22. 2007-08 Boston Celtics
Season Results: 66-16, Won NBA Finals (4-2)
The league was put on notice prior to the 2007-08 season. Following an embarrassing 24-win campaign the year prior, the Celtics went all-in during the summer when acquiring former league MVP Kevin Garnett and three-point marksman Ray Allen. The pair joined Paul Pierce to form one of the most formidable “Big 3’s” in league history. Unlike other first-year groups, the Celtics hit the ground running and raced to a 29-3 record.
Boston would go on to win 66 regular season games (third-most franchise history). All three stars were named All-Stars, and Garnett was named Defensive Player of the Year. It wasn’t the easiest path to the Finals, as the Celtics needed to win two Game 7’s to advance past the Eastern Conference. Waiting for them on the other side of the bracket was the bitter rival Los Angeles Lakers. After a historic 20-point comeback in Game 4, the Celtics sealed a series win with a 39-point blowout victory on their home floor. It was the franchise’s first title since ’86.
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