What to strive to, the best teams in D.C history

Initially I was going to take a look at the worst team’s in D.C history to see where the Nationals may end up ranking, but last nights win just warmed my heart. So I will do that article tomorrow.

Here is a list of the top three teams in D.C sports history; hopefully we can add the 2011 or 2012 Nationals to that list someday.

Top Three

3. 1974-1975 Washington Bullets

Everyone knows the 1977-78 Bullets club won the NBA title, however despite their eventual loss in the finals the 1974-1975 Bullets club was far superior.

Finishing with a record of 60-22, the Bullets led by Evlin Hayes, Phil Chenier, and Wes Unseld tied the Boston Celtics for the best record in the NBA.

Chenier, now the Wizards color commentator, and Hayes, combined for a vicious one two scoring punch. The two combined to average 21.8 and 23 ppg respectively. With the two the Bullets offered a solid offense that ranked 8^th in the league, and put up 104.7 ppg.

Defense, however, was the mark of this teams greatness.

The combination of the two big men, Elvin Hayes and Wes Unsled, dominated the paint on the defensive end. Hayes averaged 2.3 blocks per game and 1.9 steals, making him one of the top defensive players in the league, and Wes Unsled led the league in rebounds, pulling down 14.8 a game.

With the low post dominance as well as a solid perimeter defensive game, the Bullets held the claim of best defensive team in the league.

The season reached its pinnacle during an exciting six game eastern conference finals where the Bullets topped the Celtics four games to two. They went on to be swepts in the finals.

2. 2002 Maryland Terrapins 
  

Following a shocking Final Four loss to arch rival Duke in 2001, which saw them blow a 20 point halftime lead, the Terps went into 2002 with one thing on their mind; a National Championship.

The team was constructed perfectly for Gary Williams style of basketball.

 It boasted a floor general, Steve Blake, who finished his career as Maryland’s all time assist leader.

It had a low post scorer, Lonny Baxterm who used his wide frame to score a super-efficient 15.3 ppg.

It featured swingmen Byron Mouton and Chris Wilcox who on other teams would be a star both averaged 11 points a piece.

Most importantly however, it had hometown star, Juan Dixon, who finished his career as Maryland’s all time leading scorer. Dixon finished 2002 scoring 20.4 ppg with 2.6 spg, and earned the honor of ACC Player of the Year.

Gary Williams team went 32-4, which was the best record in team history,

The season culminated in a 64-52 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers, giving Maryland their first-ever National Championship.

1. 1991 Washington Redskins

 The Washington Redskins under Joe Gibbs have always been a club that is well-coached, filled with good character, and had a dedication to perfection.

The 1991 Redskins were as close to perfect as any Washington team has ever gotten.

The club boasted a 14-2 record, scored the most points in the NFL, and allowed the second fewest. They lead the league in point differential, and had the best record in football.

The team had the 5^th best pass offense, and the seventh best rush offense. The third best rush defense, and the seventh best pass defense.

What made the team so great was that with those stellar team outputs, there were no real superstars on the team. It was a great collection of extremely solid players under a legendary coach. Everybody did their job and they did it well.

The season culminated with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills to win the Super Bowl.

Runners up to this list: 1983-84 Hoyas, 1983 Redskins, 2008-2009 Capitals, 1977-78 Bullets.