All-Time Most Intense NBA Rivalries

Rivalries can develop between teams that play each other often. The stakes seem sky-high, as players bring their A-games, fans dial up the noise, and hard feelings carry over. Read on for the greatest NBA match-ups of all time.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics

The intense competition between the Lakers and Celtics began in the sixties as Boston triumphed over L.A. all six times they met in the NBA Finals. The star-studded rivalry has lasted generations, from Wilt Chamberlain taking on Bill Russell in the 1960s to Kobe Bryant facing Kevin Garnett in the 2000s. In 1985, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, finally beat Boston. Today, the dynasties are tied for most NBA titles at 17 each.

New York Knicks vs Miami Heat

Knicks coach Pat Riley moved over to the Heat in 1995, sparking tampering charges and a feeling of betrayal that set the tone for the rivalry. The teams met in the post-season for four consecutive years of drama. There was a bench-clearing brawl in 1997 and an equally infamous melee in 1998 that saw Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy grabbing Alonzo Mourning's legs. In 1999, a stunning Game 5 buzzer-beater eliminated the Heat from the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors

The Cavs and Warriors squared off against each other in the NBA Finals for four straight years. The Warriors drew first blood by claiming the 2015 title, but the Cavs came back from a 3-1 series deficit to triumph in 2016. After Golden State added Kevin Durant later that year, LeBron James and the Cavs couldn't beat them again in the NBA Finals. After the 2018 season wrapped, James left Cleveland for the Lakers.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons

There was no shortage of animosity as Detroit's "Bad Boys" knocked off the Bulls in three consecutive playoff series beginning in 1988. While the Bulls finally enjoyed sweet redemption in 1991, sweeping Detroit to take the Eastern title, there were definitely hard feelings. The Pistons left the court with less than eight seconds to play, refusing to shake hands with their opponents. Chicago went on to beat the Lakers in the championships, earning Michael Jordan his first title.

Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs

Each time the Spurs and Suns have matched up in the playoffs, emotions have run high. In 2007, a fight erupted in the semifinals. Two Suns players were suspended, and the Spurs won the series. In 2008, after a hard-fought double overtime victory, San Antonio eliminated their rivals for a fourth straight year. And in 2010, even though Steve Nash's eye was swollen shut from an elbow hit, the Suns finally beat the Spurs with a four-game sweep.