40–20 rule
(Redirected from Forty-twenty)
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.[1][2] It was first publicized by 11-time NBA champion head coach Phil Jackson in 2008.[3][4] 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.[5]
40-20 rule by season
[edit]- 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) |
References
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Moskowitz, Nate (February 22, 2025). "The Boston Celtics are contenders once again". SB Nation. SB Nation. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Murray, Law (April 20, 2021). "Clippers shoot their way into '40 before 20' contender status". The Athletic. New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ^ 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.
 | This basketball-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |