Project Spurs: Stats of the Game: Spurs vs. Rockets

[jiggy_55]

http://projectspurs.com/2011-articles/january/stats-of-the-game-spurs-vs-rockets.html

In this article, something is mentioned that got me thinking and I couldn't get the answer! Would appreciate if anyone knows the answer?

40 - The Spurs reached 40 wins in just 47 games, tying the record for the sixth fewest games needed to reach 40 wins in NBA history. Of the previous seven teams to reach 40 wins in 47 games or fewer, six went on to win the NBA title. The last time the Spurs were the first NBA team to reach 40 wins was in the 2004-05 season, when they went on to win their third NBA title.

Who were the seven teams to do this? I couldn't figure out who was the seventh team to do this and NOT win it all that season. I thought it was maybe one of Dallas, Phoenix, or Cleveland in recent seasons but it wasn't.

[The Truth #6]

Dallas is always a good guess.

[CubanMustGo]

Obviously Chicago the year they won 72.

Edit: One of the six teams that DID win it all, obviously. Duh!

[Michi_Germany]

Who were the seven teams to do this? I couldn't figure out who was the seventh team to do this and NOT win it all that season. I thought it was maybe one of Dallas, Phoenix, or Cleveland in recent seasons but it wasn't.

The Celtics in 1972-73
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1973_games.html

[Mel_13]

Michi provided the 72-73 Celts as the team that didn't win a championship. They were 40-7 after 47 games and lost to the eventual champs, the Knicks, in a seven game conference finals.

The six championship teams and their 47 game records:

64-65 Celts 40-7
66-67 Sixers 43-4
71-72 Lakers 41-6
82-83 Sixers 40-7
95-96 Bulls 42-5
96-97 Bulls 42-5

[jiggy_55]

Thanks Michi and Mel! I thought it would be a team from 2000 onwards, but I guess we are the first in this century.