The NBA’s Western Conference has been a bastion of basketball excellence, where the sport’s most iconic teams and dynasties have left an indelible mark on the league’s history. Since its formation, this conference has hosted fierce competition and unforgettable moments.

Formation and Structure:

The NBA’s Western Conference was officially formed in 1970 when the league expanded to include 14 teams. Today, the Western Conference comprises three divisions: the Pacific Division, the Northwest Division, and the Southwest Division. Each division consists of five teams, making a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference.

Pacific Division

The Pacific Division is home to some of the league’s most storied franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings.

Northwest Division

This division features the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Southwest Division

The Southwest Division boasts the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Best and Worst Records (82 games):

Over the years, Western Conference teams have showcased both their dominance and struggles.

The Best Regular-Season Record By Western Conference Team

Since the NBA’s inception, this team record is held by the Golden State Warriors. During the 2015-2016 season, they boasted a remarkable 73-9 record.

Worst Regular-Season Record by Western conference Team

In contrast, the worst record is shared by both the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets. They both had 11-71 records during the 1992-1993 and the 1997-1998 seasons respectively.

Western Conference Dynasties

The Western Conference has seen its fair share of dynasties. The most iconic dynasty in the Western Conference is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won numerous NBA championships over the years, often led by legendary players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. The Lakers’ fierce rival, the Boston Celtics, often met them in epic NBA Finals battles.

In the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan often faced off against Western Conference powerhouses, particularly the “Showtime” Lakers in the late 1980s. The Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, also had a dominant run in the mid-1990s.

In recent years, the Golden State Warriors have dominated the most. With their “Splash Brothers” duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and their defensive anchor in Draymond Green, they have achieved remarkable success, winning multiple NBA titles and setting regular-season records.

The Western Conference is a basketball hotbed, known for its competitive spirit and thrilling matchups. With its rich history, iconic teams, and unforgettable dynasties, this conference continues to be a cornerstone of the NBA’s legacy. As the seasons roll on, fans can expect more epic battles, awe-inspiring performances, and a never-ending display of basketball excellence in the NBA’s Western Conference.

Last Updated: October 16th 2023