5 Best Games of Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James Rivalry

Jan 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward

(35) looks over at Miami Heat small forward

(6) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5 Best Games of The Kevin Durant Versus LeBron James Rivalry

Two elite talents, perhaps the finest players of their generation. They are linked by virtue of this incomparable level of skill; even as other great players help carry the league, only these two can truly rise above their peers.

Surprisingly, they’ve only faced each other a total of 18 times over the course of their careers but each meeting is a memorable one. The best of these was when the two superstars competed for the ultimate prize, a championship that James and his former team were able to secure.

The matchup undergoes another transformation on Thursday, when Kevin Durant and the OKC Thunder host LeBron James and his (once again) Cleveland Cavaliers. While James’ return to his hometown has endeared him to basketball fans, the acceptance is only possible because he has redefined himself as a proven champion. For Durant, those questions of his ability to secure the ultimate prize still dog him – at least for now.

And while we anticipate the chance that they’ll compete once again on the game’s greatest stage, we take a look at back at the five best meetings of their storied careers.

Next: Early Signs of Greatness