In abscence of any modern rivalries...

[Showtime80']

Enjoy some footage of the greatest rivalry the NBA has ever seen in one of the greatest regular season games and performances in NBA history:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5pTJmoa6rg

Perfect teams with all time superstars playing the most entertaining form of spectacular fundamental basketball!

[LikeMike]

How do some people think this is the GOAT era even when it has no rivalries?

[Kvnzhangyay]

How do some people think this is the GOAT era even when it has no rivalries?

On a purely technical view, it certainly is. The weakside player movements of this era and the offensive/defensive schemes to adapt to different teams is a pure basketball analyst's dream

However, from an entertainment standard, it is not even close to the GOAT era

[Showtime80']

Look at the precision, movement and quickness that both offenses have thanks to two main aspects lacking in today's NBA, solid low post play and technical high IQ pass first PG's!!! The spacing that double teaming the post created is quicker than the modern try to beat the defense 25 feet away from the basket setting a million screens in the process philosophy!

The modern raw, unpolished, fundamentally lacking athletes have made the game harder on themselves than it should be! That's what happens when you put a premium on physical prowess instead of mastering basic fundamentals.

Last but not least the modern NBA has too many teams and out of control salaries to build teams as loaded as those Celtics or Lakers!