30 best personal rivalries in the NBA today

By John Buhler | Jan 5, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant No. 35 of the Golden State Warriors and Russell Westbrook No. 0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder point in different directions after the ball went out of bounds at ORACLE Arena on January 18, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 24: Steven Adams No. 12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against Draymond Green No. 23 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half in game four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 24, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

14. Steven Adams vs. Draymond Green

A big part to a great NBA rivalry involving big men is pretty simple. Does one of the two giant dudes like to kick and did he kick another big man in the nether-region? The answer would be yes, and yes when it comes to Draymond Green and Steven Adams.

Even though Adams is from New Zealand, Green decided to kick him in the land down under during the 2016 Western Conference Finals. See, Green is the warrior for the Golden State Warriors and Adams is the thunder for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Obviously, something had to give.

The thing that gave was Adams’ ability to stand up, as Green demonstrated his field goal kicking ability on Adams’ stones. Green had other big kicks that postseason. He was the Adam Vinatieri of the Warriors that year, except they blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

Then again, the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead first, to the Warriors no less. Maybe Green wanted to make things interesting that spring? Either way, Adams should have been better in that playoff series. Maybe Kevin Durant wouldn’t have spurned the entire Sooner State a few weeks later? Adams did eventually get better, but Green had to bring him to his knees first. But how good is he at placekicking?

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