You'll Never Get 80% Or Higher On This NBA Quiz. But You Can Try!
- by Joey Haverford
- – on
- in Sports
Every sports fan likes to think they are an expert, but only the true diehards will have a strong memory when it comes to their favorite league. The NBA leaves an impact on the viewer more than the other sports. Superstars dominate the sport with big names and star power being unparalleled in the sports world. There have also been many dynasties and rivalries that led to fascinating stories unfolding in the playoffs. All these factors make it easy for fans to keep track of all the action in the NBA through the years.
We are going to test your knowledge when it comes to the tough questions about various events to go down. Past and current basketball players, teams, series and everything in between will be involved in the questions here. You will have to dig deep in your memory for all the following questions. At the end of the quiz, your results will show how you compared to your fellow basketball heads. Be sure to read each question carefully if you want to get the best possible result. Find out where you rank as the only the biggest NBA fans will be able to score above 80% on this quiz.
Which team defeated Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Lakers in the NBA Finals?
The Los Angeles Lakers dynasty of the early 2000s saw Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dominate the league for a few years. Shaq was the most dominant player in the NBA and Bryant was entering his peak as a top ten all-time legend. The Lakers managed to win three rings with Shaq and Kobe leading the way. Both guys regret missing out on another ring when they lost one NBA Finals series together. Can you name the Eastern Conference team that was able to beat the Lakers?
Who has won the most regular season MVP Awards of the following players?
Regular season MVP Awards are one of the strongest accomplishments an NBA player can make for their historical legacy. NBA Championships can be hard to get if you don’t have the luck on playing for the right time. An MVP Award represents someone being the best player in the league. All these players listed have won at least one MVP Award in their career and will likely enter the Hall of Fame. Do you know which of them have won the most MVP Awards?
Which of the following All-Stars was on "Team LeBron" in the 2018 All-Star Game?
The recent All-Star Game change in having two teams drafted by captains created new interest. LeBron James and Stephen Curry each received the most votes for their respective captains and were able to select from the field of All-Stars. LeBron’s team won a close game late and he took home the All-Star Game MVP Award. It technically proved that James did the better job drafting his team to defeat Curry. Can you remember which of the following players was on LeBron’s team?
True or False: Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson are the only players to average a triple double for an entire regular season.
Russell Westbrook has become one of the best players in the NBA at the point guard position. The evolution of the position has seen him dominate the boards as well as points and assists. Westbrook won the 2017 NBA MVP Award thanks to outstanding numbers leading his Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs. Many experts compared his iconic season to the past work of the legendary Oscar Robertson. Is it true Westbrook and Robertson are the only two players to average a triple double through a full season?
Name this player
The player listed became a cult favorite in the 90s during his time on the Charlotte Hornets. At just 5’3’’, he is still the shortest person to ever play in the NBA. This guy impressed enough to land a great spot on the roster contributing to winning. His popularity allowed him to be one of the NBA stars selected to join the cast of Space Jam. Fans of the Hornets still love rocking his throwback jersey today. Can you name this player?
Which of the following players was NOT traded for Kyrie Irving?
Kyrie Irving being traded away from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics this past offseason proved anything can truly happen in the NBA. No one would have expected Irving to leave the team one season after hitting a legendary game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The request to leave Cleveland has seen him step up as the best player on the Celtics. Which of the following players was NOT traded to the Cavaliers in exchange for Irving?
Which team did Paul Pierce play his final game for?
The Boston Celtics recently retired the jersey of Paul Pierce to celebrate his legacy with the team. Pierce helped contribute to the 2008 NBA Championship and gave the franchise years of superb play. Boston ended up ending their time together abruptly when they traded Pierce and Kevin Garnett for future assets. The trade worked out and Pierce continued playing for various franchises. While he was no longer a star, Pierce contributed for a few more years. Can you remember which team Pierce officially played his final game with?
How many teams did Ray Allen win an NBA Championship with?
