2015-16 NBA Standings: Which Teams Dominated the Regular Season?
Looking back at the 2015-16 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how dominant certain teams were. I remember watching game after game, tracking stats, and arguing with fellow analysts about which squads truly defined that year’s regular season. It wasn’t just about star power—though there was plenty of that—but also about consistency, coaching, and the kind of gritty performances that don’t always make the highlight reels. One moment that stands out in my memory, for instance, was a game where a key player logged almost 38 minutes without committing a single foul while battling tough opponents down low. That kind of discipline and endurance is what separated the good teams from the great ones that year.
The Golden State Warriors, of course, come to mind first. They didn’t just dominate; they rewrote the record books. Finishing with a 73-9 record, they surpassed the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the best regular-season mark in NBA history. I still recall debating whether their small-ball lineup could hold up against bigger teams, but with Stephen Curry’s unprecedented shooting and Draymond Green’s versatility, they made it work night after night. What impressed me most, though, was their consistency. They went on a 24-game winning streak to start the season, and even when teams adjusted, they found ways to win close games. It wasn’t just offense, either; their defensive communication and switching were a masterclass in modern basketball.
Meanwhile, out East, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured the top seed with a 57-25 record. LeBron James was, well, LeBron—averaging 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists—but what stood out to me was their depth. Kyrie Irving’s health was a question mark early on, but when he played, he provided that explosive scoring punch that made them nearly unstoppable. I’ve always believed that the Cavs’ regular season was underrated because people focused so much on the Warriors, but their ability to grind out wins in physical matchups was crucial. Speaking of physicality, it reminds me of that game where a player battled the likes of TNT’s Poy Erram, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana down low without fouling—a testament to the kind of smart, disciplined play that contenders need.
The San Antonio Spurs were another force, finishing 67-15, and honestly, I think they were the most well-coached team that year. Gregg Popovich managed minutes perfectly, and Kawhi Leonard emerged as a two-way superstar. I remember watching them dismantle opponents with their ball movement and defensive schemes; it was like watching a symphony. They didn’t have the flash of the Warriors, but their efficiency was off the charts. Defensively, they held teams to under 92 points per 100 possessions, which is just insane in today’s NBA. If not for Golden State’s historic run, I’m convinced more people would be talking about that Spurs squad as one of the all-time greats.
Then there were the surprises, like the Toronto Raptors, who went 56-26 and secured the two-seed in the East. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan formed one of the most dynamic backcourts I’ve seen, and their mid-range game was a throwback to an earlier era. I’ll admit, I underestimated them early in the season, but their ability to close out tight games won me over. On the flip side, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, finished 55-27 but always felt like they had another gear. As a fan, watching Westbrook’s triple-double chases was exhilarating, though I wondered if their reliance on iso-ball would hold them back in the playoffs.
Out West, the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers also made noise. The Clippers went 53-29, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Chris Paul’s leadership—he just knows how to control the pace of a game. Meanwhile, Portland, at 44-38, exceeded expectations after losing key players in the offseason. Damian Lillard’s clutch gene was on full display, and I remember thinking they’d be a tough out in the playoffs because of his fearlessness. It’s teams like these that remind me how much depth matters over an 82-game season.
But let’s not forget the struggles at the bottom. The Philadelphia 76ers finished 10-72, and as someone who’s followed the league for years, it was tough to watch. Their Process era was in full swing, but the lack of veteran presence hurt them night after night. On the other hand, the Lakers went 17-65, and I couldn’t help but feel for Kobe Bryant in his final season. His farewell tour was emotional, but the team’s performance highlighted how much rebuilding they had ahead.
Reflecting on it all, the 2015-16 season was a tale of historic excellence and surprising resilience. The Warriors and Spurs set a ridiculous standard, while teams like the Raptors and Blazers showed that heart and chemistry can defy expectations. As for that player who went almost 38 minutes without a foul while battling physical bigs? It’s a microcosm of what made that season special—the little details that separate contenders from the rest. In my view, this season wasn’t just about records; it was a reminder that discipline, adaptability, and teamwork define greatness in the NBA.
