When you discuss the biggest and most-watched sport in the United States, you are probably talking about basketball or football. In fact, these two sports alone rake in more than 5 million viewers per match, making them two of the most-viewed games in the world.
If you have ever seen a match as basketball, it is easy to understand why so many people are huge fans. The game involves plenty of athletic ability, stamina, skill, and quick thinking. More so, the sport is extremely competitive, with a total of 15 teams competing in different divisions for NBA glory each season. Below, we will be discussing the 10 most successful basketball teams in NBA history.
10. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets is a professional basketball team that can be found in (as the name suggests) Houston, Texas. This team plays their home games in the Toyota Center, one of the best and most iconic courts in the United States.
The Rockets made their debut as a team in 1967 and ended up winning only 15 of their games. However, in 1968, their season took a turn for the better after the signing of power forward Elvin Hayes.
As of now, the Rockets have won a total of 2 NBA titles, making them the tenth most successful team in NBA history. Throughout their years in professional basketball, this team has nurtured a few of the best players ever to have graced the court, such as James Harden, Moses Malone, and Yao Ming.
9. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks is a professional basketball team located in Manhattan, New York. Interestingly, the Knicks are one of only two teams that are still located in their original home city. This iconic team features in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Atlantic Division. Their home arena is Madison Square Garden, another great court in American history.
The Knicks have won a total of 2 NBA titles throughout their time in the division. They were established back in the late 1940s and managed to achieve success from very early on.
In fact, they made three consecutive NBA finals in the 1950s. However, the basketball giants only really began to show their dominance during the 1970s, when they won championships in 1970 and 1973.
8. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team located in Miami, Florida. They form part of the Eastern Conference Southeast Division and play their home games in the American Airlines Arena. This team was established in 1988, making them relatively young when compared to their competitors.
However, they have still managed to make their mark in basketball by winning a total of 3 NBA titles. The Heat only began achieving success after the appointment of Pat Riley as team president.
He managed to sign high-profile players, such as Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, propelling the team into playoff contention. More so, some of the most iconic players in the game featured in this team, including Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James.
7. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons compete in the NBA as part of the league’s Eastern Conference Central Division. Their home games are played in the Little Caesars Arena in Midtown, Detroit. Founded in 1941, the Pistons have plenty of history to their name.
They managed to win their first NBL titles in 1944 and 1945. Since then, the team has won 3 NBA championships, making them one of the most successful in American history.
The Pistons have always been a team to reckon with when it comes to American basketball. However, their form has taken a dip recently – in fact, they are currently sitting in the 15th position of their table, having only won 9 of their 31 games played.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76th (otherwise known as the Sixers) is a professional basketball team located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The team features as part of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Atlantic Division and play their home games at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers are one of the oldest teams in American basketball, having been founded in 1946.
This team has an extremely distinguished history. In fact, some of the best players to ever walk this earth have featured for the Sixers, including Hal Greer, Moses Malone, Dolph Schayes, and Billy Cunningham. For this reason, it is no surprise that they are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 3 titles in total.
5. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs compete in the NBA as a part of the Western Conference Southwest Division. Their home games are played at the AT&T Arena in San Antonio, Texas. This team is one of four to remain in the NBA after it was formed in the 1970s.
With that being said, it also happens to be one of the most successful teams in American history. Having won a total of 5 NBA titles, the Spurs have earned themselves a spot in the basketball hall of fame. This team dominated throughout the late 1990s, 2000s, and early 2010s.
Many fans believe that their recent success is a result of the work being done by the head coach, Gregg Popovich. More so, the team has featured major names in basketball history, such as Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
4. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are another team that has made a considerable name for themselves in NBA history. Competing in the Eastern Conference Central Division, they happen to be one of the most iconic and successful basketball teams in the world.
The Bulls were founded during the 1960s and play their home matches at the United Arena on the West Side of Chicago. During the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls were all but unstoppable. In fact, they managed to win a total of 6 NBA titles between 1991 and 1998.
This team played a major role in popularizing basketball and the NBA worldwide, as millions of foreign fans tuned in to witness the talent displayed by their iconic players. With massive names like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen forming part of their history, it is no wonder that the Chicago Bulls are one of the biggest teams in the world.
3. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team that can be found in San Francisco, California. This team competes in the NBA as a part of the Western Conference Pacific Division. Founded in 1946, the Warriors are among the oldest and most successful basketball teams in American history.
They have won a total of 6 NBA titles throughout their 70 odd years of playing in the top league. The Warriors began achieving success from very early on in their history. In fact, they were crowned victors at the Basketball Association of America in 1947, just one year after their formation.
Even though, like all teams, they have gone through rough patches, star players like Stephen Curry, Tim Hardaway, and Rick Barry have always seemed to carry them right back to the top.
2. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball team that features in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. Their home games are played at the TD Garden Arena, an iconic court found in downtown Boston. When it comes to the sport, no team is more accomplished than the Celtics.
Having won a total of 17 NBA titles, they share the crown for the most successful basketball team in the world. The Celtics currently hold the record for most recorded wins by any NBA team.
More so, a record total of 10 Celtic players have won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, including Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, and Dave Cowens. They have an intense rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the two teams have won the same number of championships.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
As we have already mentioned, the Los Angeles Lakers share the crown as the most successful basketball team in the world. With a total of 17 NBA titles in the bag, this team really is the best of the best when it comes to the sport. Featuring in the NBA’s Western Conference Pacific Division, the team plays their home games at the Staples Arena.
The Lakers were founded in 1947, making them one of the oldest basketball teams in American history. More so, this franchise played home to some of the greatest names in the sport, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Summary
Basketball is one of the biggest and most popular sports in the United States. The most successful teams in NBA history include the Chicago Bulls, the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Celtics and Lakers have each won a total of 17 titles, making them the most highly decorated basketball teams in America.
