Throughout NBA history, there have actually been many competitions that have actually altered the league, fired up fanbases, and stood the test of time.

However, according to Stephen A. Smith, 5 matches increase above the rest.

Speaking on Tuesday’s “First Take,” Smith noted his top-five “box office NBA matchups.”

Smith noted Larry Bird and Julius Erving in the 5th area, behind LeBron James versus Stephen Curry.

He likewise stated that Bill Russell versus Wilt Chamberlain made it, as do Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.

But the match that is more “box office” than others is Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson.

.@stephenasmith‘s leading 5 ticket office NBA matches

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 lots of methods, Bird versus Johnson extremely altered the league, bringing it into a period that was a lot more interesting, fancy, and contemporary.

Their competition began years before in college however actually increase when Johnson was betting the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird was leading the Boston Celtics.

For years, these 2 fought versus each other and sealed a competition in between the 2 groups that prospers to this day.

Other matches on this list were likewise exceptionally explosive, consisting of Jordan and Thomas.

Recent stories have actually recommended that these 2 still don’t care for each other and maybe they will never ever overcome their past.

James and Curry, on the other hand, are still betting each other although it’s unclear just how much longer they will be on-court competitors.

They are nearing their retirement, which implies that NBA fans just get a couple of more years to see these 2 icons take on on the wood.

Smith had a difficult time limiting his list to simply 5 options, however he did a fantastic task discussing the very best matches in league history.

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