The NBA’s Longest Winning Streaks and Their Impact
The winning streaks of the NBA are proof of the team’s strength and consistency as well as their ability to withstand the pressure. No matter if it’s during the regular season or during playoffs these streaks highlight some of the best teams in the history of the league. From the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers’ legendary 33-game streak, to the Golden State Warriors’ dominance in 2015-16, these streaks have left a lasting impression on the NBA.
In this post, we’ll look at the longest streak of winning streaks in NBA history as well as their significance and the way they affected the history of basketball.
The Longest Regular-Season Winning Streaks in NBA History
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 33 Games (1971-72)
- Season Record: 69-13
- Streak Duration: November 5, 1971 – January 9, 1972
- Key Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Gail Goodrich
The 1971-72 Lakers have the longest regular season winning streak in NBA history, with 33 straight wins. They were led by Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, this Lakers team was the most dominant in the league, and eventually won the NBA Championship. The streak was ended by the Milwaukee Bucks, who featured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Impact:
- Make the gold standard in winning streaks.
- Assist to help the Lakers to win their first title in Los Angeles.
- Inspiring future dominating teams.
2. Golden State Warriors – 28 Games (2014-15 & 2015-16)
- Season Record: 67-15 (2014-15) & 73-9 (2015-16)
- Streak Duration: April 9, 2015 – December 12, 2015
- Key Players: Stephen Curry, Klay
Thompson, Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors won the final four games of the 2014-15 season. They then began the season of 2015-16 with an overall record of 24-0, setting the new NBA record for the most successful start to the season. The streak came to an end at 28 games after they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Impact:
- Modern basketball revolutionized with three-point shooting.
- Led to a record-setting 73-9 season which broke the record set in 1995-96. Bulls record.
- Stephen Curry’s stature was confirmed as one of the best shooters of all time.
3. Miami Heat – 27 Games (2012-13)
- Season Record: 66-16
- Streak Duration: February 3, 2013 – March 27, 2013
- Key Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh
In the 2012-13 season the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh went on an amazing streak of wins that spanned 27 games which was the longest streak in the history of the franchise. The streak came to an end with losing to the Chicago Bulls.
Impact:
- The Miami team has consolidated its dominance in the NBA.
- Led them to their second consecutive NBA title.
- The show highlighted LeBron James’ prime years.
4. Houston Rockets – 22 Games (2007-08)
- Season Record: 55-27
- Streak Duration: January 29, 2008 – March 18, 2008
- Key Players: Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Shane Battier
The Houston Rockets went on a 22-game winning streak even though they lost Yao Ming to injury. Tracy McGrady carried the team and proved his ability to lead despite the odds. The streak came to an end with a losing against the Boston Celtics.
Impact:
- The longest win streak of an opponent who did not take home the championship.
- It demonstrated the dominance of T-Mac’s prime as well as Yao Ming.
- One of the most surprising yet thrilling streaks in NBA history.
5. Milwaukee Bucks – 20 Games (1970-71)
- Season Record: 66-16
- Streak Duration: February 6, 1971 – March 9, 1971
- Key Players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson
The 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, dominated the NBA with a 20-game winning streak, before eventually taking their first NBA championship.
Impact:
- The help helped Kareem to win his first MVP award.
- They gave the Bucks their first ever championship.
- One of the best teams in NBA history.
6. Washington Capitols – 20 Games (1947-48 & 1948-49)
- Season Record: 28-20 (1947-48) & 38-22 (1948-49)
- Streak Duration: March 13, 1948 – December 7, 1948
- Key Players: Bones McKinney, Fred Scolari
The Washington Capitols had an impressive twenty-game winning streak that lasted two seasons which made them among the NBA’s most dominant teams.
Impact:
- One of the most famous NBA teams.
- Aided in establishing basketball as a sport that is gaining popularity.
- It is still considered to be an important early NBA achievement.
7. Los Angeles Lakers – 19 Games (1999-00)
- Season Record: 67-15
- Streak Duration: February 4, 2000 – March 16, 2000
- Key Players: Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant
The team was led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, the 1999-00 Lakers led the league winning 19 consecutive games before winning the NBA Championship.
