duncan228
04-04-2009, 10:49 PM
NBA's 60-win club to be crowded this year (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/NBAs_60-win_club_to_be_crowded_this_year.html)
Express-News
With 10 days left in the regular season, there is a strong chance four teams will finish with at least 60 wins for just the second time in league history.
The only time it's been done: 1997-98, when the Bulls and Jazz won 62 games and both the Lakers and SuperSonics won 61.
This season, the Lakers are sitting right at 60, and the Cavaliers already have 61. Even with Kevin Garnett shut down until the playoffs start, the Celtics (58-19) will win two of their remaining five games. The Magic have six games in which to get four more wins. With the Knicks, Grizzlies, Nets and Bucks on the schedule, it should be a lock.
The 1997-98 NBA title went to the Bulls, with Michael Jordan pushing off Bryon Russell to free himself to hit the game-winner in clinching Game 6.
On four occasions have three teams won at least 60: 1972-73 (Celtics, Bucks, Lakers), 1980-81 (Celtics, 76ers, Bucks), 1995-96 (Bulls, Magic, Sonics) and 1996-97 (Bulls, Jazz, Heat).
Is there any hope for teams that don't win 60 when there are three or more 60-win teams?
Thanks to the 1972-73 Knicks, yes. With a backup forward named Phil Jackson making a contribution, the 57-win Knicks beat the 68-win Celtics in the Eastern finals and the 60-win Lakers in the NBA Finals.
That 68-win Celtics team owns a dubious distinction: most regular-season wins without a title. At least they got to the conference finals. The 2006-07 Mavs won 67 games and got dumped in the first round.
Express-News
With 10 days left in the regular season, there is a strong chance four teams will finish with at least 60 wins for just the second time in league history.
The only time it's been done: 1997-98, when the Bulls and Jazz won 62 games and both the Lakers and SuperSonics won 61.
This season, the Lakers are sitting right at 60, and the Cavaliers already have 61. Even with Kevin Garnett shut down until the playoffs start, the Celtics (58-19) will win two of their remaining five games. The Magic have six games in which to get four more wins. With the Knicks, Grizzlies, Nets and Bucks on the schedule, it should be a lock.
The 1997-98 NBA title went to the Bulls, with Michael Jordan pushing off Bryon Russell to free himself to hit the game-winner in clinching Game 6.
On four occasions have three teams won at least 60: 1972-73 (Celtics, Bucks, Lakers), 1980-81 (Celtics, 76ers, Bucks), 1995-96 (Bulls, Magic, Sonics) and 1996-97 (Bulls, Jazz, Heat).
Is there any hope for teams that don't win 60 when there are three or more 60-win teams?
Thanks to the 1972-73 Knicks, yes. With a backup forward named Phil Jackson making a contribution, the 57-win Knicks beat the 68-win Celtics in the Eastern finals and the 60-win Lakers in the NBA Finals.
That 68-win Celtics team owns a dubious distinction: most regular-season wins without a title. At least they got to the conference finals. The 2006-07 Mavs won 67 games and got dumped in the first round.