Watching the Golden State warriors dismantle the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two games of the NBA Finals raises the question, “Are they the best NBA team ever?” They just might be. Kevin Durant came into the NBA Finals with more pressure on him than anybody else in the finals. He has thus far risen to the occasion. He's been the best player in the series and may have raised the Warriors to the best team of all time status.
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After setting a record for regular season wins last season, the Warriors have an opportunity to run the table in the playoffs.
When Kevin Durant was added to the Warriors, it was evident that the great Warriors offense would be even better. What is more telling is that Durant has elevated the Warrior's defense. This was in evidence in game two of the finals when he blocked five shot and added three steals.
While Durant and Curry form one of the most potent duos in NBA history, the Warriors are more than a two-man gang. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are also two of the best players in the NBA. There is also depth beyond those four. So how do they compare with other great NBA teams?
The first true super team?
The early Celtics had an unrivaled run of success in the 50's and 60's. Still, they didn't have the athleticism of the modern Warriors.
The 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers were a super team. In some ways, they were the most balanced team in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain was the center and centerpiece of the team. Chet Walker was a smooth scorer at one forward, and Luke Jackson was strong on the boards. Hal Greer was an outside threat, and Billy Cunningham was one of the best sixth men in the NBA.
The Warriors would have had their hands full.
Remember the 80's?
The Boston Celtics teams of the 80's would have given the Warriors all they wanted with a front line of Larry Bird, Robert Parrish, and Kevin McHale. The Lakers of the 80's would also have been competitive. Magic Johnson was the hub of a team of all-stars including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy.
Both the Celtics and Lakers of the 80's would have given the Warriors a run for their money.
Were Batman and Robin enough?
What about the 1995-96 Bulls? Many people think that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were the best duos in NBA history. Beyond that, the team had defense minded, rebound specialist Dennis Rodman. They also had Toni Kukoc coming off the bench. While the Bulls had the best one-two bunch, whether there was enough depth on that team to defeat the Warriors is questionable.
So, are the Warriors the greatest team of all time? It depends on which fan base you talk to.
