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 11-time NBA champion head coach Phil Jackson Ever since the NBA added the three-point line in the 1979-80 season, all but four champions won 40 games before losing 20. The four teams that won the championship without winning 40 games before losing 20 are the 1994–95 Houston Rockets, 2003–04 Detroit Pistons, 2005–06 Miami Heat, and the 2020–21 Milwaukee Bucks.
"Updated through 2024 season"
"Includes seasons since addition of 3-point line in 1979-80 season"