Top 5 greatest NBA teams of all-time

5. 1982-1983 Philadelphia 76ers

The 1982-1983 Philadelphia 76ers finished the regular season with an impressive record of 65-17. That’s even more impressive once you factor in that the 76ers shared the Atlantic division with the Boston Celtics and that four of the six playoff teams in the Eastern Conference that season came from the Atlantic Division. What made them legendary was their unforgettable 12-1 run through the playoffs that included a four game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Philadelphia was led by two Hall of Famers: center Moses Malone and guard Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Malone was a monster in the paint for the 76ers, averaging 24.5 points per game and 15.3 rebounds with 2.0 blocks per game. He took him the league MVP and was named to the league’s All-NBA First Team (along with Erving) and All-Defensive First Team. Maurice Cheeks and Bobby Jones were also named to the All-Defensive First Team.

Julius Erving finished the season averaging 21.4 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. During the 76ers legendary playoff run, Malone and Erving led the way along with Andrew Toney. Toney averaged 18.4 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

Philadelphia wasn’t an extremely dominant regular season team (seventh in both points scored per game and points allowed per game) but they saved their best for a playoff run that Philly sports fans will never forget.

Next: No. 4