The 2009 and 2011 NBA Draft classes produced some of the greatest talent the league has ever seen, with each boasting MVPs and All-Stars. Imagine a seven-game series where Stephen Curry's unmatched shooting meets Kyrie Irving's dazzling handles, where James Harden's offensive brilliance clashes with Kawhi Leonard's defensive mastery. Both classes have the star power to win any seven-game series, but with all players in their prime, which one will come out on top?
Rules: All players in their primes
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.
2009 Draft Class: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Blake Griffin
2011 Draft Class: Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard
With the lineups set, let’s find out who would win a seven-game series by determining each team’s distinct advantages before jumping into the matchup.
2009 Draft Class Advantages
The 2009 Draft Class boasts an exceptional blend of offensive firepower and playmaking, headlined by Stephen Curry and James Harden. Curry's unparalleled range forces defenses to stretch beyond their comfort zones, while Harden's ability to create shots for himself and others can dismantle even the toughest defensive schemes.
Add in the savvy two-way presence of Jrue Holiday , who can guard multiple positions and provide steady playmaking, and this team has an offensive arsenal that is nearly impossible to contain. With DeMar DeRozan's mid-range mastery and Blake Griffin's explosive athleticism providing additional layers of scoring, the 2009 squad is well-equipped to keep defenses guessing and off-balance.
Defensively, the 2009 class has the versatility to match up against the 2011 stars. Jrue Holiday's defensive tenacity and ability to disrupt opposing guards will be crucial in slowing down the 2011 backcourt of Irving and Walker. Meanwhile, Griffin's size and athleticism will be key in battling inside against Leonard and Butler, while still being agile enough to switch onto the perimeter.
2011 Draft Class Advantages
The 2011 Draft Class features a collection of elite two-way players who can shine on both ends of the floor. With Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker leading the backcourt, the team has an explosive scoring duo that can break down defenses with quickness, creativity, and deep shooting. Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard add a relentless defensive mindset and clutch shot-making to the wings, making the 2011 squad difficult to contain in crucial moments.
Klay Thompson, one of the greatest catch-and-shoot players in history, stretches the floor to create even more space for his teammates to operate. This combination of elite shot creation, perimeter shooting, and defensive intensity gives the 2011 class a unique edge.
Most importantly, the 2011 Draft Class can suffocate opponents with a lineup that thrives on defensive pressure and versatility. Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, both renowned for their lockdown defense and ability to guard multiple positions, will be crucial in containing the offensive threats posed by the 2009 class.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The opening game sets the tone for a thrilling series, as Stephen Curry dazzles with 38 points, including eight three-pointers, to lead the 2009 Draft Class to a victory. James Harden adds 25 points and 10 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills and scoring ability, while Blake Griffin contributes a solid 18 points and 12 rebounds. The 2011 Draft Class, led by Kyrie Irving's 31 points and Klay Thompson's 27 points, keeps the game close until the final minutes. However, Kawhi Leonard struggles to find his rhythm, shooting just 6-for-18 from the field. Despite Jimmy Butler's all-around game of 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, the 2009 class pulls away late, thanks to Curry's clutch shooting and Jrue Holiday's lockdown defense on Irving in the final minutes.
The 2011 Draft Class evens the series behind a dominant defensive performance led by Kawhi Leonard, who bounces back with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals. Jimmy Butler's relentless defense on James Harden proves crucial, holding him to just 17 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Klay Thompson catches fire, draining six three-pointers en route to 26 points, while Kyrie Irving orchestrates the offense masterfully with 22 points and 9 assists. The 2009 team struggles with turnovers, particularly with DeMar DeRozan, who has 6 turnovers alongside his 15 points. Despite a 29-point effort from Stephen Curry, the 2011 team's defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack allow them to pull away in the fourth quarter and secure a convincing win.
In a nail-biter, the 2011 Draft Class takes a 2-1 series lead behind a vintage Kyrie Irving performance. Irving drops 35 points and dishes out 8 assists, while Jimmy Butler adds 24 points and 10 rebounds. The game is a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Stephen Curry continues his scoring spree with 33 points and 7 assists, but James Harden's 28 points and 8 assists are not enough to push the 2009 class over the edge. Kawhi Leonard's defense on Harden and DeRozan proves pivotal, and Klay Thompson contributes 21 points, including a pair of clutch threes late in the game. The 2011 team secures a narrow win with strong free-throw shooting down the stretch.
Determined to even the series, the 2009 Draft Class responds with a strong defensive showing, holding the 2011 team to just 102 points. Jrue Holiday sets the tone early with his tenacious on-ball defense, limiting Kyrie Irving to a quiet 18 points on 7-for-19 shooting. Stephen Curry continues to shine with 30 points and 10 assists, while Blake Griffin dominates the paint, posting 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. James Harden finds his groove again, scoring 26 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Despite a 27-point effort from Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson's 23 points, the 2011 team struggles to find consistent offense, and the 2009 team closes out the game strong to tie the series at 2-2.
In a high-scoring Game 5, the 2009 Draft Class takes a crucial 3-2 series lead in an overtime thriller. Stephen Curry is once again the hero, dropping 41 points, including the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds of overtime. Blake Griffin records a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday chips in with 16 points and 8 assists, playing a key role in containing Klay Thompson. On the other side, Kyrie Irving scores 29 points and hands out 7 assists, while Kawhi Leonard contributes 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jimmy Butler's near triple-double of 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists isn't enough, as the 2011 team falters in the extra period despite a strong effort.
Facing elimination, the 2011 Draft Class digs deep to force a Game 7 behind a gritty performance from Jimmy Butler, who pours in 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Kawhi Leonard comes up big with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Klay Thompson's 22 points help keep the 2009 defense on its heels. The 2009 class struggles offensively, as James Harden has an off night with just 16 points on 4-for-14 shooting. Stephen Curry tries to keep his team in the game with 32 points, but the 2011 team's defensive pressure, led by Butler and Leonard, proves too much. Kyrie Irving seals the game with clutch free throws in the final minute, setting up an epic Game 7 showdown.
In a dramatic Game 7, the 2009 Draft Class emerges victorious in a battle that goes down to the wire. Stephen Curry delivers a masterclass, scoring 37 points with 7 three-pointers, while James Harden redeems himself with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. Blake Griffin's inside presence is felt with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks, providing crucial support. The 2011 team fights hard, with Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard both scoring 26 points each, but they struggle to find their offensive rhythm late in the game.
Jimmy Butler adds 21 points and 7 rebounds, but it's not enough to counter Curry's heroics. With Jrue Holiday making key defensive stops and hitting timely shots, the 2009 Draft Class holds on to win the series 4-3, proving their blend of shooting, playmaking, and versatility is just enough to outlast the formidable 2011 squad.
Final Result: 2009 Draft Class vs. 2011 Draft Class 4-3
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Related: Ranking All-Time NBA Starting Lineups By Birth Month
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