- A basketball legacy showdown can only come down to one winner
- While it is often a forgotten state, Ohio is home to superstar talents
- New York can field five Hall of Famers with exceptional scoring talent
The NBA brings players from around the country, as every state is home to a handful of talented stars that have made massive impacts on the game. When it comes to producing basketball legends, few states in the United States can rival the rich histories of New York and Ohio. These two basketball powerhouses have consistently churned out some of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From iconic playgrounds to storied high school rivalries, the basketball culture in both New York and Ohio runs deep, shaping the careers and legacies of numerous athletes.
In this captivating showdown, we pit the best of the best from these two states against each other in an ultimate fantasy matchup: the All-Time New York Starting 5 versus the All-Time Ohio Starting 5. Prepare to witness an exploration of talent, skill, and sheer determination as we assemble these dream teams, each representing the basketball heritage of their respective states. From the streets of Brooklyn to the heartland of Ohio, we delve into the historical tapestry that has produced players capable of achieving greatness on the court.
Join us as we embark on this exhilarating journey through time and basketball history, as we pit the likes of New York’s finest against Ohio’s greatest in a clash of titans that transcends eras. We have already seen how New York fared against California, but how would they handle the Ohio superstars? At the same time, we also saw how the Ohio superstars handled the Californians, and we should combine the two teams into one matchup. It is time to find out who comes out in the New York vs. California matchup.
Team New York Starting Lineup: Tiny Archibald, Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, Bernard King, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Team Ohio Starting Lineup: Stephen Curry, John Havlicek, LeBron James, Nate Thurmond, Jerry Lucas
Team New York is packed with superstar offensive talent, led by Nate “Tiny” Archibald and the GOAT Michael Jordan in the backcourt. In the frontcourt are Dr. J, Bernard King, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, that cover all aspects of scoring, efficiency, and defense. Meanwhile, Team Ohio combined the playmaking and scoring aspects of the first three players (Curry, Havlicek, and LeBron) while Thurmond and Lucas take over the paint.
Nate Archibald vs. Stephen Curry
Nate “Tiny” Archibald, a product of New York, has epitomized the classic point guard archetype. Known for his impeccable court vision and unrivaled playmaking skills, Archibald orchestrates offenses with a finesse that borders on artistry. His ability to control the pace of the game, thread precise passes, and maneuver through defenses earned him a reputation as one of the finest playmakers of his era. Even if he is undersized at 6’1”, Archibald will be tough to handle against the defender.
At 6’2”, Stephen Curry may not be a towering figure on the court, but his deep range and otherworldly ball-handling skills have propelled him to multiple MVP awards and numerous NBA records in reality. His skill in draining shots from seemingly impossible distances will stretch the defense to its limits, creating offensive opportunities and forcing the New Yorkers to adapt their strategies. Throughout the series, Steph will average 40% from the three-point line.
Michael Jordan vs. John Havlicek
Michael Jordan, often heralded as the greatest to ever grace the hardwood, brought an unparalleled blend of athleticism, skill, and competitiveness to the game. Over a 7-game series, Jordan’s offensive repertoire will shine brightly. His mid-range jumpers, acrobatic finishes at the rim, and clutch performances in critical moments will test Havlicek’s defensive mettle. Jordan’s unyielding will to win and his ability to elevate his teammates will be potent weapons as he seeks to outshine Havlicek.
Meanwhile, Havlicek’s disciplined defense and unrelenting hustle will pose a significant challenge for Jordan. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, make crucial steals, and contribute in various facets of the game will force Jordan to adapt and strategize. Havlicek’s team-oriented mindset and clutch playmaking will be instrumental in generating opportunities for his teammates.
Julius Erving vs. LeBron James
In a hard-fought series against The King, Julius Erving’s ability to attack the rim with unparalleled elegance will challenge even the most formidable defenses. His versatility, showcased through mid-range jumpers and defensive tenacity, will provide a unique test for LeBron. Erving’s charisma and ability to perform in clutch moments will make him a true force to be reckoned with.
Certainly, the better all-around player, LeBron James’ innate ability to control the tempo and impact every play will be a driving force. His versatility as a scorer, facilitator, and rebounder will challenge Erving’s defensive prowess and require strategic adjustments. LeBron’s leadership and propensity for elevating his teammates could tip the scales in favor of his team.
Bernard King vs. Nate Thurmond
Renowned for his scoring prowess, King possesses an array of moves that made him a nightmare for defenders. His lethal combination of mid-range jumpers, footwork, and uncanny ability to score in traffic established him as one of the game’s premier offensive talents. In this seven-game series, King’s offensive arsenal will be on full display. His isolation plays, fadeaway jumpers, and crafty post moves will test Thurmond’s defensive abilities. King’s offensive output, combined with his tenacity and competitive spirit, could swing momentum in his team’s favor.
