As important as it is to finish the NBA season strong, getting out to a fast start often sets a team up for success.
While most teams are figuring things out as they ease into the new season, one group often stands out above the rest by starting on a noteworthy winning streak.
Only 15 teams in NBA history have opened the season on a winning streak of 10 games or longer. Three have gone on to win an NBA title while the Cavaliers look to become the fourth in 2025.
Which NBA teams have the longest winning streak to start a season? Here is the complete list and a look back at the longest streak in league history.
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NBA longest winning streaks to start a season
The Warriors own the longest winning streak to start an NBA season.
Golden State opened the 2015-16 NBA season on a 24-game win streak and won 39 of its first 43 games before finishing the season with an NBA-best 73-9 record.
| Rank | Team | Season | Streak | Finish |
| 1. | Warriors | 2015-16 | 24 | 73-9, Lost NBA Finals |
| 2. | Rockets | 1993-94 | 15 | 58-24, Won NBA Finals |
| Capitols | 1948-49 | 15 | 38-22, Lost BAA Finals | |
| 4. | Mavericks | 2002-03 | 14 | 60-22, Lost West Finals |
| Celtics | 1957-58 | 14 | 49-23, Lost NBA Finals | |
| 6. | Cavaliers | 2023-25 | 12 | Active |
| Bulls | 1996-97 | 12 | 69-13, Won NBA Finals | |
| SuperSonics | 1982-83 | 12 | 48-34, Lost First Round | |
| 9. | Lakers | 1997-98 | 11 | 61-21, Lost West Finals |
| Hawks | 1997-98 | 11 | 50-32, Lost First Round | |
| Trail Blazers | 1990-91 | 11 | 63-19, Lost West Finals | |
| Celtics | 1964-65 | 11 | 62-18, Won NBA Finals | |
| 13. | 76ers | 2000-01 | 10 | Lost NBA Finals |
| SuperSonics | 1993-94 | 10 | Lost First Round | |
| Celtics | 1972-73 | 10 | Lost East Finals |
Revisiting the Warriors’ historic 24-0 run in 2015-16
Golden State is the only team in NBA history to open the season with a win streak longer than 15 games. Led by eventual unanimous MVP Stephen Curry, the Warriors got out to a 24-0 start to the 2015-16 season, doing so despite head coach Steve Kerr taking a leave of absence for his health.
With assistant coach Luke Walton standing in as the interim head coach, Golden State was dominant to open the season, with close calls coming in overtime for win No. 11 and in double overtime for win No. 24.
The Warriors’ first loss of the season came on the second night of a back-to-back following their double-overtime win. It was a 13-point decision to a Milwaukee team led by a young Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greg Monroe and Jabari Parker.
Golden State didn’t lose a game between Oct. 27 and Dec. 11. The Warriors posted an offensive rating of 114.6 and a defensive rating of 100.7 during the streak, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Warriors finished the season 73-9, eventually falling to the Cavaliers in seven games in the NBA Finals.
