Best NBA Basketball Team: Warriors' Dynasty Explained

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2037

The Golden State Warriors are widely regarded as the best NBA basketball team in recent history, based on sustained excellence, championship success, and advanced metrics from 2015 to 2022. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, they won four titles in eight years, redefining modern basketball with their pace, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility.

Defining Greatness: What Makes an NBA Team the Best?

Determining the best NBA team requires analyzing multiple factors beyond just championships. While titles are critical, long-term dominance, regular-season performance, playoff success, player impact, and statistical efficiency all contribute to a team's legacy.

Key Criteria for Evaluating NBA Teams

Championships Won: The ultimate measure of success in the NBA playoffs.
Regular Season Record: Reflects consistency and dominance over 82 games.
Net Rating (Offensive + Defensive Efficiency): Advanced stats that show how effective a team is on both ends of the floor.
Strength of Schedule & Playoff Competition: Beating elite teams under pressure matters more than easy paths.
Player Longevity and Core Stability: Sustained success with the same core is rare and valuable.

Historical Contenders for the Best NBA Team

While the Warriors dominate the modern era, several legendary teams are often compared when discussing the greatest of all time.

Notable Historical Rivals

1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10): Set the single-season wins record later broken by the Warriors.
2016-17 Golden State Warriors: Added Kevin Durant to a 73-win core, going 16-1 in the playoffs.
1986 Boston Celtics: Balanced attack with Larry Bird, dominant defense, and deep roster.
2000-04 Los Angeles Lakers: Three-peat champions led by Shaq and Kobe.
2013 Miami Heat: Back-to-back titles, 27-game win streak, and peak LeBron James.

Team	Season	Regular Season Record	Playoff Record	Net Rating	Championship Won
Golden State Warriors	2016-17	67-15	16-1	+10.4	Yes
Chicago Bulls	1995-96	72-10	15-3	+10.1	Yes
Golden State Warriors	2015-16	73-9	15-9	+10.8	No
Miami Heat	2012-13	66-16	16-7	+7.3	Yes
Los Angeles Lakers	1999-00	67-15	15-8	+8.8	Yes

Table data source:1, 2

The 2016-17 Warriors posted the best net rating (+10.4) among champion teams in the past 30 years, dominating opponents by nearly 11 points per 100 possessions. Their 16-1 playoff run remains the most efficient title march in NBA history. Although the 2015-16 Warriors had a better regular season (73 wins), they lost the Finals, highlighting that postseason excellence ultimately defines greatness.

Why the Golden State Warriors Stand Above

The Warriors' combination of innovation, adaptability, and sustained excellence sets them apart from other dynasties.

Key Advantages of the Warriors Dynasty

Innovative Style of Play: Pioneered positionless, three-point-heavy offense that changed league strategy.
Core Continuity: Same starting five (Curry, Thompson, Green, Barnes, Bogut/Iguodala) reached five straight Finals.
Clutch Performance: Highest win rate in close games (last 5 minutes, within 5 points) from 2015–2019.
Adaptability: Integrated Kevin Durant without sacrificing system integrity, becoming even more dominant.
Global Impact: Increased international popularity of the NBA through their fast-paced, high-skill game.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best NBA Basketball Team

Who has the most NBA championships in history?

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the most NBA championships with 17 each. The Celtics won their last title in 2008, while the Lakers most recently won in 2020 led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

What team holds the record for most wins in a season?

The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors hold the record with 73 wins, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' 72-10 record. Despite this, the Warriors lost the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

Are the Warriors the greatest team because of Stephen Curry?

Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball with his unprecedented shooting range and off-ball movement. His MVP seasons and leadership were foundational to the Warriors' success, but the team’s system, coaching (Steve Kerr), and supporting cast (Thompson, Green) were equally vital to their dominance.

How do advanced stats rank the best NBA teams?

Advanced metrics like Net Rating, Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating, and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) help quantify team performance beyond wins. The 2016-17 Warriors lead in Net Rating (+10.4), while the 2009-10 Celtics had the best Defensive Rating in the modern era.

Can any current NBA team challenge the Warriors' legacy?

As of 2025, no active team has matched the Warriors’ combination of titles, longevity, and cultural impact. The Denver Nuggets (2023 champions) and Boston Celtics (2024 champions) show promise, but sustaining success over multiple seasons remains the biggest hurdle to achieving dynasty status.