Winningest NBA Teams by Decade

The totals below are based on the starting year of each NBA season. For example, the 1980s include the 1980-81 through 1989-90 seasons.

The shortened opening decade covers the NBA/BAA seasons beginning from 1946 through 1949. The 2020s are still in progress and currently include seasons through 2025-26.

* Current decade: The 2020s total currently covers the 2020-21 through 2025-26 seasons and will continue to change as additional seasons are completed.

1940s — Washington Capitols: The Capitols won 147 games across the four seasons beginning from 1946-47 through 1949-50.

1950s — Boston Celtics: Boston emerged as the league's dominant franchise late in the decade, finishing with 445 wins and three championships.

1960s — Boston Celtics: The Celtics dominated the decade with 546 regular-season victories and eight NBA championships.

1970s — Boston Celtics: Boston again led the league for the decade, recording 504 victories and winning two championships.

1980s — Los Angeles Lakers: The Showtime Lakers accumulated 594 victories, the largest completed decade total on this list, and won four championships during seasons beginning in the 1980s.

1990s — Utah Jazz: Led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, Utah posted 542 victories, more than any other NBA team during the decade, despite not winning a championship.

2000s — San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs led the decade with 573 victories and captured three NBA championships.

2010s — San Antonio Spurs: San Antonio remained remarkably consistent, leading another decade with 514 victories while adding the 2014 NBA championship.

2020s — Boston Celtics: Through the 2025-26 season, Boston leads the current decade with 325 regular-season victories and won the 2024 NBA championship.