NBA history has always been full of notable rivalries between teams and players. Fans generally prefer individual player rivalries as they reflect more personal conflict and make the game more interesting. Two players who dislike each other or want to prove themselves better than each other definitely make for an entertaining sight to watch. However, not every rivalry seems ideal, as there have been several instances where one player dominates the other in big moments. Let’s have a look at those NBA rivalries where one player clearly had more success and skills than the other.
10. Reggie Miller Vs John Starks
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers entered into a fierce feud during the 90s that showed how heated and intense the basketball playoffs can be. John Stark was often the target of Miller’s trash talk. Even though the Knicks won some series against the Pacers, Reggie generally dominated the Starks with superior play and mind games. In fact, Miller is more remembered for dominating the Knicks during his NBA career.
9. Dennis Rodman Vs Karl Malone
The same Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz rosters featured in the memorable series in the 1997 and 1998 NBA finals. Karl Malone was Utah’s best player at the time, but they had to deal with Chicago’s Dennis Rodman as the leader of their defense. Rodman made his impact in the NBA finals by slowing Malone down from getting the MVP performance needed to eliminate the Bulls. Rodman once again won over Malone in a strange twist of wrestling each other in a WCW tag match.
8. LeBron James Vs Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah was the player who wasn’t afraid to trash talk about big names in the league. The 2010 encounter of Noah’s Chicago Bulls with LeBron James in the 2010 led to a lot of heated things on the court. Noah also called James soft and made fun of Cleveland’s situation in post-game interviews. However, LeBron played better and made his way against Noah’s team. In the four postseason meetings between the two, LeBron defeated Noah to win the trash talk battle each time.
7. Kevin Durant Vs Russell Westbrook
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were teammates at some point and are on good terms today, but there was animosity between the two for a few years. When Durant left Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors prime team, he became one of the most hated players during that time. Westbrook gained some popularity by throwing shade at Durant in interviews. The two faced off once before parting ways as their issues played out on the court. KD’s Warriors always enjoyed greater success during that period, with 5–3 head-to-head records and two NBA Championships.
6. Michael Jordan Vs Dominique Wilkins
Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins created a fun rivalry during their Slam Dunk Contest battle. Each of them won one of the Slam Dunk contests where they faced each other. However, the on-court rivalry during actual games saw MJ always easily dominating. He averaged 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for a 27–18 record against Wilkins in their respective careers. Dominique was a great player, but he could never come close to Jordan’s status as the best player in the league.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo Vs James Harden
Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden took shots at each other by doing a lot of trash talk. Antetokounmpo passed Harden in the NBA pecking order a few years later and watched them go back and forth. Harden was annoyed that Antetokounmpo won more MVP awards than him and cited his lack of skill. Antetokounmpo fired back by mocking Harden’s defense and taking less successful guards in the All-Star Draft. In a postseason matchup, Giannis defeated Harden and won the NBA Championship, making this rivalry very one-sided.
4. Stephen Curry vs. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has flourished throughout his career, but Stephen Curry surpassed him nearly eight years ago and has never looked in the conversation for the best point guard in the league. Curry holds a record of 21-14 against Paul in their total career matchups so far. Paul’s best chance to win the NBA title came with the Houston Rockets, where he lost to the Golden Warrior Point guard in both postseason runs.
3. Tim Duncan Vs Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan started the debate around the same time over who was the best power forward in the league. Duncan usually dominated Garnett when KG was on the Minnesota Timberwolves and they battled in the Western Conference. The San Antonio Spurs made deep playoff runs every season, while the Timberwolves struggled to advance out of the first round. Duncan holds an overall record of 33–19 against Garnett in his NBA career. The 6–2 record in the playoffs showed how Timmy had easily fared in the first round matchups against Garnett.
2. Kobe Bryant Vs Dwight Howard
The purpose of the Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Dwight Howard to team with Steve Nash and Pau Gasol was to create a super team. Things took a turn for the worse in one season as they failed to live up to the hype. The team’s chemistry deteriorated due to clashes between Bryant and Howard in the locker room and on the court. There are rumors that Kobe did not respect Dwight as a rival and it got worse as teammates. Bryant defeated Howard’s Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals during their biggest encounter. Dwight decided to leave the Lakers after one season after seeing Kobe throw shade and cursing him even on the court.
1. Bill Russell Vs Wilt Chamberlain
Bill Russell has made an incredible contribution to basketball during his NBA career. He was considered the best player in his era, as his winning style was almost always top-notch. A record-setting 11 NBA championships for Russell showed his dominance compared to just two for Chamberlain. Russell has a personal record of 57–37 against Chamberlain to solidify his status as the top big player of his generation.
Also Read:- 10 Best Seasons of Michael Jordan’s Legendary NBA Career
