Some NBA superstars in the NBA right now are aging like fine wine, including LeBron James , Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant who helped deliver Team USA’s 17th gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. These living legends, along with a few others, are still dominant basketball players and it would be more than incredible to see them face off against a “Next Generation” of superstars headlined by Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards . We have a full breakdown of whether veterans, aged 35 and above, handle the youngsters who are 25 years old and younger in a best-of-seven game series.
Rules: NBA players at least 35 years old qualify for “Aging Like Fine Wine” while those 25 years old and younger qualify for “Next Generation”.
Lineups
The lineup for each superteam features multiple superstars and that means a best-of-seven series will likely go down to the wire in most games.
“Aging Like Fine Wine” Superteam”: Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Brook Lopez
“Next Generation” Superteam: Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama
With the lineups set, we will break down each team’s advantages and who will likely win in the most iconic seven-game series in NBA history.
“Aging Like Fine Wine” Advantages
The “Aging Like Fine Wine” superteam boasts a wealth of experience and championship pedigree that is nearly unmatched. LeBron James, Stephen Curry , and Kevin Durant have combined for 11 NBA championships and four MVP awards, making them a trio that understands how to win on the biggest stages. LeBron’s versatility and basketball IQ are second to none, allowing him to control the pace of the game, while Curry’s unparalleled shooting forces defenses to stretch beyond their limits. We also saw how dominant they can be together, delivering an Olympic gold medal in the 2024 Olympics in an exciting fashion.
Durant remains one of the most lethal scorers in history, capable of taking over any game at any moment. Brook Lopez, an elite rim protector and floor spacer, adds defensive stability and veteran savvy, and DeMar DeRozan provides mid-range scoring and playmaking off the bench. This team’s ability to execute under pressure, combined with their elite skill sets, gives them a clear edge in high-stakes moments.
“Next Generation” Advantages
The “Next Generation” superteam, led by Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards, brings a dynamic combination of speed, athleticism, and versatility that can overwhelm opponents. Luka’s exceptional playmaking and basketball IQ make him a triple-double threat every night, while Edwards' slashing and finishing ability create constant pressure on defenses.
Anthony Edwards’ explosive scoring and physicality, combined with Ja Morant’s relentless drives and fearless attitude, make this team lethal in transition. Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama anchor the defense with their shot-blocking and versatility, while both possess the range to stretch the floor. The youth, athleticism, and relentless pace of this team give them a unique advantage that could wear down even the most seasoned veterans throughout a seven-game series.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The “Aging Like Fine Wine” team sets the tone with a statement performance. LeBron James controls the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, directing traffic and exploiting mismatches with surgical precision. Stephen Curry catches fire in the third quarter, nailing four consecutive threes to put the game out of reach. Kevin Durant chips in with 26 points, effortlessly scoring over the outstretched arms of Wembanyama and Holmgren. Despite Luka Doncic’s 32-point triple-double, the veterans’ superior execution and experience secure a 118-105 victory. The younger squad quickly realizes they’re in for a chess match, not just a track meet.
The “Next Generation” team storms back with a dazzling display of athleticism and energy. Luka Doncic orchestrates the offense flawlessly, posting a 35-point triple-double while picking apart the defense with his vision. Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant are relentless in transition, combining for 52 points and repeatedly attacking the rim with ferocity. Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama wreak havoc on the defensive end, combining for 7 blocks and altering countless shots in the paint. LeBron and company struggle to keep up with the pace, and the youngsters run away with a 121-113 win to even the series. The message is clear: speed and youth are not to be underestimated.
The series shifts to the veterans' home court, and the “Aging Like Fine Wine” team shows why experience matters. Kevin Durant puts on a clinic, scoring 33 points on a variety of jumpers, drives, and post-ups. LeBron takes over in the fourth quarter, delivering a series of clutch assists and a dagger three-pointer to extend the lead. Stephen Curry’s timely shooting (5 threes) and Brook Lopez’s defensive presence (4 blocks) keep the young stars at bay. Despite a valiant effort from Luka (28 points, 12 assists), the veterans outmaneuver their opponents in crunch time, grinding out a 112-106 win. The old guard shows they can dictate the tempo and control the game’s crucial moments.
With the series on the line, the “Next Generation” team taps into their full potential. Luka Doncic has one of those legendary performances, dropping 38 points and dishing out 12 assists, including a no-look pass to Wembanyama for a thunderous dunk that ignites the crowd. Edwards adds 28 points with several highlight-reel plays, and Morant relentlessly attacks the rim, finishing with 24 points and 8 assists. Holmgren and Wembanyama dominate the glass and protect the rim, combining for 25 rebounds and 6 blocks. The young guns play with a chip on their shoulder, outlasting the veterans 119-114 to tie the series 2-2. The series is now a best-of-three, and the tension is palpable.
Back in front of their home fans, the “Aging Like Fine Wine” team leans on their experience to deliver in a pivotal game. LeBron James puts on a masterclass, recording a 28-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. He commands the floor, exploiting mismatches and orchestrating the offense to perfection. Durant once again shines, scoring 30 points and hitting clutch shots when it matters most. Curry’s deep threes energize the crowd, and Lopez’s interior defense frustrates the young stars. Luka struggles to find his rhythm against the veteran defenders, finishing with 24 points but on inefficient shooting. The veterans win 116-104, taking a 3-2 series lead and positioning themselves to close it out.
Facing elimination, the “Next Generation” team plays with desperation, but the veterans' poise proves unshakable. LeBron and Durant combine for 55 points, with LeBron repeatedly attacking the paint and Durant knocking down contested jumpers. Curry’s off-ball movement creates chaos, leading to 23 points, while Lopez’s rim protection (5 blocks) stifles the young stars' drives. Wembanyama puts up 20 points and 12 rebounds, but it’s not enough to overcome the veterans' discipline. Luka Doncic battles to keep his team in the game, finishing with 30 points and 11 assists, but the gap in execution is evident. The “Aging Like Fine Wine” team pulls away in the final minutes, securing a 110-102 victory and the series.
The “Aging Like Fine Wine” superteam wins the series 4-2, proving that experience, basketball IQ, and clutch performance are timeless. LeBron James earns Finals MVP honors, averaging 26.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. This series cements the idea that while youth is essential, the wisdom and skills developed over years of championship battles are still the ultimate difference-makers on the biggest stage.
Final Result: “Aging Line Fine Wine” vs. “Next Generation” 4-2
Finals MVP: LeBron James
Credit for an idea: Timeout Hoops
Related: Ranking All-Time NBA Starting Lineups By Birth Month
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