Even if it won’t be easy against the talented Bernard King, Nate Thurmond’s defensive skills will be paramount. His ability to disrupt King’s scoring rhythm, alter shots, and anchor the defense could prove to be a game-changer. Thurmond’s offensive contributions and playmaking from the center position will also add a dimension that King’s team will need to counter. As great as Thurmond is defensively, King will have a slight edge in this matchup.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs. Jerry Lucas
In this seven-game series, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook would pose a formidable challenge to Lucas’ defensive capabilities. The ability to stretch the floor and draw defenders into the post would open up opportunities for other scoring stars beside him. Abdul-Jabbar’s presence in the paint and shot-blocking ability would also be crucial in stifling Lucas’ offensive contributions just as much. In terms of big-man play, Kareem is the major player in this series.
When dealing with an unstoppable Hall of Fame scorer, Lucas’ ability to read the game and make intelligent plays would be a crucial asset. His rebounding prowess would counter Abdul-Jabbar’s presence in the paint, potentially limiting second-chance opportunities. Lucas’ strategic positioning and playmaking from both inside and outside would challenge Abdul-Jabbar’s defensive adaptability as much as possible. Unfortunately for him, Kareem edges him in this matchup.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
In a highly anticipated clash in Game 1, both teams bring their A-game. The New Yorkers showcase their offensive prowess, with Tiny Archibald orchestrating plays and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominating the paint. Ohio natives, however, rely on their three-point prowess, with Stephen Curry and LeBron James draining threes from all angles. As the final seconds tick away, Curry’s exceptional fourth quarter (3-4 from three) gives Ohio a narrow 4-point victory despite the all-around attack by the New Yorkers.
In Game 2, Julius Erving channels his inner “Dr. J” as he electrifies the crowd with jaw-dropping dunks and creative scoring. Michael Jordan and Bernard King join forces for a scoring frenzy, adding in 29 points apiece, while LeBron James leads Ohio’s charge. However, Erving’s explosive performance (34 points, 11 rebounds), combined with Archibald’s playmaking (14 assists), secures a blowout win for New York. LeBron has a 31-point triple-double, but he does not get much help elsewhere.
Game 3 is a defensive duel down to the wire. Nate Thurmond and Jerry Lucas anchor Ohio’s defense, stifling New York’s scoring efforts. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook and Jordan’s mid-range game keep the New Yorkers competitive despite the aggressive defenses and slow pace of the game. In a low-scoring affair, Ohio’s defensive tenacity proves decisive, led by Thurmond’s shot-blocking and Lucas’ court vision. Ohio sneaks by with a 5-point victory, 95-90, as the dominant inside duo combine for seven blocks and 21 rebounds.
Down 2-1, Michael Jordan goes on a scoring rampage, showcasing his offensive versatility and torching the Ohio defense. LeBron James responds with another triple-double performance, but Jordan’s hot hand propels New York to a commanding victory. Jordan scores 10 points in the first quarter, eight in the second, 15 in the third, and 10 in the fourth for a monster 43-point performance. Ohio keeps it close, but Jordan’s dominance is the key to a 115-105 victory to tie the series 2-2.
In Game 5, Stephen Curry catches fire, draining threes from every corner of the court. Michael Jordan counters with his signature clutch shots, but Curry’s unprecedented shooting display gives Ohio a critical win once the team starts double-teaming Jordan in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the New Yorkers, no other player shows up in terms of making a massive difference, and the game ends 120-112, as we head to a pivotal Game 6.
Not to be outdone, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar take over the game. Jordan puts on a masterclass in all-around play, dominating both ends of the floor with his scoring, playmaking, and defense. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leads New York’s charge as well, dropping his best performance in the series with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan and Kareem have no answer from the time the second half starts, and Ohio just realizes they need to pack it in and prepare for the mouth-watering Game 7 event.
In a thrilling series finale, both teams leave it all on the court. Michael Jordan’s iconic competitiveness and Julius Erving’s flair ignite New York’s offense, while Ohio’s balanced attack, led by John Havlicek and Nate Thurmond, keeps them in the game. As the clock winds down, a last-second three-pointer by Stephen Curry rims out, leading to a final possession for the New Yorkers. Ohio realizes they need to clamp Jordan for the final possession, and as the GOAT drives the ball, he makes a quick dish to Kareem, who nails the game-winning hook shot with 0.2 seconds left to win the series.
With an incredible series over, the New Yorkers celebrate as their stars showed up when it mattered. The Finals MVP award comes down between Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar, but the former takes the award for his clutch performances and big-time scoring displays when he was needed.
Final Result: All-Time New York Starting Five vs. All-Time Ohio Starting Five 4-3
Finals MVP: Michael Jordan
