The Golden State Warriors finished the 2015-16 NBA regular season 73-9, breaking the Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record (1995-96) — the greatest regular season in basketball history.
The Season
Stephen Curry won unanimous MVP (first ever):
- 30.1 PPG
- 402 three-pointers (NBA record)
- 50-45-90 shooting splits
- First to join 50-45-90 club while leading league in scoring
Warriors started 24-0. Klay Thompson scored 60 points in 29 minutes. Curry hit game-winner from 38 feet vs. OKC. Oracle Arena was deafening.
Final record: 73 wins, 9 losses. April 13, 2016: Beat Memphis 125-104 for win #73.
The Cavs Collapse
Warriors blew 3-1 Finals lead to Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving led historic comeback. Warriors’ perfect season ended without championship.
Critics note Bulls went 72-10 AND won title. Warriors’ regular season brilliance overshadowed by Finals loss.
Legacy
Team signed Kevin Durant that summer (creating superteam backlash). Won championships 2017, 2018. Dynasty cemented.
73-9 remains regular season peak — but the loss stings. The greatest regular season that didn’t end in confetti.
Source: NBA.com