A home win in the NBA refers to a victory for the home team in a match that was played in their home arena. The regular season in the NBA comprises 41 home games for each team. The home team enjoys several benefits, such as the backing of their supporters, comfort on their court, and the option to select which basket they defend in the second half of the game. For franchises to qualify for the playoffs and compete for titles, they must win games at home. Because it may significantly affect the result of a game or a playoff series, home-court advantage is extremely crucial. A boisterous audience that is supportive of the host side may make the environment scary for the visiting squad. Also, the players are more accustomed to their court and surroundings.
This advantage may take many forms, such as the backing of the home audience, comfort with the field of play or venue, and the avoidance of travel and jet lag. Keeping that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 teams with the best home record in the NBA.
● 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs (40)
The Spurs won the Southwest Division with a final record of 67-15, the greatest winning percentage in team history. Also, the Spurs equaled the NBA record for most home victories in a season with 40 and established a club record for wins in a season with 67. The Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions and eventual winners of the Western Conference defeated the Spurs on April 10, snapping their home winning streak.
● 1985-86 Boston Celtics (40)
With a 67-15 record, including a 40-1 home record, the Celtics had the best record in the league at the end of the season. The San Antonio Spurs would only break the mark in 2016 with their 40 home victories. Their 67 overall victories were one victory short of matching their franchise record of 68 victories established in 1972–1973 and tied for eighth place all-time for the most victories by a team in a single season. They are recognized as one of the best teams in NBA history.
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● 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (39)
The Warriors, who were the defending NBA champions going into the season, broke the Chicago Bulls record of 72-10 in 1995–96 by posting the greatest regular-season record ever (73–9). That season, Golden State set over twenty-five NBA records and over 10 franchise records. They lost the series after leading 3-1, but the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated them in the NBA Finals in seven games.
● 2014-15 Golden State Warriors (39)
The Warriors, who were the defending NBA champions going into the season, broke the Chicago Bulls' record of 72-10 in 1995–96 by posting the greatest regular-season record ever (73–9). That season, Golden State set over twenty-five NBA records and more than 10 franchise records. They lost the series after leading 3-1, but the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated them in the NBA Finals in seven games.
● 2008-09 Cleveland Cavaliers (39)
The Cavaliers significantly outperformed the previous franchise record of 57-25 from the 1988–1989 and 1991–1992 seasons with a record of 66 wins and 16 losses to conclude the regular season. This was the greatest record in the NBA. LeBron James received the first MVP Award. In the NBA, the Cavaliers had the second-best team defensive rating and the fourth-best team offensive rating.
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● 1996-97 Chicago Bulls (39)
The Bulls came into the season as the defending NBA champions after defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the 1996 NBA Finals to capture their fourth NBA title. After one of the best seasons in NBA history, the Bulls could win the title again thanks to another first-place finish in their division and conference.
● 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (39)
The 1995–96 Bulls, widely recognised as the best team in NBA history, were listed as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History during the league's 50th anniversary celebration in 1996. With a final record of 72 wins and 10 defeats, the team broke the previous mark for most victories in an NBA regular season during which they won the title.
● 1994-95 Orlando Magic (39)
The Magic had a quick start, winning 22 of their first 27 games, and by the All-Star break, they had a 37-10 record. The Magic, who finished April with a 57-25 record, easily won the Atlantic Division despite dropping seven of their final eleven games. They ended tied for second best in NBA history with a 39-2 home record.
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● 1986-87 Boston Celtics (39)
The Celtics came into the season as the defending NBA Champions after taking off the Houston Rockets in six games in the 1986 NBA Finals to claim their sixteenth NBA title. They finished their home record at 39-2.
● 2012-13 Denver Nuggets (38)
The Nuggets' 57 victories and 25 defeats during the regular season were the team's best record since it joined the NBA in 1977. Yet in a six-game first-round series against the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors, the Nuggets came up short.
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