The Top NBA Teams of the 2010s: A Comprehensive Analysis
When discussing the best NBA teams of a decade, there's no shortage of discussion and debate. The 2010s, in particular, saw a golden era for basketball, with several teams dominating the landscape and leaving lasting legacies. Let's delve into the best teams that defined this decade, not just in terms of their achievements but also their cultural impact.
The 2011–2012 Season: Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs
In the 2011–2012 season, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs were at the top of the NBA. The Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, won the championship. The Spurs, with their iconic duo of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, claimed the runner-up spot. Both teams boasted impressive records, with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs sharing the best record with a .758 win percentage.
The 2012–2013 Season: Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors
By the 2012–2013 season, the Miami Heat continued their dominance, crowned by their second consecutive championship. San Antonio Spurs finished as the runner-up, and the Indiana Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals. The Golden State Warriors, with a .805 win percentage, took the top spot.
The 2013–2014 Season: San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors
The 2013–2014 season saw the San Antonio Spurs reasserting their dominance, winning the championship over the Miami Heat. The Indiana Pacers managed to reach the Eastern Conference finals, while the Oklahoma City Thunder were the Western Conference runners-up. The Golden State Warriors, despite an excellent .756 win percentage, finished two games shy of the title.
The 2014–2015 Season: Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2014–2015 season, we saw a revolution in the form of the Golden State Warriors, who won the title, led by Stephen Curry. The Cleveland Cavaliers took the runner-up spot, and the Atlanta Hawks reached the Eastern Conference finals. The Western Conference had the Houston Rockets as the runners-up. The Golden State Warriors led the league with an astounding .817 win percentage, a record that still stands today for a single season.
The 2015–2016 Season: Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2015–2016 season was a clash of titans, with the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers vying for the title. The Warriors won the championship, while the Cleveland Cavaliers finished as runners-up. The Toronto Raptors reached the Eastern Conference finals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the Western Conference runners-up. The Warriors set a new record with an .890 win percentage, a mark that remains unbeaten in NBA history.
The 2016–2017 Season: Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2016–2017 season brought more drama, with the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers again meeting in the finals. The Warriors clinched the championship with a .817 win percentage, placing them at the top of the league once more. The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs made it to the Eastern and Western Conference finals, respectively. The Golden State Warriors' consistency and dominance were unparalleled.
The 2017–2018 Season: Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors
The 2017–2018 season saw the rise of the Houston Rockets, with a .793 win percentage and a championship-hopeful run to the NBA finals. The Golden State Warriors, still in top form, came in second. The Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets reached the Eastern and Western Conference finals, respectively. While the Rockets showed a new style of play, the Warriors remained the dominant force with their .773 win percentage.
The 2018–2019 Season: Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors
In the 2018–2019 season, the Toronto Raptors rose to the top, winning the championship over the Golden State Warriors in a closely contested final. The Golden State Warriors, despite not winning, maintained their .732 win percentage and a strong showing in the finals. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, made it to the Eastern Conference finals, while the Portland Trail Blazers were the Western Conference runners-up. The Raptors' victory marked a new era of team balance and depth in the league.
The 2019–2020 Season: Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks
The 2019–2020 season saw the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks sharing the spotlight. The Lakers won the championship, while the Bucks took the runner-up spot. The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets reached the Eastern and Western Conference finals, respectively. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, achieved a .767 win percentage, showing incredible team cohesion and resilience.
The 2020–2021 Season: Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns
In the 2020–2021 season, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns vied for the title. The Bucks won the championship, while the Phoenix Suns took the runner-up spot. The Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Clippers reached the Eastern and Western Conference finals, respectively. The Phoenix Suns showed remarkable team play and a new approach to basketball with a .722 win percentage, led by Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
The 2021–2022 Season: Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns
The 2021–2022 season brought the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns once again to the forefront. The Warriors won the championship, while the Suns took the runner-up spot. The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks made it to the Eastern and Western Conference finals, respectively. The Phoenix Suns displayed an impressive .780 win percentage, led by their balanced team play and core players.
Personal Favorites: The Golden State Warriors
While there were many great teams during the 2010s, my personal top pick for the best team of the decade is the Golden State Warriors. Their consistency, depth, and game-changing players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson made them stand out. Their focus on team play and their ability to adapt to different opposing styles of play set them apart from others. Although the Miami Heat also had a strong run, the Warriors' unparalleled consistency and the breadth of their achievements throughout the decade make them a clear choice for the best team of the 2010s.