5 Of The Best Sports Rivalries In North America
Start writing a post
Sports

5 Of The Greatest Sports Rivalries In North America That Can Cause Nationwide Celebrations

One of the things that bring fans a sports team together is beating your rival on a yearly basis, but for these 10 teams, it's beat their opponent at any cost.

995
5 Of The Greatest Sports Rivalries In North America That Can Cause Nationwide Celebrations

Through thick and thin sports have been the one thing that has brought people together, through times of hardships, like the 9/11 attacks or the Boston Bombings. Through times of celebration, yearly NBA Christmas Day quintuple-header and MLB celebrating our great nation playing on Independence Day. But what happens when they don't, what makes sports around the world great are the rivalries that different teams have and the hatred between these two teams. When it comes to these five North American teams, sometimes, the entirety of their season comes down to beating your rivals.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens (NHL)

@mapleleafs

While the NHL has some iconic rivalries that date back to the late 1800s, this battle between Canadian powerhouses is a must watch every these two play each other. Compared to the other major sports, hockey is the violent, as fights break out on a nightly basis, leading to action every time the pads are strapped on, and its game time. The Canadians lead the overall series, including postseason, 397-317-88-10.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics (NBA)

@lalakersland

In the late 1960s and 1970s, the Celtics and Lakers would meet up in the NBA Finals like clockwork. As the turn of the century came, both teams would see success but wouldn't match up in the finals. Just as the series faded away, LeBron James joined the Lakers, and former teammate, Kyrie Irving, was traded to the Boston Celtics, as he voiced his displeasure of playing second fiddle to LeBron on the Cleveland Cavaliers. While there is speculation Irving could sign with the Lakers this offseason, if he re-signs with the Celtics, this old rivalry could be rekindled.

New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)

@tombrady

Of all the rivalries mentioned, this is the youngest and newest of the group, the in the past 5 years, if the Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to make a run at the Super Bowl, it would go through New England, and with the two meeting during the regular season, and has set a tone for the remainder of the season. It doesn't help that two of the best quarterbacks in this generation play for each of these teams. In the Brady-Belichick era, the Patriots lead the all-time series 11-3.

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox (MLB)

@redsox

When two of the winningest teams in MLB history have to play each other 19 times a year, why would you think there would be hard feelings. The Red Sox and Yankees have had some of the most iconic moments in MLB history such as Bloody Sock Game, A-Rod vs Jason Varitek, and Aaron Boone miraculous walk-off in the ALCS. With both teams being loaded with young talent, it is safe to say that this historic rivalry will live on for a long time.

Duke Blue Devils vs UNC Tar Heels (NCCA D1 Men's Basketball)

@bleacherreport

What more is there to say, Duke and UNC (University of North Carolina) are located 10 miles away from each other, and face each other twice a year, and generally a third time in the ACC tournament in early March. Some of the greatest moments in college basketball history over the years, such as Austin Rivers wall off buzzer beater, and just this year, Zion Williamson busting through his shoe in the first minutes of the game. With two of the greatest coaches in college basketball with no plans to retire, these two blue bloods will still be at the top fighting year in and year out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58741
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959433
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194890
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments