:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49281547/nba_gsw_72graphic.0.0.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors recorded a NBA record-tying 72nd victory tonight with a 92-86 win in San Antonio over the Spurs.
With the win, the Warriors tie the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls for the most wins in a single season in NBA history with one game left in the 2015-16 regular season. They'll have an opportunity to break the record with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena to conclude the regular season on Wednesday.
|
Rank |
Year |
Team |
Record |
Outcome |
|
1 |
1995-96 |
Chicago Bulls |
72-10 |
Won championship |
|
1 |
2015-16 |
Golden State Warriors |
72-9 |
??? |
|
3 |
1996-97 |
Chicago Bulls |
69-13 |
Won championship |
|
3 |
1971-72 |
Los Angeles Lakers |
69-13 |
Won championship |
|
5 |
1966-67 |
Philadelphia 76ers |
68-13 |
Won championship |
|
5 |
1972-73 |
Boston Celtics |
68-14 |
Lost in Conf. Finals |
|
7 |
2014-15 |
Golden State Warriors |
67-15 |
Won championship |
|
7 |
1985-86 |
Boston Celtics |
67-15 |
Won championship |
|
7 |
1991-92 |
Chicago Bulls |
67-15 |
Won championship |
|
7 |
1999-2000 |
Los Angeles Lakers |
67-15 |
Won championship |
|
7 |
2006-07 |
Dallas Mavericks |
67-15 |
WE BELIEVED! |
Top 10 regular season records in NBA history.
To put the absurdity of this season in perspective, the San Antonio Spurs still have an opportunity to finish among the top 10 regular season teams in history — they still have two games remaining on their schedule. In short, the Warriors have relegated one of the most successful teams (and franchises) in NBA history to second place.
Surely there will be debate among fans about whether the Warriors should just rest players now since the playoffs start next weekend, but it's really difficult to stop now when the Warriors and Bulls are the only two teams in league history to even reach 70 wins — they might not have this opportunity again. In terms of defying doubters, haters, and flat out idiots, breaking the regular season wins record and then defending their title would add a lot of weight to the Warriors' legacy.
The Warriors face the Grizzlies on 7:30 p.m. PST at Oracle Arena with an opportunity to break record for wins in a season.
Click here for more on the first half of the game. For the full recap and more on the Warriors' pursuit of the regular season wins record, check out our storystream.