NBA Record 73 Wins in Season
The Warriors rewrote history with 73 wins, only to fall just short of the ultimate prize.
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors hold the singular distinction of setting the NBA record for most regular-season wins in a single season with 73 victories. This achievement shattered the previous benchmark of 72 wins set by the Chicago Bulls during the 1995-96 season, marking a statistical pinnacle of regular-season dominance in professional basketball history. The feat was accomplished under head coach Steve Kerr, led by the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, alongside Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala.
While the team's run ultimately concluded without an NBA championship that year due to a historic collapse in the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 73-win season remains a testament to unprecedented offensive efficiency, defensive versatility, and a revolutionary style of play centered on three-point shooting. It stands as a permanent fixture in the franchise's lore, representing both the zenith of regular-season excellence and a complex chapter defined by what came next.
- Season
- 2015-16
- Head Coach
- Steve Kerr
- Key Players
- Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala
- Previous Record Holder
- Chicago Bulls (72 wins in 1995-96)
- Regular Season Result
- 73-9 record
Lore & Background
Despite the historic regular-season run, the narrative is often framed by the dramatic conclusion of the playoffs. After taking a 3-1 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, the Warriors became the first team in history to lose a championship series after holding such an advantage. The loss added a layer of tragic irony to the 73-win achievement, transforming it from a simple record into a complex symbol of near-perfection and the unforgiving nature of the sport.
In Their Own Story
The final buzzer at Oracle Arena didn't just end a game; it capped an era of perceived invincibility. As confetti in blue and gold rained down—not for a championship, but for the impossible number '73'—Stephen Curry stood center court, the unanimous MVP trophy heavy in his hands. His eyes drifted to the rafters, where the ghosts of 1995-96 Bulls champions seemed to watch silently. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a mix of triumph and a strange, unspoken anxiety. In those quiet moments after the celebration, the tension among the veterans was palpable: they had shattered history, yet the silence from the trophy case loomed larger than ever. They knew that while 73 wins would be etched in stone forever, the true test awaited them in June.
Reader's Guide
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors didn't just break a record; they dismantled the very concept of regular-season limits, climbing to a historic 73-9 finish. This run began with a stunning 24-0 start, a hot streak that set the tone for a year where the 'Splash Brothers' (Curry and Thompson) rewrote offensive efficiency by launching an unprecedented volume of three-pointers—over 1,000 in a single season. Under Steve Kerr's guidance, the team deployed a revolutionary 'small ball' lineup that prioritized speed, spacing, and defensive versatility over traditional size.
Yet, this achievement remains defined by its haunting dichotomy. While Stephen Curry became the first unanimous MVP in history, receiving all 131 first-place votes, the season is forever shadowed by the playoffs. The Warriors entered the Finals as heavy favorites but suffered a historic collapse against the Cleveland Cavaliers, becoming the only team to lose a championship series after holding a 3-1 lead. Thus, the 73-win season stands not merely as a statistical pinnacle, but as a complex chapter of near-perfection cut short by the unforgiving nature of the NBA's ultimate prize.
Did You Know?
- Stephen Curry made history as the first and only player in NBA history to win the MVP award unanimously, capturing all 131 first-place votes from the media panel.
- The Warriors shattered their own franchise record by winning 73 games, obliterating the previous mark of 67 wins set just one year prior (2014-15).
- Despite their regular-season dominance, the 2015-16 Warriors remain the only team in NBA history to win 70+ games and fail to secure the championship.
- The team's offensive explosion resulted in a new single-season record for three-pointers made, with the squad sinking over 1,000 shots from beyond the arc.