Having covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology behind winning streaks—those magical stretches where everything clicks, momentum takes over, and teams seem almost untouchable. When I think about historic NBA runs, like the 1971–72 Lakers’ 33-game streak or the 2015–16 Warriors starting 24–0, it’s not just talent that stands out. It’s the discipline, the focus, and sometimes, the restraint under pressure. That’s why a moment from a Philippine Basketball Association game—where Rain or Shine’s Beau Reyes was hit with a technical foul just 7:48 into the opening period—stuck with me. Reyes had already been warned earlier in Game 4, and with his team barely leading 8–7, that lapse in composure shifted the dynamic instantly. It’s a small moment, but it reminds me how fragile momentum can be, even for the greatest teams.

In my view, the most impressive NBA streaks share one thing: mental toughness. Take the '95–96 Bulls, who went 72–10 in the regular season. They weren’t just stacked with talent; they had Michael Jordan’s relentless focus and Phil Jackson’s Zen-like approach to keeping emotions in check. I remember watching their 18-game streak that season—every close game felt like a foregone conclusion because they never beat themselves. Compare that to some modern teams: the 2021 Utah Jazz had a 24-game streak at home, but when playoff pressure mounted, composure wavered. That Reyes incident? It’s a microcosm of how technical fouls, ejections, or even small mental errors can derail a run. One moment you’re up 8–7, the next, the opponent’s at the line and your rhythm’s gone. I’ve always believed streaks aren’t just about scoring—they’re about avoiding unforced errors.

Let’s talk numbers, because they tell part of the story. The Lakers’ 33-game streak lasted from November 5, 1971, to January 7, 1972. They averaged 121.2 points per game during that stretch, but what’s often overlooked is their defense—holding opponents under 105 points in over 70% of those wins. Similarly, the 2012–13 Miami Heat’s 27-game streak leaned on LeBron James’ versatility, but also on role players like Shane Battier staying cool under pressure. I’ve noticed that in almost every historic run, there’s a player who manages the team’s emotional temperature. When Reyes got that technical in a tight game, it wasn’t just a free throw—it was a crack in the foundation. For title-contending teams, those cracks can end streaks sooner than any opposing team.

Of course, not all streaks are created equal. Personally, I’m more impressed by playoff streaks—like the Spurs’ 2014 title run, where they won 12 straight at one point—because the pressure is exponentially higher. Every possession matters, and one technical foul can swing a series. I still think the Warriors’ 73-win season, despite falling short in the Finals, showcased a regular-season dominance we may never see again. But here’s my take: longevity matters, but context matters more. A 15-game streak in today’s load-management era might be more impressive than a 20-game run in the '80s. And as for Reyes’ early technical? It’s a reminder that in basketball, as in life, the biggest obstacles are often ourselves.

So what can today’s teams learn from these historic runs? It’s simple: protect the streak by protecting your focus. Whether it’s the '72 Lakers or the 2023 Celtics, the great teams minimize distractions and emotional missteps. They play like every quarter could be the one that breaks them—because sometimes, it is. As I look back at the most iconic streaks, I’m struck by how many near-misses there were: a buzzer-beater saved the Heat’s run in 2013, and the Warriors narrowly escaped the Celtics in their 28th straight win. It’s those moments—where discipline overrides emotion—that separate good teams from legendary ones. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that in the pursuit of greatness, sometimes the most important stat isn’t on the scoreboard—it’s the number of times you kept your cool when it mattered most.