The best NBA record for teams in the regular season all time highlights dominance, chemistry, and unforgettable win totals across decades. These teams delivered historic performances and shaped league expectations.
Their success influenced coaching, player development, and even NBA picks during their peak runs. From the 1995-96 Bulls to the 2015-16 Warriors, these squads set new standards for excellence. They combined elite talent, strong leadership, and smart strategies to win consistently. Some ended their seasons as champions, while others fell just short. Still, their regular-season achievements remain legendary.
Fans and analysts studied their gameplay when making bold NBA picks. Each team on this list maximized effort over 82 games, creating historic momentum. Their records reflect more than numbers – they represent eras of dominance.
Let’s now explore the ten teams that posted the most impressive regular season records in NBA history.
Honorable Mentions
Golden State Warriors (2014-15, 2016-17): Splash Brothers, and One with KD
Win-Loss Record: 67-15
Win-Loss Percentage: 81.7%
The Golden State Warriors’ 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons deserve honorable mention among the best NBA regular season records ever.
In 2014-15, Golden State went 67-15 under first-year coach Steve Kerr. Stephen Curry won MVP, and the team dominated both ends and were NBA odds favorites. They clinched the NBA Championship by defeating LeBron James and the Cavaliers in six games, ending a 40-year title drought.
In 2016-17, with Kevin Durant added, the Warriors again finished 67-15, this time with more offensive firepower and defensive versatility. They stormed through the playoffs with a 16-1 record, capturing their second title in three years.
1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers: In the Midst of Shaq and Kobe’s Three-peat
Win-Loss Record: 67-15
Win-Loss Percentage: 81.7%
The 1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers finished 67-15, earning the 10th spot among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by Shaquille O’Neal, one of the best NBA centers, and rising star Kobe Bryant, the Lakers dominated both ends. O’Neal won the MVP, averaging 29.7 points and 13.6 rebounds, while anchoring the team’s defense and low-post offense.
They won 19 straight games midseason, displaying incredible chemistry under new coach Phil Jackson. The Lakers posted the league’s best defensive rating and showed resilience in close games throughout the year.
In the playoffs, they beat the Kings, Blazers, and Pacers to capture the franchise’s first title since 1988. This championship marked the start of the Lakers’ legendary early-2000s three-peat and solidified their place in basketball history.
Their blend of dominance and star power makes this season unforgettable.
1991-92 Chicago Bulls: Their Second Title of the First Three-peat
Win-Loss Record: 67-15
Win-Loss Percentage: 81.7%
The 1991-92 Chicago Bulls finished 67-15, ranking 9th among the best NBA regular season records of all time. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls were in peak form during their second title-winning campaign.
Jordan averaged 30.1 points and won his second straight MVP, leading one of the most popular NBA teams globally. The Bulls opened the season 14-1 and never looked back, dominating opponents with elite defense and transition offense.
Their chemistry, sharpened by Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, overwhelmed teams throughout the year. In the playoffs, they defeated the Heat, Knicks, and Cavaliers before beating the Trail Blazers in six games.
That victory marked their second title and pushed them toward their historic three-peat. This season proved the Bulls’ reign wasn’t a fluke – it was a dynasty in full control.
Their dominance shaped 1990s basketball forever.
1985-86 Boston Celtics: Holding the Fort at Home
Win-Loss Record: 67-15
Win-Loss Percentage: 81.7%
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics finished 67-15, placing 8th among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by Larry Bird, the Celtics dominated with elite ball movement, strong defense, and unmatched depth at every position. Bird won his third straight MVP, averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while leading with clutch performances.
The Celtics went an incredible 40-1 at home, establishing the Boston Garden as a true fortress. Key additions like Bill Walton boosted the bench, while Kevin McHale and Robert Parish anchored the frontcourt.
They beat the Bulls, Hawks, and Bucks before defeating the Rockets in six games in the NBA Finals. This championship marked Boston’s 16th title and confirmed their dominance in the mid-1980s.
The 1985-86 team remains a gold standard for complete, championship-level basketball. Their teamwork and depth were nearly unstoppable.
2024-2025 Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Core Clicking at the Right Time
Win-Loss Record: 68-14
Win-Loss Percentage: 82.9%
The 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder finished 68-14, landing 7th among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder stunned the league and crushed expectations. He won his first MVP, averaging 29 points per game. Their fast-paced offense, gritty defense, and team chemistry elevated them into serious title contention.
Fans and analysts watched NBA odds shift weekly as OKC racked up win streaks and clutch victories. Young stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams stepped up, making the roster deeper and more dangerous. The Thunder went 36-5 at home and earned respect on the road with signature wins over top contenders.
Their rise also drew attention from major NBA betting sites, as they became a consistent betting favorite. With strong coaching and MVP leadership, the Thunder reached elite status and reminded everyone that rebuilds can become dynasties.
1972-73 Boston Celtics
Win-Loss Record: 68-14
Win-Loss Percentage: 82.9%
The 1972-73 Boston Celtics finished 68-14, placing 6th among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, and Jo Jo White, the Celtics combined experience, hustle, and scoring depth all season. Dave Cowens won MVP, averaging 20.5 points and 16.2 rebounds while anchoring Boston’s relentless defense and rebounding.