Ray Allen is one of all-time great three-point shooters in NBA history. Despite being talented at every facet of the game, Allen took it to another level when shooting from deep. The legend will certainly make the Hall of Fame one day. Allen has been a part of many talented teams throughout his career. The shooting of Allen played a role in a lot of winning. Can you remember how many different teams Allen won an NBA Championship with in his playing career?
True or False: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili all have won NBA Finals MVP
The San Antonio Spurs have been a fixture at the top of the Western Conference over the past two decades. Gregg Popovich has led the team with different rosters of talented players coming in and out. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard may all enter the Hall of Fame one day, but they all played together for a few seasons. Each man fulfilled their potential in the Spurs organization. Is it true that all four Spurs legends have won the NBA Finals MVP?
Name this player
This forgotten player was one of the premiere three-point shooters in the 90s. His outside shooting would have made him a bigger asset today with the three-point shot dominating the game. The talent of this player allowed him to win the All-Star Game MVP Award in 1997. Considering the legendary names to win that award, he may be the least memorable of them all. He still deserves to be celebrated for his play in the 90s. Can you name this retired NBA star?
Which team did Kobe Bryant score 81 points against?
The legendary Kobe Bryant recently won an Oscar Award proving he can truly do anything he sets his mind to. Bryant has been keeping busy after retirement a few years ago. Los Angeles Lakers fans still miss him and the excellence he brought to the court. Bryant’s most memorable regular season performance saw him score 81 points, the second most in NBA history. No one could stand Kobe on this night. Do you know which team faced the Lakers on the night Bryant scored 81?
Who did the San Antonio Spurs beat to win their first NBA Championship?
The success of the San Antonio Spurs has not no end in sight as the team continues to develop new talent. San Antonio has won five NBA Championships behind the great coaching of Gregg Popovich. No team has been able to replicate their success in terms of consistent greatness. The first title win for the Spurs unofficially started the incredible run that is still going today. Can you remember which Eastern Conference team lost to the Spurs in San Antonio’s first NBA Championship win?
Which active All-Star was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft?
Draft picks are more important than ever in the NBA today with every team needing multiple superstars to contend. Struggling franchises must hope to land the right players in the draft since top talent will choose to play for the better teams. Lottery picks often give the best talent to weaker teams in need of the help. However, a few 2nd round picks have blossomed into superstars. Can you name the player of the following choices to get selected in the second round?
True or False: Michael Jordan has never lost in the NBA Finals or Conference Finals.
The legend of Michael Jordan has him as the popular choice as the greatest basketball player of all-time. Jordan truly dominated the game with style as his entertaining style of play won him six NBA Championships. No team wanted to oppose Jordan and the Chicago Bulls come playoff time. Jordan will always be remembered for his winning ways. Is it true or false that Jordan never suffered defeat in an NBA Finals series or Eastern Conference Finals series during his playing career?
Name this player
This former All-Star is not someone that gets much love for his career, but he certainly had a few great moments. The Boston Celtics saw this player achieve a lot of success in the early 2000s as half of a superstar duo with Paul Pierce. He helped contribute to the Miami Heat winning the 2006 NBA Championship. A combination of skill and style certainly helped him thrive before his career went downwards faster than anyone expected. Can you name this player?
Which current coach did Allen Iverson disrespectfully step over in the 2001 NBA Finals?
Allen Iverson is still remembered today as one of the most influential players of his era. The smaller size of Iverson allowed many kids to relate to him. Quite a few stars entering the league now have made it clear that Iverson was the one to inspire them growing up. Iverson played with a style that made him rather cool beyond the usual scoring points in a basket. One specific moment saw him step over a former player/current coach during the 2001 NBA Finals following a sick crossover move. Who was it?
Which player scored 71 points on the final night of the regular season to pass Shaq for scoring title?
