The San Antonio Spurs come to Staples Center tonight, to battle the Lakers, with the best record in the NBA. At 40-8, the Spurs are off to the best start in franchise history, and one of the best starts in NBA history. There have only been 13 teams in league history to have a record of 40-8 or better, and only six teams better than the current San Antonio mark. Here are the best 48-game starts in league history:
| Best 48-Game Starts In NBA History | |||
| Team | Year | Record | Result |
| 76ers | 1966-67 | 44-4 | 68-13, NBA Champs |
| Bulls | 1995-96 | 43-5 | 72-10, NBA Champs |
| Bulls | 1996-97 | 42-6 | 69-13, NBA Champs |
| 76ers | 1982-83 | 41-7 | 65-17, NBA Champs |
| Lakers | 1971-72 | 41-7 | 69-13, NBA Champs |
| Celtics | 1964-65 | 41-7 | 62-18, NBA Champs |
| Spurs | 2010-11 | 40-8 | ??? |
| Pistons | 2005-06 | 40-8 | 64-18, lost East Finals |
| 76ers | 1980-81 | 40-8 | 62-20, lost East Finals |
| Blazers | 1977-78 | 40-8 | 58-24, lost West Semis |
| Celtics | 1972-73 | 40-8 | 68-14, lost East Finals |
| Bucks | 1970-71 | 40-8 | 66-16, NBA Champs |
| Nationals | 1949-50 | 40-8 | 51-13, lost NBA Finals |
Two of these teams, the 1972 Lakers and 1973 Celtics, lost their 49th game of the season. The only one of those teams to not win at least 62 games in a full season were the 1977-1978 Blazers, who lost Bill Walton to a broken foot shortly after their 50-10 start to the season. The defending NBA champs lost in the Western Conference semifinals to Seattle.
For more news on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.