Posted Aug 13, 2013 2:21 PM
From the origins of the league in the 1940s, through the run of Celtics' dominance in the 60s, to the ABA merger in the 70s and the Bird vs. Magic rivalry of the 80s, followed by the Jordan Bulls' dominating the 1990s, NBA.com profiles the greatest players in NBA history.
These are the players that made the NBA what it is today:
NBA LEGENDS
![]() | Top Showdowns: Durant vs. LeBron Kevin Durant scores 40 points, but LeBron James' 39 points help lift the Heat over the Thunder in OKC. |
![]() | Top Showdowns: Durant vs. Paul Kevin Durant scores 35 points in his showdown versus Chris Paul who scores 26 points and eight assist in the Thunder victory over the Clippers. |
![]() | Top Showdowns: Durant vs. Smith Kevin Durant and J.R. Smith battle it out in Madison Square Garden and the Thunder edge out the one point win over the Knicks. |
![]() | Top Showdowns: Durant vs. Aldridge Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge score 33 points apiece, but the Thunder come out on top of the Trail Blazers by four. |
![]() | Top Showdowns: Durant vs. Irving Kyrie Irving proved to be unstoppable scoring 35 points in a fourth quarter explosion for the Cavs in the win against Kevin Durant and the Thunder. |