Top Five NBA Dynasties

We are 60 years into the NBA—and have they been a great 60 years!

We've experienced amazing performances, games, and players that will be remembered for the rest of our lives, and that will stand out in our mind forever.

Some of the greatest teams also have ever been assembled, but the list compiled isn't just about having one or two good years—it's about having just about every year be consistently good and exceeding expectations season after season:

5. San Antonio Spurs

Making the switch from the ABA, the Spurs adjusted to the NBA and have become one of the NBA's premier franchises, winning three championships within the past seven years. The Spurs have more division titles more than any other team in the past 32 years since the merger, with 15.

The Spurs became the top team for the first time in the 1998-99 season, when they beat the New York Knicks 4-1. Following that, they won the title in 2003, 2005, and most recently, a sweep over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007. Three of these championships featured Tim Duncan as Finals MVP.

The Spurs also have had a number of current and future Hall of Famers on their roster as well, including George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, and Duncan.

4. Detroit Pistons

The bad boys of basketball—a name which has stuck with them since the late 1980s. Beginning as the Fort Wayne-Zollner Pistons in 1941, the Pistons have certainly made their mark as a familiar face in the NBA Finals in recent seasons. The Pistons have won a total of 15 division titles, seven conference titles and three championships.

The Pistons are most notably remembered for their late '80s days, when they sported the lineup of Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Bill Laimbeer. The impenetrable and rough defense proved well worthy, as they won back to back championships from the 1988-89 and 1989-1990 season.

Their latest championship came in 2004, when they upset the Los Angeles Lakers in a lopsided 4-1 victory. They continue to make long pushes into the playoffs, and are always considered a threat in the postseason.

3. Chicago Bulls

Beginning in 1966, this team is on this list for one and one reason only—Michael freakin' Jordan. Prior to him, the Bulls did feature players such as Reggie Theus and Jerry Sloan—but none that could make an impact like Jordan did.

Starting in 1991, the Bulls won back-to-back-to-back championships, until they were interrupted by Jordan's sudden retirement. After his two-year absence, the Bulls went on for another three-peat, two of them coming against Karl Malone and the Jazz.

Jordan—and his squad of Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Ron Harper, Luc Longley and Toni Kukoc—also did the unthinkable in the 1995-96 season, posting a 72-10 record.

Since Jordan's retirement, the Bulls have not achieved the glory they once held, but are a threat in the East, consistently making the playoffs with a young starting cast.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

This team just spells greatness, even with a nickname that has nothing to do with its city. The Lakers, even when located in Minneapolis won five championships, including a back-to-back and a three-peat. That's five championships in six years—unheard of in these times.

The Lakers regained the top spot once again in 1972, when Wilt Chamberlain starred as the league's premier player. The Lakers have gone on to win eight more championships—including another three-peat, featuring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal on all three teams.

The Lakers have been to the Finals more than any other team, and have 29 conference titles and 14 championships. The Lakers also have featured star players Magic Johnson, scoring champion Kareem Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy, and George Mikan.

1. Boston Celtics

As if anyone could say different.

After a lay off from the championship, the Celtics have tasted sweet victory once again.

In the 1955-56 season, the Celtics won their first title. They made the Finals again the next year, before falling to the St. Louis Hawks. After this loss, the Celtics put a string of titles together that will never be matched again—eight consecutive championships featuring the original combo point guard-center combo in Bob Cousy and Bill Russell.

After they failed to make the Finals after their eight-season winning streak, they went on another run, winning back to back championships. Two more titles were captured in the 1970s.

Then, the 1980s emerged along with and the most recognizable face of the Celtics—the man from French Lick, Indiana, Larry Bird. Three more championships were won, thanks to players like Larry Bird, Robbert Parrish and Kevin McHale.

Also, one of the most notable NBA rivalries emerged, between the Celtics and the Lakers. The rivalry reemerged this past year, as the two faced each other in the Finals once again with the Celtics coming out on top with a team featuring Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

The Celtics have won more championships than anyone with 17, 20 conference titles and 26 division titles.

Honorable mentions: Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers.