In the annals of basketball history, certain seasons stand, the 2015-2016 NBA season was one such momentous period, where the Golden State Warriors, led by their star player Draymond Green, etched their names in the record books by achieving a historic 73-win season.
This accomplishment not only solidified their status as a basketball powerhouse but also drew parallels to the iconic 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who had previously set the record with 72 wins. Interestingly, it was none other than Michael Jordan himself who offered motivation to the Golden State Warriors to chase after this feat.
Golden State Warriors’ 73-Win Season in Contrast to Bulls’ 1995-96 Record
The backdrop of remarkable story dates back to the 1990s when the Chicago Bulls, propelled by Michael Jordan‘s unparalleled excellence, clinched 72 victories in the 1995-96 season. This achievement not only established the Bulls’ supremacy but also set an incredibly high bar for future generations to aspire to.
Many former Bulls players doubted that any team could come close to this record, especially considering the competitive landscape of the league. Some even speculated that the Warriors, despite their talent, would struggle against the mighty Bulls of the past.
Draymond Green is one of four players in NBA Playoff history to rank in the top 25 all-time in assists, blocks and steals.#DubsDefenseWeek pic.twitter.com/FJSC4kMa9o
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 23, 2023
The Golden State Warriors, however, were determined to prove their mettle. The 2015-16 season witnessed a team that was firing on all cylinders, displaying remarkable cohesion, strategic prowess, and an uncanny ability to close out games.
Their journey to the top was marked by relentless dedication, which made them a force to be reckoned with. Head coach Steve Kerr, coincidentally a member of the Bulls’ 1995-96 roster, orchestrated this impressive display of basketball excellence.
At the heart of this historic campaign was Draymond Green, his leadership, along with the extraordinary skills of MVP Stephen Curry, made the Golden State Warriors an unstoppable force.
Green’s impact extended beyond the court, as he revealed an intriguing conversation with none other than Michael Jordan himself. Jordan, widely regarded as one of the fiercest competitors in the history of sports, encouraged Green to strive for greatness.
“Mike told me at All-Star, ‘Go win the record. Go get the record. If y’all don’t win this record, I’m going to be hot, and I’m blaming you,”
Green recounted, shedding light on Jordan’s unrelenting competitiveness and his desire to see records broken.
This endorsement from Jordan, who possesses six NBA championships and a plethora of individual accolades, spoke volumes about the significance of this pursuit.
As the Golden State Warriors closed in on the record, the world of basketball held its breath. The season culminated in a tense showdown in the NBA Finals, where the Warriors faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It takes a team 🤝#DubsDimesWeek pic.twitter.com/cqzJbW2fU1
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 17, 2023
Despite their incredible regular-season achievements, the Warriors suffered a heartbreaking loss as they let slip a 3-1 series lead, ultimately falling to the Cavaliers.
This unexpected turn of events served as a poignant reminder that even the most extraordinary accomplishments can be elusive in the face of fierce competition.
