The Most Successful NBA Teams
If you are a fan of the NBA, then you know that there are a lot of teams that have been successful. These include the Dallas Mavericks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. While there are a number of other teams that have been able to make it to the NBA playoffs, these are the most successful.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the most successful NBA teams. They reached their peak of success in 1991-92, finishing with a 66-16 record. The team was led by LeBron James and he made the Cavaliers into an NBA powerhouse. But they were eliminated from the playoffs in six games by the Boston Celtics.
Cleveland Cavaliers began their existence as an expansion team in 1970. They had a poor start and went 28-54 in the 1980-81 season. In 1985, Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager Wayne Embry took over. He traded for power forward Kevin Love. He also signed All-Star forward Shawn Kemp.
During the 1988-1989 season, the Cavaliers dominated the league with a 57-25 record. Despite the team’s success, the team was plagued by injuries. Players like Larry Nance, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mark Price, and Brad Daugherty were all waived at the end of the season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 16 championships and are one of the most successful NBA teams of all time. During their 65 years of existence, they have won eight titles in the Western Conference, three in the Pacific Division, and two in the NBA Finals.
In 1957, the Lakers won their first title, finishing the season with a record of 40 wins and 22 losses. They defeated the St. Louis Hawks in six games. However, their best year was in 1958, when they won the Western Conference title and swept the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Chicago Bulls
It is safe to say that the Chicago Bulls have ascended to one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. They’ve been to six NBA Finals, and won six championships in the process. The list of players who have worn the purple and gold is impressive, too.
One of the most notable feats was the dynasty Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen put together. Even though they were not among the best of the best, they are widely credited with their team’s success.
However, the Lakers were the real deal in the post-decade era. Led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers won three titles in the 2000s, and then two more in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Atlanta Hawks
If you’re looking for a team with a successful history, the Atlanta Hawks may be for you. The Hawks have appeared in the NBA playoffs 46 times. Their only title was in 1958. However, they’ve never won an NBA Finals game.
In fact, the Hawks haven’t reached the conference finals since 1961. They’ve also had several players go down in history. One of the biggest names is Dominique Wilkins. He was a University of Georgia standout. He helped the Hawks to nine playoff appearances in twelve years.
Another Hawks player who’s a highlight is Lenny Wilkens. The former Hawks guard became the all-time leader in wins during the 1994-95 season.
Dallas Mavericks
There are several teams that have been successful in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks have been one of them. But not for long. Despite their recent success, the Mavericks haven’t won a championship since 2001.
In the early 1980s, the Dallas Mavericks were serious contenders. They were the second-best team in the NBA, with 115.3 points per game. However, they lost to Los Angeles in six games.
This was the first losing season for the Mavericks in five years. Their record was 11-71. A few of the key players were injured. Rodney McCray, Alex English and Fat Lever all had knee surgeries.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have made an indelible mark on the National Basketball Association (NBA). They are among the best teams in sports history. From their debut in 1946 through present day, the Warriors have won numerous championships.
Their name is derived from the name of a town in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the team first played. In addition to its success on the court, the team has shown immense success in marketing and merchandising.
It is no secret that the Golden State Warriors are one of the most popular NBA teams of all time. The team has won several championships, including a record-setting season in the 2017-18 campaign.
