I still remember watching the Golden State Warriors start 24-0 back in 2015—that feeling of witnessing something truly historic unfolding game after game. There’s something magical about those early-season win streaks that captures basketball fans’ imagination. We all start wondering: could this be the year someone breaks the record? Which brings us to today’s topic: the longest NBA win streak to start season, a conversation that always gets me excited about basketball history.
Looking back through the record books, only a handful of teams have managed to put together those legendary opening runs. The 2015-16 Warriors ultimately set the current record with 24 consecutive wins to start their campaign, though they fell just short of the overall 33-game streak held by the 1971-72 Lakers. What fascinates me about these streaks isn’t just the numbers—it’s the psychology behind them. Early in the season, teams are still figuring things out, rotations aren’t set, and yet these squads find ways to win night after night. I’ve always believed that early momentum can define an entire season, creating confidence that carries through to April and beyond.
The conversation about longest NBA win streak to start season inevitably leads me to consider modern contenders. Last season, the Celtics opened with an impressive 20-2 record that had many wondering if they could challenge the Warriors’ mark. Personally, I think today’s NBA makes extended streaks more difficult than ever. The parity is remarkable—there are no easy nights anymore, and the three-point shot means any team can get hot and pull off an upset. Still, when a team like the Bucks or Nuggets gets rolling, you can’t help but wonder if we might witness history.
Interestingly, the timing of these streaks often coincides with tournament announcements that shuffle team priorities. Just last week, the NBA announced that the final draw and listing for the tournament are expected to be published in the next few days. This mid-season competition adds another layer to early season success—teams balancing streak preservation with tournament preparation. From my perspective, this creates fascinating strategic decisions for coaches. Do you push your starters to maintain a winning streak, or do you manage minutes for the upcoming tournament games? I’ve noticed that the best coaches somehow manage both.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions about longest NBA win streak to start season is the role of scheduling luck. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen how a favorable early schedule can propel these runs. The 1993-94 Houston Rockets started 15-0 against mostly sub-.500 teams, but that doesn’t diminish the achievement—winning professional basketball games requires tremendous focus regardless of opponent. The mental fortitude needed to avoid looking ahead or getting complacent is something I don’t think fans fully appreciate.
The final draw and listing for the tournament are expected to be published in the next few days, which might explain why some teams approach November games differently this season. Teams know that early success could position them favorably for the tournament while building momentum for the marathon regular season. In my view, this creates the perfect storm for potential streak-breaking performances. The players seem more engaged early, the coaching strategies are sharper, and the games simply matter more.
Reflecting on these historic runs, I’ve come to believe that the teams capable of the longest NBA win streak to start season share certain qualities beyond pure talent. They have incredible depth, often with a second unit that could start on other teams. They have coaching staffs that make brilliant in-game adjustments. Most importantly, they have players who embrace the daily grind rather than getting caught up in the streak itself. The Warriors team that won 24 straight had Stephen Curry obviously, but Draymond Green’s defensive leadership and Shaun Livingston’s steady bench production were equally crucial in my opinion.
As we watch this new season unfold, I’m keeping my eye on a few teams that might make a run at history. The Nuggets returning most of their championship roster, the Celtics with their revamped lineup, the Suns if their stars stay healthy—all have the potential for a special start. The final draw and listing for the tournament are expected to be published in the next few days, which will give us better insight into scheduling advantages. Personally, I’m rooting for someone to challenge that 24-game mark—not just for the excitement, but because it would remind us why we love sports: the possibility of witnessing something truly extraordinary.
In the end, these early season streaks become part of NBA folklore, remembered decades later alongside championship banners and individual accolades. They represent basketball at its most dominant and captivating. While records are made to be broken, what matters more is how these runs capture our collective imagination and remind us why we became basketball fans in the first place. Here’s to hoping we get to witness another historic start sooner rather than later.
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