worked throughout the season and into the Finals.
11. 1997–98 Chicago Bulls (62–20, NBA Champions)
This was Michael Jordan’s final season with the Bulls (for now), and he went out on top with a sixth championship. The Bulls’ defense, led by Pippen and Rodman, complemented Jordan’s scoring and clutch performances. They overcame the Utah Jazz in the Finals, with Jordan’s iconic game-winning shot in Game 6 sealing the victory.
12. 2004–05 San Antonio Spurs (59–23, NBA Champions)
The Spurs’ quiet but effective dominance was led by Tim Duncan, with Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili providing critical support. Their balanced offense and stout defense, along with the leadership of Coach Gregg Popovich, allowed them to win the 2005 Finals, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a gritty series.
13. 1989–90 Detroit Pistons (59–23, NBA Champions)
Known as the “Bad Boys,” this team was built around defense and physicality. Isiah Thomas was the leader, while Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and Joe Dumars were key contributors. They defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the Finals, making a statement about the importance of toughness and grit in the NBA.
14. 2005–06 Miami Heat (52–30, NBA Champions)
Dwyane Wade’s breakout performance in the Finals led the Heat to their first-ever NBA championship. Wade, who averaged 34.7 points per game in the Finals, was the driving force, while Shaq provided leadership and dominance in the paint. Their victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals marked a historic achievement for the franchise.
15. 2018–19 Toronto Raptors (58–24, NBA Champions)
Led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors made history by winning their first-ever NBA title. Leonard’s clutch performances in the playoffs, particularly his buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, helped propel the Raptors past some of the NBA’s best. The Finals victory over the Warriors was one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
16. 1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers (57–25, NBA Champions)
This Lakers team, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was dominant on both sides of the ball. The 1989 Lakers had a great mix of talent, with Magic orchestrating the offense and Kareem providing his signature skyhook. They dispatched the Pistons in the Finals to secure their fifth title in nine years.
17. 2008–09 Los Angeles Lakers (65–17, NBA Champions)
With Kobe Bryant at his peak, the Lakers had one of the most balanced and explosive rosters in the league. They captured the championship by defeating the Orlando Magic in the Finals. The team was led by Kobe’s offensive prowess and an improved defense under head coach Phil Jackson.
18. 1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers (65–17, NBA Champions)
The 76ers, led by MVP Moses Malone, had one of the most dominant regular seasons ever. With Malone, Julius Erving, and Maurice Cheeks, they easily defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, sweeping them in four games. Malone’s dominant presence in the paint was a key factor in their success.
19. 2010–11 Dallas Mavericks (57–25, NBA Champions)
Led by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in the Finals, denying the “Big Three” their first championship. Nowitzki’s Finals MVP performance was one of the most memorable in NBA history, and the team’s ability to gel and work together as a unit was key to their success.
20. 1992–93 Chicago Bulls (57–25, NBA Champions)
Jordan’s third title run was marked by his consistent brilliance on offense and defense. The team also benefitted from the all-around play of Scottie Pippen and the rebounding and toughness of Dennis Rodman. The Bulls captured their third consecutive title by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Finals.
21. 2009–10 Los Angeles Lakers (57–25, NBA Champions)
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to a back-to-back title, this time defeating the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Finals MVP performance solidified Kobe’s legacy, and the Lakers’ defensive prowess under coach Phil Jackson allowed them to prevail.
22. 1972 Los Angeles Lakers (69–13, NBA Champions)
With Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Gail Goodrich, the Lakers set the NBA record for wins in a single season, a record that stood until the 1995-96 Bulls. Their dominance during the regular season carried over into the playoffs, and they defeated the New York Knicks to win the championship.
23. 1994–95 Houston Rockets (47–35, NBA Champions)
The Rockets were powered by the play of Hakeem Olajuwon, who dominated the Finals and led the team to a second straight title. Their sweep of the Orlando Magic was impressive, and Olajuwon’s all-around brilliance on offense and defense was the key to their success.
24. 1970–71 Milwaukee Bucks (66–16, NBA Champions)
Led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson, the Bucks had one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the post and the leadership of Robertson propelled them to the NBA title, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the Finals.
25. 1997–98 Chicago Bulls (62–20, NBA Champions)
This was the final season of Michael Jordan’s second run with the Bulls, and he led them to their sixth championship with a dramatic Finals victory over the Utah Jazz. This team is often considered one of the best in NBA history due to the combination of Jordan’s scoring, Pippen’s defense, and the leadership of coach Phil Jackson.
Why These Squads Rank Among the Greatest NBA Teams of All Time
While the best NBA teams of all time by record are often the ones we think of first, it’s not just about wins. Teams like the greatest NBA teams of all time also influenced how the game is played today. Whether through the rise of the three-point shooting era, like the Warriors, or the dominant post play of Shaq in the Lakers’ early 2000s, these teams set trends and laid the groundwork for the future of basketball.
When talking about the best super teams in NBA history, certain squads stand out for their sheer talent and ability to dominate the league. The 2016–17 Golden State Warriors and the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers fit this description perfectly. These teams didn’t just win—they created a new standard for what could be accomplished when multiple stars joined forces.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Legends of the Hardwood
From the unstoppable force of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to the high-powered offense of the Golden State Warriors, these greatest NBA teams of all time set the standard for excellence in the league. Each of these teams brought something unique to the table, leaving behind legacies that continue to influence basketball today. The legends of the hardwood are forever enshrined in the history of the NBA.
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