As I sat down to explore the question of which NBA team holds the greatest season record in basketball history, I couldn’t help but reflect on a quote I once heard from a coach: “Whatever the result, you don’t blame yourself if you lose or win. We’re not looking for someone specific who fell short; there were lapses, but in terms of shortcomings, maybe there weren’t any.” That mindset, in my view, beautifully captures the spirit behind legendary teams—they didn’t just chase wins; they embraced the journey, flaws and all. And when it comes to historic NBA seasons, one team stands out above the rest: the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls, who finished with an astonishing 72–10 record. Now, I know some fans might argue for the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors, who went 73–9, but let me explain why, in my book, the Bulls’ achievement feels more profound.

First off, context matters. The 1995–96 Bulls weren’t just stacking wins; they were a force of nature, led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, under the tactical genius of Phil Jackson. I’ve always been drawn to that era because of the sheer dominance they displayed—not just in regular-season games, but in how they handled pressure. They lost only 10 games out of 82, and if you dig into the numbers, their average margin of victory was around 12 points per game. Compare that to the Warriors, who, despite that 73–9 mark, fell short in the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. For me, greatness isn’t just about regular-season stats; it’s about closing the deal, and the Bulls did that by sweeping through the playoffs and clinching the championship. That’s where the coach’s quote resonates—they had lapses, sure, like any team, but they didn’t dwell on shortcomings. Instead, they built a legacy that feels untouchable, even today.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased here. As someone who grew up watching Jordan’s iconic fadeaways, I might lean toward the Bulls, but let’s not ignore the Warriors’ feat. Their 73–9 season in 2015–16 was a modern marvel, driven by Steph Curry’s record-breaking 402 three-pointers and a fluid, fast-paced offense. Statistically, they edged out the Bulls by one win, and in terms of offensive rating, they posted a staggering 115.6, which is mind-blowing. But here’s where my personal take kicks in: the Warriors’ season, as impressive as it was, ended with a heartbreaking loss in the Finals. To me, that final chapter matters. It’s like the coach said—you don’t blame individuals, but the overall result shapes history. The Bulls’ 72–10 run culminated in a title, making it a complete story, whereas the Warriors’ campaign, for all its brilliance, feels slightly incomplete.

Beyond the numbers, what fascinates me is how these teams handled adversity. The Bulls faced a tougher defensive landscape in the ’90s, with physical play that’s hard to compare to today’s game. I remember analyzing game tapes and noticing how they adjusted mid-season after a couple of losses, something that speaks to their resilience. On the flip side, the Warriors revolutionized basketball with their small-ball approach, but they also had moments where injuries or fatigue crept in. In the end, though, I keep coming back to that idea of not pointing fingers. Both teams had lapses—maybe the Bulls in a close game against the Indiana Pacers or the Warriors in that Game 7 against the Cavs—but it’s the ability to rise above that defines greatness.

So, after weighing it all, I’d argue the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls hold the crown for the greatest season record. It’s not just about the 72 wins; it’s about the championship pedigree and the era they dominated. Sure, the Warriors pushed the envelope, but in my eyes, the Bulls’ blend of star power, coaching, and clutch performances makes their record the gold standard. And as that coach’s wisdom reminds us, it’s not about finding faults—it’s about appreciating the journey, and for the Bulls, that journey was nothing short of legendary.