They would go on to beat the Toronto Raptors in six games, as they took their place in the NBA Finals for the second straight season.However, Cleveland would come face to face again with their tormentor. In the final seconds, Boston led Philadelphia by one point, 110-109 with Hal Greer about to inbound the ball for the Sixers’ potential winning play. Given the all-star power of this team and formidable supporting cast, there’s no doubt that they had the ability to make history by breaking records and winning a championship. In this piece, we’re going to be ranking the 10 greatest NBA teams of all time.In 1996, the NBA celebrated their 50th anniversary by naming the Top 10 teams without ranking. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, despite his age during this time, was still effective in the paint. The Lakers took the first two games at home before they experienced a back-and-forth affair with the Celtics on the road. As of this moment, twenty franchises can say they achieved that feat. Correspondent II September 28, 2011 Comments. Michael Jordan had 42 points in that game, while Scottie Pippen had a triple double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.After a grueling seven game series against the Knicks, the Bulls faced a gritty Cavaliers team led by spitfire guard, Mark Price.
On the other hand, Bill Russell controlled the boards in a dominant fashion by averaging 25.0 per game, as he also scored 17.8 a game.
In the process, they also knocked out the defending champions in the Celtics.
Later on, the Heat would have their hands full as they faced a highly motivated Pacers team that included Paul George, David West, Roy Hibbert, and Lance Stephenson. However the Warriors, which were led by Rick Barry, would not go down without a fight as they took Games 3 and 5 from the Sixers.
They toyed with the Portland Trailblazers and easily swept them in four games. Jordan would set the most points in a single game by a player with 63 and almost pulled an upset against the heavily favored Celtics. Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson would also chip in double digit averages with 10.7 points and 15.6 points, respectively.Given how this team was well-rounded in terms size and scoring, it would not be a surprise on how they started the playoffs like a house on fire. Want to know the NBA's top 25 all-time points leaders? Shaquille O’Neal came out of the gates on fire, as he registered two straight 40-20 games to take games one and two. The series started with Chicago and Portland trading wins with another.
Hal Greer and Chet Walker continued to score as they averaged 26.0 and 23.3 points, respectively.
Led by Mr. 100, Wilt Chamberlain, the Sixers played like a well-oiled machine as they secured the top spot in the Eastern Division.Wilt Chamberlain was the main leader of his team and a major double-double threat by averaging 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds per game.
With these players in tow, the Sixers not only dominated the regular season as they also went on to make a statement in the playoffs.The Sixers made easy work of the Cincinnati Royals by beating them three games to one in a best of five series.
His performance led him to become an All-Star Captain for that season and a Top 3 MVP candidate. He still managed to average 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds.
The Knicks were able to steal one in Chicago and proved to be a tough contender on their homecourt. Because of this, we considered their achievements and the circumstances they faced during their time. Lebron James and the Cavaliers continued to prove they were kings of the Eastern Conference, as they swept the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
However with the monumental victory over the Celtics, the Sixers were successful in dethroning the eight time defending champions.With their morale soaring high as ever, the Sixers came out strong in the Finals by taking the first two games as it also included Wilt Chamberlain’s crucial block against the Nate Thurmond’s lay up in the final seconds and force an overtime period. The Spurs were also spearheaded by the great trio of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili.
Chamberlain was said to be very dominant in the series, as he recorded an unofficial quadruple double in Game 1 against the Celtics.
Furthermore the all-around efforts of Draymond Green complimented these three stars perfectly as he put up numbers of 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.Throughout the season, this Warriors team ran through teams with their accurate and consistent sniping, while Draymond Green, Matt Barnes, Javale McGed and former Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, went to work on the defensive end.Kevin Durant and the Warriors carried over their dominance into the playoffs. Because of this, I believe they deserve a spot above the Celtics in the Top 10 greatest NBA teams of all time.The 1985-86 Boston Celtics were a team to be reckoned with. However, the Purple and Gold would bounce back in an empathic fashion as they won the next four straight games and finishing Iverson and the Sixers in five games for the coveted NBA Title.This Lakers edition should be considered in the Top 5, given their sheer dominance in the postseason that has only been matched by one team until this day.
Because of this, they deserve to be placed in the fourth spot of this list.If there is a team that preaches efficiency, the 91-92 Bulls should be on the top of your mind.