NBA: Top 10 best playoff records in history-OxBig News Network

Over the years, several teams have made their mark in NBA history with some truly impressive winning streaks. In 2001, the Los Angeles Lakers powered through the playoffs with a remarkable 15-1 record, courtesy of the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Golden State Warriors in 2017 took it a step further with a flawless 16-1 postseason record, setting a new benchmark in the sport.

As we gear up for this year’s playoffs, let’s dive deeper into some of the most incredible NBA postseason records, recalling the sport’s most dominant teams.

1.) Golden State Warriors 2017- 16-1 Record

The NBA playoff between the Golden State Warriors vs the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 remains one of the most memorable games. The Warriors had an exceptional record of 16-1. The team, comprising stars such as, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, breezed through the first three rounds, squaring off against the Trailblazers, Jazz, and the Spurs, facing LeBron James’ team Cleveland Cavaliers, in the final, sweeping 4-0 to claim the championship. The Warriors were simply unbeatable due to its combination of top-tier offense and defense. Kevin Durant won the Final MVP award.

2.) Los Angeles Lakers 2001- 15-1 Record

The Los Angeles Lakers clinched first place in the Pacific division and second place in the Western Conference in 2001. Led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Lakers finished the 2000-01 season with a 56-26 record. The team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 4-1 in the Finals to win its thirteenth championship. This was their back-to-back win; Shaquille O’Neal was handed the final Most Valuable Player of the award.

3.) Chicago Bulls 1996- 15-4 Record

The Chicago Bulls in 1996 are often considered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Bulls finished the playoffs with a 15-3 record and recorded 72-10, the best at that time. This was broken by the Golden State Warriors in 2015-16 with a 73-9 record. The Bulls were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. The team dominated the competition, and emerged victorious in the Finals against the Seattle SuperSonics with a 4-2 result. This victory marked the team’s fourth championship in six years.

4.) Philadelphia 76ers- 12-1 Record

The 1983 Philadelphia 76ers had an impressive 12-1 playoff record. The team was led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone. 76ers’ remarkable run included a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. To this day, it remains one of the most impressive playoff games in NBA history.

5.) Los Angeles Lakers 1949- 11-2 Record

The Minneapolis Lakers, now Los Angeles Lakers, had a 51-17 record in the 1949-50 season. Lakers finished 1st in the Central Division that year. They went on to claim their second championship after defeating the Syracuse Nationals 4-2 in the NBA Finals.

6.) Chicago Bulls 1997- 15-3 Record

In 1997, the Chicago Bulls claimed their fifth NBA championship in seven years with a 15-3 playoff record. Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 4-2 in the Finals. The match was remembered by Michael Jordan’s unforgettable “Flu Game” where he scored 38 points despite being sick. Jordan was named the final MVP.

7.) Cleveland Cavaliers 2016- 16-5 Record

The Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 made NBA history with an incredible 16-5 record, marked by a stunning comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals. The team was led by LeBron James, who delivered an unforgettable block in Game 7. The Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in seven games, earning Cleveland its first-ever NBA championship. LeBron James was named the final MVP.

8.) Los Angeles Lakers 1985- 12-3 Record

The 1985 Lakers finished the playoffs with a 12-3 record. With Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the way. They defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Finals, which marked a major win in the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

9.) Chicago Bulls 1992- 15-4 Record

The Chicago Bulls won their second NBA title in 1992. The Bulls clinched the championship by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 4-2 in the finals. The team led by Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen, went 15-4 in the playoffs. Jordan’s famous “flurry of threes” in Game 1 of the Finals, is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in playoffs.

10.) Detroit Pistons 2003- 16-5 Record

The 2004 Detroit Pistons angered everyone in the crowds by beating the favourites Los Angeles Lakers, in the NBA Finals, sweeping the series 4-1. Their 16-5 playoff record was impressive, as they were a team rather than one star. Chauncey Billups was declared the final Most Valuable Player of the award.