The Golden State Warriors made history once again last night in what is quickly becoming the most memorable season in NBA history. With their 102-92 win over the Hawks in Atlanta, they became the fastest team to reach 50 Wins in a season.
The Warriors are now 50-5 on the season (a 91% winning percentage) and according to Five Thirty Eight they have a 55% chance to win 73 games this season and break the 1995-96 Bulls single season record.
The @Warriors become the fastest to 50 wins in @NBAHistory – 55 games! pic.twitter.com/X8W6KtE48Z
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2016
That 72 win Bulls reached their 50th win in their 56th game of the season.
Fewest Games to 50 Wins
2015-16 Warriors 55
1995-96 Bulls 56 (won NBA title)
1996-97 Bulls 57 (won title)
1982-83 76ers 57 (won title)#Elias— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 23, 2016
This is apparently how the Warriors official twitter account feels about this accomplishment…
Fastest to 50 wins in NBA history ? #DubNation pic.twitter.com/KkJ6suZRqx
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 23, 2016
In order to reach the magic number of 73 wins the Warriors would have to go 23-4 the rest of the way, a rather pedestrian 85% winning percentage for this squad.
If the Warriors can reach the 73 win plateau and win the title with four or less postseason losses, they should lay legitimate claim to being the best team in NBA history.
If that happens and Steph Curry can win his second championship and MVP award, he will vault himself into the discussion of the top three point guards of all-time along with Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas and one of the top 20 or so players of all-time.
Pretty amazing to think that Steph has evolved himself from a small-school March Madness darling and later, a borderline all-star with chronic ankle issues to one of the better players to ever potentially play the game.
It will be mesmerizing to watch this team chase immortality for the rest of the 2015-16 season and postseason.