The 2015–16 NBA season: a historic era of unprecedented individual and collective shifts
In short: It was a season defined by firsts and final farewells. From the first unanimous MVP in league history to the end of legendary careers, the 70th NBA season delivered a dramatic conclusion that wouldn't be seen again for nearly a decade.
The 2015–16 NBA season was marked by a singular individual achievement: Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors became the first player in league history to be named a unanimous MVP. This era of dominance coincided with a period of significant transition for the league's legends. The season served as the final chapter for several Hall of Famers, including Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett. Bryant, in particular, concluded a 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers by scoring a season-high 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz.
On the court, the postseason provided one of the most intense battles in basketball history. The 2016 NBA Finals concluded on June 19, 2016, with the Cleveland Cavaliers securing their first franchise championship. They achieved this by defeating the Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven-game series. This specific intensity—a Finals series going to seven games—was a rarity that would not be repeated in the NBA Finals until 2025.
The season was also characterized by instability in coaching ranks across the league. Numerous teams underwent significant leadership changes, often relying on interim solutions. The Golden State Warriors operated under assistant Luke Walton while Steve Kerr recovered from back surgery, with Walton leading the team to a 39–4 record before Kerr's return in January 2016. Similarly, the Cleveland Cavaliers replaced David Blatt with Tyronn Lue in January 2016, and the Milwaukee Bucks navigated the return of Jason Kidd following hip surgery. These shifts underscored a season of constant movement behind the scenes.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2015–16 NBA season
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