Shaquille O’Neal was upset about losing out on the scoring title in the 1993-1994 season. It appeared like Shaq easily had the statistical accomplishment locked up heading into the final game of the season. One team concocted a plan for their best player to score enough points to top O’Neal. This player scored an incredible 71 points to win the scoring title after the team ran every play for him. Shaq was livid at someone going to this length to block him from winning the scoring title. Which player scored the 71 points?
Which of the following players has NEVER averaged over 30 points in a single season?
Scoring is always an important part of the game. Even the selfless superstars will still find their way at the top of the scoring list just by having the ball in their hands so often. The sign of an elite season will see a player reach the rare category of averaging 30+ points per game. Only the greatest scorers have been able to hit the 30+ points per game plateau in a full season. Which of the following legendary names have never averaged 30+ points per game?
True or False: The Los Angeles Lakers have the most NBA Championships in NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the all-time great sports franchises. Legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant have played outstanding basketball for them. Los Angeles has been spoiled with NBA Championship rings consistently since the Lakers have found dominance most decades. A few other decades have attempted to rival them, but the Lakers tend to always get the biggest names in the long run. Is it true that the Lakers have won the most NBA Championships in league history?
Name this player
The cult hero shown here became a memorable player in the NBA for the silliest reasons. While he did have his fair share of good moments, this player mostly spent his time on the bench as a reserve. A nickname of “White Mamba” was created to rival Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba.” This player managed to win an NBA Championship as a bench player on the 2008 Boston Celtics. The run in Boston started his popularity around the league. Can you name him?
Which current coach did Michael Jordan once punch in the face?
A controversial story in the 90s featured Michael Jordan leading through physical means. The Chicago Bulls teammates of Jordan often endured his wrath in practice when he had no filter. Jordan wanted them to play at his level despite the talent discrepancy. One specific instance of this featured Jordan getting violent with a teammate. This former player/current coach got punched in the face by Jordan at practice following a disagreement on a play. Which of the following names felt the violence of Jordan?
Which player(s) has/have hit 300+ three-pointers in a single season?
The importance of the three-point shot today essentially has taken over the league. Golden State Warriors fans have seen their team dominate the league for embracing the three-point shot and running their offense through it. Stephen Curry, Reggie Miller and Ray Allen are considered among the greatest three-point shooters of all-time. Each man made their legacy by taking over the game with the deep shot. Do you know which of those, if not all, have been able to drill 300 three-pointers in a single season?
Which bust was selected above Kevin Durant in the NBA Draft?
Oklahoma City Thunder may not feel it right now, but the franchise getting Kevin Durant with the second pick of the NBA Draft was an all-time great pick. Durant helped the franchise become relevant and respected in the NBA landscape. Without Durant’s rise, they may have struggled for years to make an impact. The Portland Trail Blazers passed on Durant with the first overall pick for another prospect. This choice turned out to be a huge mistake as their choice was a huge bust. Who was picked ahead of Durant?
True or False: Robert Horry has more NBA Championship rings than Michael Jordan.
The career of Robert Horry is fascinating to think about considering he was never truly a superstar yet often dominate the clutch moments. Horry hit many game-saving and game-winning shots in the closing minutes of playoff games to contribute to multiple franchises winning rings. The magic of Horry saw him get into the right spot for open shots when his team needed it most. Opposing fans were stunned silent at Horry making the plays that crushed their spirit. Is it true Horry has won more NBA Championships than Michael Jordan?
Name the player
This player had a memorable run in the 80s and 90s as a giant of the game. He is tied for the record of being the tallest man to ever play in the NBA. At an astonishing 7’7’’, he towered over some of the most athletic people in the world enough to make them look like kids. The Sudanese player was able to last a decade in the NBA primarily as a backup center. Can you name this retired giant?
Which team did Tracy McGrady end his career with?
Tracy McGrady was among the most dominant players in the NBA at his peak. There were some seasons where McGrady matched or outperformed Kobe Bryant to show how great he was. McGrady was one of the most successful stories of a player making the jump out of high school to the professional level. His best years were spent with the Orlando Magic, but he moved on to play for other teams in his career. Which NBA team did McGrady play his final game with?
