40–20 rule

For the Rugby League rule, see Rugby league gameplay § 40–20 kick.

Phil Jackson

The 40–20 rule posits that an NBA team must win 40 games before losing 20 to have a chance at winning that year's championship. It was first publicized by coach Phil Jackson in 2008. Ever since the NBA added the three-point line in the 1979-80 season, 41 out of 45 NBA champions have abided by the 40-20 rule; the four exceptions were the 1994–95 Houston Rockets, 2003–04 Detroit Pistons, 2005–06 Miami Heat, and the 2020–21 Milwaukee Bucks.

40-20 rule by season

Updated through 2024 season

Includes seasons since addition of 3-point line in 1979-80 season

^	Won championship despite violating 40-20 rule
†	Shortened season (not full 82 game schedule)

Season	Champion	Record at 40th win
1980	Los Angeles Lakers	40-17
1981	Boston Celtics	40-9
1982	Los Angeles Lakers	40-17
1983	Philadelphia 76ers	40-6
1984	Boston Celtics	40-12
1985	Los Angeles Lakers	40-16
1986	Boston Celtics	40-9
1987	Los Angeles Lakers	40-13
1988	Los Angeles Lakers	40-9
1989	Detroit Pistons	40-16
1990	Detroit Pistons	40-15
1991	Chicago Bulls	40-14
1992	Chicago Bulls	40-9
1993	Chicago Bulls	40-17
1994	Houston Rockets	40-15
1995	Houston Rockets ^	40-25
1996	Chicago Bulls	40-3
1997	Chicago Bulls	40-5
1998	Chicago Bulls	40-15
1999 †	San Antonio Spurs	37-13
2000	Los Angeles Lakers	40-11
2001	Los Angeles Lakers	40-19
2002	Los Angeles Lakers	40-17
2003	San Antonio Spurs	40-17
2004	Detroit Pistons ^	40-25
2005	San Antonio Spurs	40-11
2006	Miami Heat ^	40-20
2007	San Antonio Spurs	40-18
2008	Boston Celtics	40-9
2009	Los Angeles Lakers	40-9
2010	Los Angeles Lakers	40-13
2011	Dallas Mavericks	40-16
2012 †	Miami Heat	40-15
2013	Miami Heat	40-14
2014	San Antonio Spurs	40-15
2015	Golden State Warriors	40-9
2016	Cleveland Cavaliers	40-14
2017	Golden State Warriors	40-7
2018	Golden State Warriors	40-10
2019	Toronto Raptors	40-16
2020 †	Los Angeles Lakers	40-12
2021 †	Milwaukee Bucks ^	32-20
2022	Golden State Warriors	40-13
2023	Denver Nuggets	40-18
2024	Boston Celtics	40-12

References

1. Zeglinski, Robert (February 24, 2025). "Phil Jackson's old rule says these 3 NBA teams are the only serious contenders for the 2025 title". For the Win. USA Today. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
2. Zeglinski, Robert (February 29, 2024). "History says only these 4 NBA teams have a realistic chance of winning the championship, according to Phil Jackson". For the Win. USA Today. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
3. McIntyre, Jason (March 6, 2024). "Best NBA futures bets to make now, including Celtics, Lakers and Heat". FOX Sports. Fox Corporation. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
4. Murray, Law (April 20, 2021). "Clippers shoot their way into '40 before 20' contender status". The Athletic. New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
5. Larsen, Andy (February 20, 2020). "Can the Utah Jazz get 40 wins before 20 losses?". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
6. "Inside the NBA: Thanks to trade for Gasol, Lakers rise to top of West standings". Tufts Daily. TCI Press. February 25, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
7. Baker, Kendall; Tracy, Jeff (February 25, 2025). "The contenders: 40 before 20". Yahoo Sports. Yahoo. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
8. Pavlović, Svetozar (February 29, 2024). "What's the explanation behind Phil Jackson's 40-20 rule? Who's already 40-20 this NBA season?". Diario AS. PRISA. Retrieved February 26, 2025.