The Best NBA Records Ever (and Why Nobody Has Gone 82-0)

An undefeated NBA season, 82 wins and zero losses, has never happened, and it almost certainly never will. The schedule is long, the travel is brutal, and the league is too deep for any team to escape 82 games unscathed.

But a handful of teams pushed the limit of what is possible. Here are the five best regular seasons in NBA history, the closest anyone has come to perfection.

1. 1.Golden State Warriors · 2015-16

   73-9

   The best regular-season record ever, led by a unanimous-MVP Stephen Curry. They won 73 of 82 and still didn't win the title.

2. 2.Chicago Bulls · 1995-96

   72-10

   Michael Jordan's return-season juggernaut set the standard for two decades and capped it with a championship.

3. 3.Los Angeles Lakers · 1971-72

   69-13

   Home to a 33-game winning streak that still stands as the longest in major North American pro sports.

4. 4.Chicago Bulls · 1996-97

   69-13

   The encore to 72-10, nearly as dominant, and another ring.

5. 5.Philadelphia 76ers · 1966-67

   68-13

   Wilt Chamberlain's most complete team finally broke the Celtics' dynasty.