Every NBA team aspires to secure a championship, as it signifies the ultimate achievement in the sport. Winning not only highlights a team’s dominance but also cements its legacy in NBA history. However, not every champion ranks among the greatest teams of all time.
Throughout the league’s rich history, numerous franchises have had the honor of calling themselves the best in the world. Undoubtedly, championship-winning teams like the 1965 Boston Celtics, the 1987 L.A. Lakers, and the 1997 Chicago Bulls embodied greatness in their respective eras.
Most Dominant NBA Teams
Chicago Bulls
The 1996 Chicago Bulls, featuring Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, are often regarded as the most dominant team in NBA history. Jordan had taken an early retirement in 1993 to pursue baseball, but 1996 marked his first full season back on the court.
After falling short in the 1995 playoffs, losing to the Orlando Magic in the conference semifinals, Jordan returned more determined than ever. He led Chicago to a then-unprecedented 72-10 record, making them the first team to reach 70 wins in a single season.
The Bulls carried that momentum into the playoffs, finishing with a dominant 15-3 run to secure the championship. To this day, they remain the only team to win 70 games and claim the title in the same year.
Golden State Warriors
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The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors featured one of the most talent-packed rosters in NBA history. Adding Kevin Durant to a core that already included reigning two-time MVP Steph Curry, along with All-Stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, made them nearly unstoppable. The team was fresh off an NBA-record 73-9 season and back-to-back Finals appearances when Durant arrived.
That year, the Warriors finished the regular season with a 67-15 record and dominated the playoffs, matching the legendary 16-1 postseason run of Kobe and Shaq’s Lakers. Their only defeat came in the Finals against LeBron James and the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State led the league in offensive rating while ranking as the second-best defensive unit.
Boston Celtics
During the Lakers’ Showtime era, the Boston Celtics had their share of dominant seasons. In 1986, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Bill Walton, the Celtics put together an impressive 67-15 regular-season record. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, finishing with a 15-3 run to secure the championship.
That roster was one of the most well-rounded in NBA history. Bird was a two-time reigning MVP, with Parish finishing as the runner-up that season. Walton, a former MVP, added depth, while McHale had already claimed the Sixth Man of the Year award twice.
Los Angeles Lakers
The LA Lakers’ “Showtime Era” produced one of the most electrifying offenses in NBA history. Fueled by their up-tempo, fast-paced style and led by former MVP Magic Johnson, they became a must-watch team throughout the 1980s. Their dominance resulted in five championships during the decade.
The 1986-87 season stood out as their best. The Lakers posted a 65-17 regular-season record before storming through the playoffs with a 15-3 run. That year, Johnson claimed both the MVP and Finals MVP awards, while Michael Cooper earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Detroit Pistons
The 1988-89 Detroit Pistons, known for their bruising style of play, remain one of the most disliked teams in NBA history. They built their identity on relentless defense, with Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, and Dennis Rodman locking down the low post, while Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars excelled as perimeter stoppers.
Thomas was a masterful playmaker and penetrator, while Dumars thrived as both a clutch and perimeter scorer. Laimbeer had a reliable three-point shot, and Mark Aguirre provided solid scoring support. Detroit powered through the season with 63 wins, then eliminated Larry Bird’s Celtics and Michael Jordan’s Bulls in the Eastern Conference playoffs before sweeping the Lakers in the Finals.
Also Read: NBA Legends Who Never Won A Championship: 5 Greatest Players Without A Ring
