Fansided

The best NBA playoff team of all-time at every seed

By Ian Levy

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) James Harden #13, Kevin Durant #35 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the court during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 25, 2011 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) James Harden #13, Kevin Durant #35 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the court during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 25, 2011 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 16: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with his team during a time out against the Denver Nuggets on December 16, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

The best No. 7 seed ever: San Antonio Spurs, 2009-10

Spoiler: This is the first of three appearances on this list by the Spurs. This group was a bridge between Tim Duncan’s prime and the arrival of Kawhi Leonard but they won with the typical formula — elite play from Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, and contributions from a deep roster of contributors.

It took 50 wins for the Spurs to sneak into the playoffs but their record was depressed by Tony Parker missing 26 games and the team dramatically underperforming their point differential. They had the scoring margin of a 55-win team and ranked in the top-10 in efficiency on both offense and defense. The Spurs also delivered on their strong statistical resume, upsetting the No. 2 seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round, before getting swept by the Suns.

Home/NBA Playoffs