(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Throughout NBA history, there have been numerous rivalries that have changed the league, fired up fanbases, and stood the test of time.
However, according to Stephen A. Smith, five matchups rise above the rest.
Speaking on Tuesday’s “First Take,” Smith listed his top-five “box office NBA matchups.”
Smith listed Larry Bird and Julius Erving in the fifth spot, behind LeBron James versus Stephen Curry.
He also said that Bill Russell against Wilt Chamberlain made the cut, as do Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.
But the matchup that is more “box office” than others is Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson.
.@stephenasmith‘s top five box office NBA matchups
1. Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson
2. Michael Jordan vs. Isiah Thomas
3. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain
4. LeBron James vs. Steph Curry
5. Bird vs. Julius Erving pic.twitter.com/bJ67Ms3IqE
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 2, 2024
In many ways, Bird versus Johnson hugely changed the league, bringing it into an era that was much more exciting, flashy, and modern.
Their rivalry started years before in college but really ramped up when Johnson was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird was leading the Boston Celtics.
For years, these two battled against each other and cemented a rivalry between the two teams that thrives to this day.
Other matchups on this list were also incredibly explosive, including Jordan and Thomas.
Recent stories have suggested that these two still don’t care for each other and perhaps they will never get over their past.
James and Curry, meanwhile, are still playing against each other although it’s not clear how much longer they will be on-court rivals.
They are nearing their retirement, which means that NBA fans only get a few more years to see these two icons face off on the hardwood.
Smith had a tough time narrowing down his list to just five choices, but he did a great job touching upon the best matchups in league history.
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