The excitement of the NBA doesn't just come from the fierce defense or incredible athleticism; it's the high-scoring games that really get the crowd going. And when we talk about the best offensive teams in NBA history, certain squads inevitably come to mind. The 2016-2017 Golden State Warriors, for instance, weren't just good; they were offensively spectacular by every metric. Their offensive rating was an astounding 115.6, which means they scored 115.6 points per 100 possessions. This rating isn't just a fluke—it's a testament to their jaw-dropping efficiency and ball movement.
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson formed a triumvirate that delivered more buckets than a firefighter at work. They combined for an average of 75 points per game, which is higher than some entire teams’ outputs in that era. These numbers show their offensive capabilities but also highlight how they revolutionized the game. They didn't just score; they scored efficiently, often shooting over 50% from the field as a team.
When thinking about legendary offensive units, you can't forget about the '80s Los Angeles Lakers, also known as "Showtime." Magic Johnson orchestrated the floor like a maestro, averaging 11.2 assists per game during their 1986-87 championship season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was an unstoppable force, adding 22 points per game. Their fast-break offense redefined what speed and precision on the basketball court looked like. The Lakers’ dynamism ensured that they often wrapped games up by halftime.
How could we ignore the Chicago Bulls of the '90s? Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen made them a fearsome duo, while the triangle offense orchestrated by Phil Jackson made them a relentless scoring machine. During their 1995-96 season, they won 72 games, a record at the time, and Jordan averaged 30.4 points per game. This team wasn't just exceptional; they were transcendent. Their offensive prowess allowed them to execute plays that left defenses bewildered.
We also have to mention the Dallas Mavericks during their 2003-04 campaign when Dirk Nowitzki was topping MVP charts. Dirk single-handedly made the mid-range jumper sexy again. His shooting efficiency hovered around 48% from the field, and he averaged close to 26 points per game. They didn’t win the championship that year, but their offensive firepower remains unforgettable.
The recent surge of the Brooklyn Nets can't go unnoticed either. Their 'Big Three' consisting of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden made them an instant offensive juggernaut. In the 2020-2021 season, the trio averaged over 70 points per game. Though they faced challenges, their scoring ability was never in question. In fact, many experts argue that if they had stayed healthy, they could have been one of the highest-scoring teams of all time.
And let’s not overlook the Phoenix Suns led by Steve Nash from 2004 to 2012. Their "Seven Seconds or Less" offense was exactly what it sounds like, a lightning-fast approach to scoring. Nash led the league in assists five times during this period, and their offense usually topped the NBA in points per game. Amar'e Stoudemire’s dominance inside complemented Nash’s outside shooting perfectly, making them one of the most exhilarating teams to watch.
Talking stats, how about the Houston Rockets and their relentless three-point shooting under Mike D'Antoni from 2016 to 2020? James Harden, in particular, was a scoring machine. He averaged 36 points per game during the 2018-2019 season and showcased a new way to approach offense primarily centered around the three-ball. The Rockets took an average of 45 triples per game, reshaping modern basketball’s offensive strategy.
One cannot ignore the Miami Heat during LeBron James’ tenure from 2010-2014. "The Heatles," as they were affectionately known, brought a blend of power and finesse. With LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh forming a star-studded trio, this team averaged close to 105 points per game while maintaining a defensive grit that's rare for such high-octane offenses. LeBron's versatility allowed them to switch between a fast break and half-court sets seamlessly.
The 2002-2003 Sacramento Kings deserve an honorable mention. Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, and Mike Bibby made for an offensively gifted roster. They averaged 104 points per game and shot 47% from the field. They didn't win a championship, but their offensive fluidity and high basketball IQ are still talked about today.
And lastly, let’s shine a light on the Milwaukee Bucks of recent years. Giannis Antetokounmpo's overwhelming physicality and skill make him an offensive nightmare for opponents. In their 2019-2020 season, they averaged 118.7 points per game, leading the league. Giannis alone contributed 29 points per game, demonstrating what an offensive powerhouse one player can be.
So whether you're a fan of the vintage Lakers, the modern Warriors, or somewhere in between, it’s clear that phenomenal offense is a cross-generational trait in the NBA. Want to catch more of these high-octane matchups? Don't miss out, follow the latest on arena plus to keep up with all the action.