Longest NBA Win Streak to Start Season: Which Team Holds the Record?

I remember sitting in a bar in Chicago back in 2015, watching the Golden State Warriors methodically dismantle opponents night after night, and thinking—this feels historic. There's something magical about watching a team string together wins from day one, that perfect zero in the loss column becoming more precious with each passing game. The conversation inevitably turns to records, to history, and to that ultimate question: which team holds the record for the longest win streak to start an NBA season? As we wait for the final draw and listing for the tournament to be published in the next few days—something that always gets basketball nerds like me buzzing about potential early-season matchups—it feels like the perfect time to dive into this particular slice of basketball history.

The record, for those who might not know, belongs to the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who opened their campaign with an astonishing 24 consecutive victories. I still get chills thinking about that run. They didn't just win; they dominated, blending a revolutionary offensive system with a swagger that was just captivating. Stephen Curry was pulling up from the logo, Draymond Green was quarterbacking the defense, and the whole league was scrambling to catch up. What made it even more impressive, in my view, was the target on their backs from the opening tip. They were the defending champions, and everyone wanted to be the team that ended the streak. I recall their 24th win—a double-overtime thriller against the Boston Celtics where they nearly blew it, but Klay Thompson hit a crucial three, and they escaped. The energy was palpable, even through a television screen. It felt like they might never lose.

But here's where it gets really interesting for me. Before the Warriors, the record stood for nearly half a century with the 1948-49 Washington Capitols, who started 15-0 under the legendary coach Red Auerbach. Now, I have a soft spot for the old-timers. The game was different then—no three-point line, slower pace, travel by train—but a 15-game streak in that era is, in some ways, just as impressive. They didn't have the advanced sports science, the charter flights, or the deep benches. It was pure, gritty basketball. I sometimes wonder if we undervalue these older records because the league was smaller. There were only 12 teams back then, but the talent was concentrated, and every night was a battle. The Capitols' streak is a testament to Auerbach's genius long before the cigar-lit victories in Boston.

Then there are the teams that came close but fell just short. The 1993-94 Houston Rockets started 15-0, mirroring the Capitols' mark, and they went on to win the championship that year. Hakeem Olajuwon was simply unplayable during that stretch. I remember watching those games as a kid, amazed at his footwork in the post. It’s a streak that often gets overshadowed by the Warriors’ 24, but for me, it’s equally legendary because it was built on defensive dominance, not just offensive fireworks. More recently, the 2021-22 Golden State Warriors—yes, them again—started 18-0 before finally stumbling, showing that their system, even with a reshuffled roster, could still produce historic runs. It’s fascinating how certain franchises, through culture and coaching, seem to have a knack for these explosive starts.

As we look ahead, with the final draw and listing for the tournament expected to be published in the next few days, I can’t help but speculate which team might challenge this record in the coming season. Personally, I think the Denver Nuggets or the Boston Celtics have the roster continuity and coaching to potentially make a run. Jokic is a machine, and the Celtics’ defensive versatility could carry them through a soft early schedule. But breaking 24 wins? That’s a monumental task. The Warriors’ record isn’t just about talent; it’s about health, luck, and sustaining peak performance through a grueling two-month stretch. I’ve crunched the numbers—well, my version of them, anyway—and the probability of a team starting 25-0 is probably around 2-3% even for a superteam, given the parity in today’s NBA. Fatigue, back-to-backs, and random off-nights make it a near-Herculean feat.

In my years covering the league, I’ve noticed that these streaks often define a team’s identity for the entire season. The Warriors, despite eventually losing in the Finals that year, cemented their place as one of the greatest regular-season teams ever. It’s a record that speaks to consistency and mental toughness, and I’d argue it’s harder to achieve now than ever before. The three-point revolution means any underdog can get hot and steal a game, and the load management era means stars might sit during a back-to-back, potentially derailing a streak. It’s why I hold the Warriors’ 24 in such high regard—they navigated all those modern pitfalls.

So, as we gear up for another season, keep an eye on those early standings. Watching a team chase history from day one is one of the purest joys for a basketball fan. Maybe we’ll see another squad make a run, but for now, the 2015-16 Warriors own a piece of the record books that feels almost untouchable. And if you ask me, it’s going to stand for a long, long time.