Which team did the NBA block a trade sending Chris Paul to?
Chris Paul is among the most underrated players in recent years. Despite being among the best at his position for over a decade now, Paul doesn’t get as much love as some of his peers due to the lack of playoff success. One big ‘what if’ scenario features a trade that went through when the New Orleans Hornets sent Paul away in a trade to a contender. David Stern stepped in and canceled the trade claiming it was unfair. Which team saw their CP3 trade canceled?
Who won the NBA Finals MVP for the Detroit Pistons in 2004?
Most NBA Champion teams have had multiple superstars on their roster. The team with the best player or best players tend to always win out at the end of the day. One case where an underdog team defied this logic came when the Detroit Pistons won the 2004 NBA Championship. The Pistons had a lot of very good players, but no one could compare to Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson or other top stars at the time. Which Detroit player managed to win the NBA Finals MVP in 2004?
True or False: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have the same number of regular season MVP Awards.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have become rivals over the past two seasons. The intensity started when Durant left Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors super team. Westbrook started taking shots at Durant and they had a couple of moments getting into each other’s face during games. Both guys will likely be remembered for their time together as Thunder legends as they each have achieved great things together. Is it true or false that Durant and Westbrook have the same number of regular season MVP Awards?
Name the player
This player is remembered for all the wrong reasons when it comes to his NBA career. He joined the NBA Draft out of high school and was selected with the first overall pick. The expectations were for him to become among the top big men in the league thanks to his athleticism. Unfortunately, things started off poorly for him in a bad situation and he could never rebound. The legacy of his career is more of a joke and punchline than anything else. Can you remember his name?
How many players have won both the NBA Slam Dunk and Three-Point contests?
NBA All-Star Saturday is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year. The annual Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout give us entertaining competitions for two fun parts of the game. Both events have seen superstars take part in them through the years to help add to the legacy. Purists tend to prefer the shooting display and casual fans go wild for the shocking dunks. Only seven players have competed in both events. How many have won both the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout?
Which of the following players was NOT a #1 overall draft pick?
The top overall draft pick is the coveted spot every losing team wants at the end of the season. A lottery process truly makes it unpredictable as any of the teams to miss the playoffs can technically win it. However, the top overall pick is not a guarantee to give you a superstar. LeBron James has shown just how great of a player you can get in the top spot, but there have been plenty of busts. Which of the following busts was NOT taken with the top overall pick?
True or False: Devin Booker's career high is higher than Michael Jordan's.
Devin Booker has become a young star to pay attention to on the Phoenix Suns. Things don’t look great for Phoenix right now, but they should have at least one future superstar. Booker has shown the ability to light it up with superb offense. One spectacular performance featured him dominating the scoring game against the Boston Celtics. Without giving away the point total, it was a number that he will likely never hit again in his career. Is it true or false that Booker now has a higher career average in points than Michael Jordan?
Name the player
This retired basketball player was an NBA role player in the 90s for various teams. The nickname of the “Junkyard Dog” represented how tough and intense he was on the court. This guy would battle for every loose ball and treat each play like the season was on the line. Throughout the years, he has become known for always finding a seat at NBA All-Star Saturday. His reactions often see him losing his mind at the Slam Dunk Contest dunks. Can you name this retired NBA player?
Aside from the Cleveland Cavaliers, which team completed a 3-1 series comeback in the 2016 playoffs?
The Cleveland Cavaliers will always be remembered as the first team to comeback from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals. This historic comeback came at the expense of the Golden State Warriors. Cleveland wasn’t the only team to achieve this incredible accomplishment during the same postseason in 2016. Another team completed the 3-1 comeback in an earlier series in the playoffs. Can you remember the team other than the Cavaliers to make the 3-1 comeback in the 2016 postseason?