The biggest rivalries in the NBA may not be as fierce as they were back in the 1980s and 1990s, but there is still plenty of hatred between certain teams. Below, we discuss some of the biggest NBA rivalries and determine what makes them so ferocious.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Few would argue that the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics is not the biggest rivalry in the NBA. Not only are the Lakers and Celtics the oldest teams in the league, but they are also the most successful. Their feud exploded in the 1980s, with superstars like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson taking the rivalry to a whole new level.
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Separated by fewer than 300 miles, the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls have never seen eye to eye. The Midwest rivals have shared a mutual hatred for decades, but their fiercest battles came during the 1990s. Led by the iconic Michael Jordan, the Bulls clashed with Detroit’s “Bad Boys” on multiple occasions throughout the years.
New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat
When it comes to discussing the biggest rivalries in the NBA, you simply cannot fail to mention the rivalry between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. Back in the 1990s, the Eastern Conference powerhouses produced countless memorable contests. Stars like Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing ignited the rivalry and made it what it is today.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
The rivalry between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors has only been one of the of the biggest NBA rivalries in recent years, but that doesn’t make it any less special. Indeed, Cleveland and Golden State met in four straight NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018, with the Warriors triumphing on three occasions. LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have all featured in this rivalry.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Throughout the 2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs cemented their status as NBA powerhouses. Sharing 10 titles in 12 years, the Lakers and Spurs built an intense rivalry due to their success. Thanks to legends such as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, this rivalry will always be talked about as one of the biggest rivalries in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
It’s only right that one of the biggest NBA rivalries is between the biggest cities in the East and West, right? The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks have served up countless memorable clashes over the years, with players like Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Scottie Pippen producing crazy dunks, physical battles and plenty of trash talk.
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