NBA · 2 hours ago

The Greatest 24-Game Starts in NBA History

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

The Next Tier: 21-3
Several historic teams have started 21-3. Notably, nearly all of them went on to reach the Conference Finals or deeper.
- 1996-97 Chicago Bulls (69-13, Won NBA Championship)
- 1972-72 Los Angeles Lakers (69-13, Won NBA Championship)
- 2007-08 Boston Celtics (66-16, Won NBA Championship)
- 1963-63 Boston Celtics (59-21, Won NBA Championship)
- 1948-49 Washington Capitols (Lost in BAA Finals)
- 2004-05 Phoenix Suns (62-20, Lost in WCF)
- 2019-20 Milwaukee Bucks (56-17, Lost in East Semis)
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Introduction
Following a blowout 131-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially entered rarified air, improving to a remarkable 23-1 on the year.

Only a handful of teams in NBA history have ever opened a season with this kind of dominance. Naturally, OKC's run begs a look back at other legendary squads to storm out of the gate, from the Wilt Chamberlain era to the height of the Bulls' dynasty.

As the Thunder carve out their own chapter, here's a rundown of the greatest 24-game starts the league has ever seen, and the stories behind them.

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The Unrivaled: 24-0
Golden State Warriors (2015-16)
- Final Record: 73-9
- The Story: The gold standard for explosive starts. Led by "Splash Brothers" Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors didn't just break the record for the best start; they shattered it, reeling off 24 straight wins to open the season. While they famously set the all-time regular season wins record (73), Golden State's historic run ended in heartbreak with a Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals, blowing a 3-1 series lead.
The Elite: 23-1
Oklahoma City Thunder (2025-26)
- Final Record: TBD (Current Season)
- The Story (so far): Fresh off last season's championship triumph, the Thunder look even more dominant this year. Heavy favorites to repeat, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company are statistically overwhelming opponents, ranking second in offense, first in defense, and boasting a staggering +16 net rating.
New York Knicks (1969-70)
- Final Record: 60-22
- The Story: The benchmark for 45 years. This Knicks squad held the record for the best start in league history until the 2015 Warriors arrived. Unlike those Warriors, this Knicks team capped off its magical start by winning the NBA Championship.
The 22-2 Club
Chicago Bulls (1995-96)
- Final Record: 72-10
- The Story: Perhaps the most famous team in NBA history. Driven by Michael Jordan's first full season back from retirement, the Bulls' 22-2 start was the opening salvo of a historic 72-win campaign and the first title of their second three-peat.
Philadelphia 76ers (1966-67)
- Final Record: 68-13
- The Story: Led by Wilt Chamberlain, this team is widely considered one of the most dominant ever assembled. Philadelphia set the (then) regular-season wins record and cruised to an NBA Championship, ending the Boston Celtics' eight-year reign along the way.
Houston Rockets (1993-94)
- Final Record: 58-24
- The Story: Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon was untouchable this season. The Rockets launched their campaign with a record-tying 15-0 start and pushed it to 22-2. While they cooled off slightly down the stretch, Houston proved its mettle in the playoffs, winning the franchise's first NBA Championship.
Boston Celtics (2008-09)
- Final Record: 62-20
- The Story: Coming off a championship in 2008, the "Big Three" Celtics looked unstoppable through 24 games. However, a mid-season knee injury to Kevin Garnett derailed their momentum, and they failed to defend their title in the playoffs.
Portland Trail Blazers (1990-91)
- Final Record: 63-19
- The Story: Often overlooked, this Clyde Drexler-led squad was a machine in the regular season. The Trail Blazers started 19-1 and sat at 22-2, eventually finishing with the league's best record. Portland reached the Western Conference Finals but fell to Magic Johnson's Lakers.
The Next Tier: 21-3
Several historic teams have started 21-3. Notably, nearly all of them went on to reach the Conference Finals or deeper.
- 1996-97 Chicago Bulls (69-13, Won NBA Championship)
- 1972-72 Los Angeles Lakers (69-13, Won NBA Championship)
- 2007-08 Boston Celtics (66-16, Won NBA Championship)
- 1963-63 Boston Celtics (59-21, Won NBA Championship)
- 1948-49 Washington Capitols (Lost in BAA Finals)
- 2004-05 Phoenix Suns (62-20, Lost in WCF)
- 2019-20 Milwaukee Bucks (56-17, Lost in East Semis)
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Introduction
Following a blowout 131-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially entered rarified air, improving to a remarkable 23-1 on the year.

Only a handful of teams in NBA history have ever opened a season with this kind of dominance. Naturally, OKC's run begs a look back at other legendary squads to storm out of the gate, from the Wilt Chamberlain era to the height of the Bulls' dynasty.

As the Thunder carve out their own chapter, here's a rundown of the greatest 24-game starts the league has ever seen, and the stories behind them.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

The Greatest 24-Game Starts in NBA History

Golden State Warriors (2015-16)

Oklahoma City Thunder (2025-26)

New York Knicks (1969-70)

Chicago Bulls (1995-96)

Philadelphia 76ers (1966-67)

Houston Rockets (1993-94)

Boston Celtics (2008-09)

Portland Trail Blazers (1990-91)

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