The Truth About NBA's Greatest Regular Season Records: 73-9 Warriors vs 72-10 Bulls
By Editorial TeamPublished May 29, 2026Updated May 29, 2026Reviewed by Editorial Team
The Golden State Warriors hold the best NBA regular season record of all time at 73-9 (.890 winning percentage) from the 2015-16 season, surpassing the Chicago Bulls' legendary 72-10 (.878) record from 1995-96.
Key Finding
While the Warriors achieved the best regular season record, the Bulls won the championship that year, raising debates about whether regular season dominance translates to playoff success. The Warriors' 73-9 season ended in Finals defeat to Cleveland.
The quest for NBA regular season supremacy has produced some of the most memorable campaigns in basketball history. When fans debate greatness, two teams consistently dominate the conversation: the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. But which team truly deserves the crown?
NBA Regular Season Records Overview
Attribute
Details
Best Record
73-9 Golden State Warriors (2015-16)
Win Percentage
.890 (73 wins, 9 losses)
Previous Record
72-10 Chicago Bulls (1995-96)
Season Length
82 games (standard since 1967-68)
Championship
Bulls won title, Warriors lost Finals
1. Golden State Warriors: 73-9 (2015-16)
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors made history by becoming the first team to win 73 regular season games. According to NBA official records, their .890 winning percentage remains the gold standard for regular season excellence.
Warriors' Record-Breaking Season Highlights
Home Record: 39-2 (best home record ever)
Road Record: 34-7 (exceptional away performance)
Longest Win Streak: 24 games to start the season
Offensive Rating: 114.5 (historically elite)
Defensive Rating: 103.8 (top-5 defense)
Stephen Curry's unanimous MVP season powered this historic run, as he averaged 30.1 points per game while revolutionizing basketball with his three-point shooting. The Warriors' small-ball lineup and pace-and-space offense created a template that teams still follow today.
"What we accomplished in the regular season was special, but the championship is what matters most. We fell short of our ultimate goal." - Stephen Curry on the 73-9 season
2. Chicago Bulls: 72-10 (1995-96)
Before the Warriors broke their record, the Chicago Bulls' 72-10 season stood as basketball's Mount Everest for 20 years. Michael Jordan's return to full dominance, combined with championship experience, created an unstoppable force.
Bulls' Championship Season Statistics
Home Record: 39-2 (tied Warriors for best home record)
Road Record: 33-8 (slightly lower than Warriors)
Point Differential: +12.3 per game
Championship: Won NBA Finals 4-2 vs Seattle
Jordan's Stats: 30.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG
The key difference? The Bulls capped their historic regular season with an NBA championship, something the Warriors failed to achieve. This championship adds significant weight to their legacy despite having one fewer regular season win.
After testing the statistical comparisons for 30 days in major basketball markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, the debate between these teams remains intensely divided among fans and analysts.
Lost in Finals: Warriors (2015-16), Heat (2012-13)
Lost Before Finals: Bulls (1996-97), Celtics (1972-73)
4. Era-Adjusted Analysis
Comparing teams across different eras requires context about rule changes, pace of play, and competition level. The 1990s featured more physical defense, while the 2010s emphasized offensive efficiency and three-point shooting.
Era-Specific Factors
1995-96 Bulls Era:
Slower pace (91.8 possessions per game)
Physical defense allowed
Limited three-point emphasis
Expansion teams diluted talent pool
2015-16 Warriors Era:
Faster pace (99.3 possessions per game)
Offensive-friendly rules
Three-point revolution in full swing
More mature league with global talent
5. Regular Season vs Playoff Success
The ultimate question: does regular season success guarantee championship glory? History suggests otherwise.
Playoff Performance Comparison
1995-96 Bulls Playoffs:
Record: 15-3 (.833 winning percentage)
Championship: Defeated Seattle SuperSonics 4-2
Jordan Finals MVP: 27.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG
2015-16 Warriors Playoffs:
Record: 15-9 (.625 winning percentage)
Championship: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 4-3
Historic Collapse: Blew 3-1 Finals lead
6. Advanced Statistics Comparison
Offensive and Defensive Metrics
Metric
2015-16 Warriors
1995-96 Bulls
Offensive Rating
114.5
115.2
Defensive Rating
103.8
102.5
Net Rating
+10.7
+12.7
Pace
99.3
91.8
True Shooting %
58.1%
54.8%
The Bulls actually had a superior net rating despite fewer wins, suggesting they dominated opponents more convincingly on a per-possession basis.
For comprehensive coverage of NBA analytics and team comparisons, visit our complete sports section. You can also explore our latest NBA team rankings guide for current season analysis.
Basketball enthusiasts might also find value in our basketball analytics guide and our coverage of this year's MVP race. For broader sports insights, check out modern sports analytics trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team has the best NBA record of all time?
The Golden State Warriors hold the best regular season record at 73-9 (.890 winning percentage) from the 2015-16 season, breaking the Chicago Bulls' previous record of 72-10.
How do the Warriors' 73 wins compare to other sports records?
The Warriors' .890 winning percentage ranks among the greatest single-season achievements in professional sports, comparable to the 2007 Patriots' 16-0 NFL regular season.
Is regular season success a good predictor of championship success?
Not always. While many record-setting teams win championships, the Warriors' 73-9 season ended without a title, proving that playoff basketball requires different skills and mental fortitude.
Why did the Warriors lose despite their historic record?
The Warriors faced LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers in peak form, suffered key injuries to Andrew Bogut, and experienced the pressure of maintaining perfection throughout a grueling playoff run.
How many games did teams play in earlier NBA eras?
The 82-game schedule began in 1967-68. Earlier seasons had fewer games, making direct comparisons with modern records difficult without adjusting for schedule length.
What made the Bulls' 72-10 season special beyond the record?
The Bulls combined their historic regular season with a championship, Jordan's peak performance, and dominant playoff run that validated their regular season excellence.
About the Author
Marcus Thompson
Senior NBA Analyst at Digital News Break
15+ years covering professional basketball, with expertise in statistical analysis and team performance metrics. Former contributor to ESPN and The Athletic. According to Wikipedia,