Impact:
- Aided Shaq get his first MVP award.
- It marked the beginning of the Lakers 3-peat Dynasty.
- One of the most successful Lakers teams ever in history.
8. Boston Celtics – 19 Games (2008-09)
- Season Record: 62-20
- Streak Duration: November 15, 2008 – December 25, 2008
- Key Players: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen
Fresh from their title in 2008 The Celtics had won 19 consecutive games before their streak was ended by the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day.
Impact:
- The Celtics their dominance post-championship.
- Displayed the Big Three’s top the Big Three’s chemistry.
- Record-breaking for the franchise’s the longest winning streak.
9. San Antonio Spurs – 19 Games (2013-14)
- Season Record: 62-20
- Streak Duration: February 26, 2014 – April 3, 2014
- Key Players: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard
The 2013-14 Spurs played amazing team basketball winning 19 consecutive games before winning the NBA Championship by beating the Miami Heat.
Impact:
- Aided San Antonio win its fifth title.
- It marked the rising of Kawhi Leonard as an MVP of the Finals.
- One of the most well-coached teams in NBA history.
10. Atlanta Hawks – 19 Games (2014-15)
- Season Record: 60-22
- Streak Duration: December 27, 2014 – February 2, 2015
- Key Players: Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague
The 2014-15 Hawks stunned the league by winning 19 consecutive wins and displaying their elite team play. Their streak came to an end when they faced the New Orleans Pelicans.
Impact:
- The evidence shows that teamwork can surpass superstars.
- The team smashed an best-ever 60-win season for the franchise.
- Influenced by the modern movement of basketball that is positionless.
The Longest Playoff Winning Streaks in NBA History
Golden State Warriors – 15 Games (2017)
- Streak Duration: April 16, 2017 – June 9, 2017
- Key Players: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson
The 2016-17 Warriors with Kevin Durant, became the first team in NBA history to record a 15-0 record in the playoffs, before falling in Game 4 of the NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Impact:
- The Golden State’s dominance was demonstrated in the present.
- The team helped them to win the 2017 NBA Championship.
- The event marked the start of the Warriors Dynasty.
Why Do Long Winning Streaks Matter?
Win streaks don’t just affect numbers. they affect the team’s confidence, championship aspirations and NBA the past. Here’s why they’re important:
- Establishing Dynasties: A lot of these streaks are from championship teams, which proves that dominance is the key to rings.
- Team Building: Long winning streaks improve morale and team chemistry, which are key elements in ensuring success in the postseason.
- Inspiring the Next Generation: Teams such as the Warriors, Lakers, and Heat provide a model for future teams to strive at excellence.
- Attracting Attention from Media and Fans: A long streak of success generates excitement, which leads to an increase in the number of viewers and ticket sales as well as fan engagement.
Conclusion
A streak of winning in the NBA is a proof of strength, endurance and teamwork. From the Los Angeles Lakers’ historic 33-game run from 1971-72 through the Golden State Warriors’ modern-day dominance and more, these streaks have made a mark on basketball’s the past. While breaking the record for all-time isn’t easy teams continue to strive for the highest level of excellence.
A long streak of winning not only secures the team’s place in the history books but also helps build momentum for the ultimate championship. No matter if it’s Michael’s Bulls LeBron James’ Heat, or Curry’s Warriors these teams have established the gold standard of excellence.
As the NBA grows, can any team be able to break the Lakers famous streak of 33 games? It’s impossible to tell but one thing is for certain – winning streaks will continue to be awe-inspiring for fans and define basketball’s greatness.
FAQ’s ?
1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers hold the record for the longest streak of wins with 33 wins in a row.
The 2017 Golden State Warriors won 15 straight playoff games before losing in the Finals.
The 2007-08 Houston Rockets won 22 straight games but didn’t win the title.
The team with the second-longest winning streak in NBA history is the Golden State Warriors, who won 28 consecutive games spanning the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.