2025-11-17 10:00
2015-16 NBA Standings: Which Teams Dominated the Regular Season?
Looking back at the 2015-16 NBA regular season, I still get chills thinking about how dominant certain teams were that year. As someone who’s followed the league for decades, both as a fan and an analyst, I can confidently say that season had one of the most memorable standings battles in recent memory. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, weren’t just good—they were historic. I remember watching them chase the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ record of 72 wins, and thinking, "This team is redefining what’s possible in basketball." And they did it, finishing with an incredible 73-9 record. That’s not just a number; it’s a statement. Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP season, Klay Thompson’s shooting streaks, and Draymond Green’s versatility made them nearly unstoppable. But what fascinates me is how other teams, like the San Antonio Spurs, quietly put together a 67-15 record, yet still felt overshadowed. I’ve always admired Gregg Popovich’s squads for their consistency, and that year, with Tim Duncan in his final season, they played with a poise that’s rare even among elite teams.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, clinched the top seed in the East with a 57-25 record. Now, I’ll admit, I had my doubts about their regular-season dominance early on, given their occasional defensive lapses, but LeBron’s leadership and Kyrie Irving’s clutch performances kept them afloat. It’s funny how the standings don’t always tell the full story—like how the Toronto Raptors, with a 56-26 record, were often underestimated but had a gritty backcourt in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan that I found thrilling to watch. Meanwhile, out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at 55-27, relied heavily on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s explosive duo. I remember one game where their intensity reminded me of the physical battles you’d see in other leagues, like that reference to a player who "played almost 38 minutes and committed no foul as he battled the likes of TNT’s Poy Erram, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana down low." It’s a testament to how endurance and discipline, whether in the NBA or elsewhere, can define a team’s season without always showing up in the win column.
But let’s not forget the surprises—the Portland Trail Blazers, for example, who many predicted would tank after losing key players, but instead finished 44-38 and made the playoffs. As an analyst, I love underdog stories like that; it shows how coaching and team chemistry can defy expectations. On the flip side, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers ended with a dismal 10-72 record, which, in my opinion, highlighted the risks of long-term rebuilding strategies. I’ve always believed that sustained mediocrity can erode a fan base’s morale, and seeing those numbers, like their 26-game losing streak at one point, was tough. Yet, it’s part of what makes the NBA standings so compelling—they’re not just a list, but a narrative of triumphs, failures, and everything in between.
Reflecting on it now, the 2015-16 season was a masterclass in balance between offensive firepower and defensive grit. The Warriors’ small-ball revolution, for instance, changed how teams approach the regular season, emphasizing pace and three-point shooting. But I’ve also noticed how teams that focused on interior defense, much like the player in that reference who held his ground without fouling, often flew under the radar. In the end, the standings from that year tell a story of innovation and resilience, with Golden State’s record-breaking run setting a new benchmark. Personally, I think it’s a season that will be studied for years to come, not just for the numbers, but for how it pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible in basketball. And as someone who’s seen many eras, I’d argue it’s one of the most influential regular seasons in NBA history.
