OK tribe we made it! Over the last couple days I've posted about the biggest rivalries of all time in the NBA. We've had LeBron James fuelling a huge rivalry with the Warriors. Don't forget the all dominant Lakers and Spurs throughout the 2000's.
During the 90's the Knicks and Heat rivalry threatened to escalate into an all our war and we can't forget Michael Jordan and his beef with the Knicks. Well for Jordan fans you'll love the fact that he's in the final two! Is his next feud good enough for number one on the list?
2. Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
The Pistons-Bulls rivalry began as one of the biggest NBA rivalries in the late 80's. Both cities are separated by only 280 miles and are the largest metro areas in the Midwest.
Detroit's "Bad Boys" era invented the 'Jordan Rules', a strategy used to limit the impact Michael Jordan had on games. By limiting his clutch shots and playing execessively physical on him Detroit knocked Chicago out of the playoffs in three straight seasons winning back-to-back championships.
Phil Jackson's "Triangle Offense" changed things however and the Bulls dominated the rivalry winning six titles during the 90's.
One of the most intense indivdual rivalries of all-time was created in the Pistons-Bulls rivalry. Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas have always had a hatred for one another. Jordan believes Thomas was behind the infamous 'Freezeout' of Jordan at the 1985 NBA All-Star Game.
Thomas, a Chicago native and one of the greatest single franchise NBA players of all time, had to watch as Jordan transformed his hometown Bulls into one of the greatest teams of all time.
The Moment started Bad Boy Pistons — Chicago Bulls Rivalry. pic.twitter.com/yRnMUHmLXU
— Oldskoolbball (@Oldskoolbball2) January 28, 2022
Source: Originally posted on Twitter by @Oldskoolbball2
1. LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics and LA Lakers are the biggest rivals in NBA history. They're the two oldest teams in the league and by far are the most successful two teams of all time, the Lakers matching Celtics 17 NBA titles in 2020.
The rivalry exploded throughout the 80's in a decade where it was either the Celtics or the Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rivalry is among the greatest duals in NBA history.
Not only was Boston vs. Los Angeles an East Coast-West Coast battle. There were strong racial divides between the two cities. Larry Bird was nicknamed the “Great White Hope” and the Lakers African-American stars of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. It all set the platform for the biggest NBA rivalry of all time.
Source: Originally posted on Twitter by @BleacherReport
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Wolfgang Sport started in 2017 as a way to connect my passion for American and British sports. Today it's evolved into a blockchain sports blog pushing the boundaries into the crypto world and embracing Web3 technologies.
I know about the Lakers and the Boston back then. I watched Basketball occasionally though. I am always intrigued with how you come up with interesting sporting topics.
I dont know if its only me, but when i even read in the same sentence the names Lary Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar if feel so nostalgic about those games! Great post as always buddy!
I get that feeling for the generation i watched when young. It makesme feel old when they all get Hall of Fame Inducted and they all begin to become coaches
I think until today, that drama about Thomas and Jordan is still very alive.