The Celtics started hot and built momentum with a 10-game winning streak early in the season. They posted a dominant 38-3 home record, consistently overpowering opponents with fast breaks and aggressive team defense.
Coach Tom Heinsohn kept the team focused, guiding them to the league’s best record and high playoff expectations. In the playoffs, they beat the Hawks but fell to the Knicks in a hard-fought Eastern Conference Finals series.
Despite not winning the title, this team’s regular-season excellence remains one of Boston’s most dominant stretches in franchise history.
1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers’ Winningest Record To Date
Win-Loss Record: 68-13
Win-Loss Percentage: 84.0%
The 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers finished 68-13, earning 5th place among the best NBA regular season records of all time. Led by Wilt Chamberlain, the team dominated with physicality, speed, and smart play under coach Alex Hannum.
Chamberlain averaged 24.1 points, 24.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, showcasing his versatility and unselfish play. Key players like Hal Greer, Chet Walker, and Billy Cunningham provided scoring, balance, and toughness throughout the season.
The Sixers started 46-4, overwhelming teams with fast breaks, inside scoring, and lockdown defense. They posted a 39-2 home record, making Philadelphia a nightmare stop for visiting teams.
In the playoffs, they eliminated the Celtics, ending Boston’s eight-year championship run and shocking the league. They then beat the Warriors to claim their second NBA title and complete one of the most dominant seasons ever.
Their blend of teamwork, depth, and power remains unforgettable.
1996-97 Chicago Bulls: Another Winning Season During the Bulls’ 2nd Three-peat
Win-Loss Record: 69-13
Win-Loss Percentage: 84.1%
The 1996-97 Chicago Bulls finished 69-13, ranking 4th among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and a strong supporting cast, the Bulls dominated the league once again. Jordan averaged 29.6 points while delivering clutch performances, including his famous “Flu Game” in the NBA Finals.
The Bulls opened the season with a 14-game winning streak, setting the tone early. Their defense was relentless, holding opponents to under 100 points per game on average.
Under coach Phil Jackson, Chicago’s triangle offense flowed smoothly, maximizing the team’s talent. In the playoffs, they defeated the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat.
The Bulls ultimately beat the Utah Jazz in a six-game NBA Finals, capturing their fifth championship. This season solidified their 1990s dynasty and remains one of the most impressive in NBA history.
1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers: A Historic 33-Game Win Streak
Win-Loss Record: 69-13
Win-Loss Percentage: 84.1%
The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers finished 69-13, ranking 3rd among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by stars Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, the Lakers set a then-record 33-game winning streak. Their fast-paced offense and dominant defense overwhelmed opponents throughout the season.
Chamberlain anchored the paint while West orchestrated the offense with precision and clutch shooting. Coach Bill Sharman introduced the now-famous morning shootaround, improving team preparation and focus.
The Lakers posted a dominant 39-2 home record, creating a fortress at The Forum. In the playoffs, they swept the Bulls and Nuggets before beating the Knicks in five games.
This run earned the Lakers their first championship since moving to Los Angeles, starting a new dynasty. Their blend of talent, coaching, and teamwork made the 1971-72 Lakers one of the greatest teams ever.
1995-96 Chicago Bulls: Jordan’s Legendary Record
Win-Loss Record: 72-10
Win-Loss Percentage: 87.8%
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls finished 72-10, ranking 2nd among the best NBA regular season records of all time.
Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen once again, the Bulls dominated all season. Jordan averaged 30.4 points and delivered clutch moments, including a 44-point playoff performance against the Heat. His numbers added to his claim as one of the best NBA shooting guards ever.
The Bulls opened with a 41-3 start, setting a new standard for dominance and consistency. Coach Phil Jackson’s tried-and-true triangle offense and tough defense propelled the team’s success. Chicago posted a 39-2 home record, intimidating all opponents at the United Center.
In the playoffs, the Bulls defeated the Heat, Knicks, and Magic en route to the Finals. They beat the Seattle SuperSonics in six games, securing their fourth championship. This season cemented the Bulls as a 1990s dynasty and one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
2015-16 Golden State Warriors: Steph and Co. Hold the Best NBA Record of All Time
Win-Loss Record: 73-9
Win-Loss Percentage: 89.0%
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors finished 73-9, earning the best NBA record for teams in the regular season all time.
Led by Stephen Curry, the back-to-back MVP, the team dazzled with three-point shooting and historic NBA player props numbers. Curry averaged 30.1 points, including a record 402 made threes, while Draymond Green anchored the defense.
The Warriors began the season 24-0, setting a new NBA record for best start. Coach Steve Kerr’s system emphasized ball movement, spacing, and pace, overwhelming opponents nightly. This led to Golden State posting a 39-2 home record and remained unbeatable in back-to-back games.
However, in the playoffs, they barely edged the Thunder before meeting the Cavaliers in the Finals. Despite leading 3-1, they lost in seven games to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Their unmatched record still stands, but their collapse remains one of the biggest NBA what-ifs.
Looking for more NBA team-related content? Check out the NBA teams that have the most Eastern Conference Finals appearances, as well as the NBA teams that appeared the most on the Western Conference Finals.