The Oklahoma City Thunder had the NBA's best record in 2024-25 and went on to win the NBA title. Most would say that was to be expected. After all, the best regular season team usually goes on to become the champion, right?

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Actually not. In fact, over the past 25 NBA seasons, the best regular season team has gone on to win the title only 8 times. OKC clearly bucked the trend.

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In the other 3 major sports, it is even worse. In both MLB and the NFL, the best teams have won the title only 7 times in 25 seasons. The NHL's regular season champions are the worst of all - only 4 Stanley Cups in 25 seasons.

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The 4 current Philly teams have not often finished with the best regular season record. But when they have, they have fared better than most teams from other cities.

 

The Eagles were the best 6 times and won the NFL title 3 of those times (1949, 1960, 2018). The 76ers were the best 3 times and won the NBA title 2 of those times (1967, 1983). The Flyers were the best 3 times and won the Stanley Cup 1 of those times (1975). And the Phillies? Well, they were the best only twice and did not win the World Series either time.