NBA fans often reminisce about seasons past and the teams that made them memorable. The 2015-2016 NBA season was no exception, with spectacular performances, record-breaking feats, and thrilling games that captivated audiences globally. As we look back at that season, let’s count down the top 10 teams that stood out not just for their wins, but also for their sheer talent, teamwork, and contributions to an unforgettable year of basketball.
#10 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade, had a strong 2015-2016 campaign. With a record of 48-34, the Heat secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Hassan Whiteside emerged as a defensive juggernaut, leading the league in blocks, while the crafty Goran Dragic orchestrated the offense. Miami pushed through to the second round of the playoffs, and even though they lost to the Toronto Raptors, they showed flashes of greatness that reminded fans of their championship pedigree.
#9 Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks followed up their 60-win season with another solid year, earning a record of 48-34. They excelled with their balanced team approach, with four players averaging double figures in scoring. Paul Millsap and Al Horford provided a formidable frontcourt, and Jeff Teague guided the team with poise at the point guard position. Their season may have ended with a second-round sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Hawks’ consistency and teamwork were undeniable.
#8 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics surprised many with their gritty and determined performance throughout the season. Finishing with a 48-34 record, the Celtics boasted a roster full of young talent and were led by the passionate Isaiah Thomas, who became an offensive sensation. Brad Stevens continued to solidify his reputation as one of the game’s best young coaches. The Celtics fought hard in the first round of the playoffs but ultimately fell to the Atlanta Hawks in six games.
#7 Charlotte Hornets
Under head coach Steve Clifford, the Charlotte Hornets turned heads during the season. With a 48-34 record, they were a mix of solid veterans like Kemba Walker and rising stars such as Jeremy Lin, who both had career-best performances. The Hornets showcased impressive development and resilience, pushing the Miami Heat to seven games in the first round of the playoffs before bowing out.
#6 Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers, led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, had high expectations going into the season. They finished with a solid 53-29 record while boasting one of the most entertaining and effective offenses in the league. DeAndre Jordan dominated the glass and provided spectacular defense. The Clippers’ season was unfortunately hampered by injuries to their star players during the playoffs, which led to a disappointing first-round exit against the Portland Trail Blazers.
#5 Toronto Raptors
Canada’s sole NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, enjoyed the best season in franchise history with a 56-26 record. With the dynamic duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan leading the way, the Raptors clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They went on to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time ever, where they fell to the eventual champions, Cleveland Cavaliers. Their success signified a significant breakthrough for the team and its passionate fan base.
#4 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring the superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, were serious title contenders. They amassed an impressive 55-27 record and defeated the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Thunder’s title hopes were dashed in the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors despite holding a 3-1 series lead at one point. Nonetheless, their explosive offense and dynamic play were standout features of the season.
#3 San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs continued their legacy of excellence with a remarkable 67-15 record. With the ageless Tim Duncan, the mercurial talent of Kawhi Leonard, and the steadfast leadership of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs looked set for a deep playoff run. However, they met a formidable opponent in the Oklahoma City Thunder, who defeated them in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite their earlier than expected exit, the Spurs’ regular-season dominance cannot be overlooked.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers had one goal in mind for the 2015-2016 season: to bring a championship to Cleveland. Led by LeBron James, the Cavaliers finished the regular season with a record of 57-25. In the playoffs, they steamrolled through the Eastern Conference before facing the Golden State Warriors in a much-anticipated rematch of the previous year’s Finals. The Cavaliers made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA Championship, with LeBron delivering on his promise to his hometown and earning Finals MVP honors.
#1 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors had a historic 2015-2016 season, finishing with a record-breaking 73-9 regular season that surpassed the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record. Stephen Curry had a season for the ages, earning unanimous MVP honors while Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the rest of the squad performed at an incredibly high level. Their fast-paced style of play and three-point shooting revolutionized the game. Despite the heartbreaking loss in the Finals, the Warriors’ 73-win achievement and their electrifying journey to the Finals earned them the top spot in our list of top NBA teams from the 2016 season.
These teams, each with their own unique strengths and memorable moments, provided an NBA season that was as unpredictable as it was entertaining. They showcased the essence of competition, skill, and the drive to win, serving as a testament to the quality of basketball played during the 2015-2016 NBA season.