Let's Play Ball! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Michael Jordan

With the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with a perfect 6-0 record in the Finals, a rare feat. Off the court, he built a global brand empire. His Air Jordan sneakers revolutionised athlete endorsements and remain cultural icons decades later.

In 2010, he became the majority owner the Charlotte Bobcats (renamed the Hornets in 2014). He sold his majority stake in 2023.

Answer: LeBron James

LeBron James, often called 'King James', was the first player in NBA history to score over 40,000 regular-season points. He also made 10 NBA Finals appearances. Off the court, he's deeply committed to his community. In his hometown of Akron, Ohio, he helped establish the 'I Promise School', a public school dedicated to supporting at-risk children who are struggling academically.

Answer: Kobe Bryant

In 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest single-game total ever recorded in the league (behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 pts in 1962). He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Beyond basketball, Kobe won an Academy Award in 2018 for his animated short film "Dear Basketball", which he wrote and narrated. Having spent part of his childhood in Italy, he became fluent in Italian (and also Spanish).

Answer: Magic Johnson

At 6ft 9in (2.06 m), Magic Johnson towered over most guards and used that to his advantage, dazzling fans with his no-look passes and court vision. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships in the 1980s, becoming the face of the NBA's fast-paced 'Showtime' era.

His rivalry with Larry Bird, beginning with their clash in the 1979 NCAA title game (and continuing in the NBA). Beyond his championships, Magic won three league MVP awards and three Finals MVPs, and his legendary versatility was on full display in the 1980 Finals, when he started at centre as a rookie and delivered a 42-point, 15-rebound, 7-assist performance to clinch the title.

Answer: Larry Bird

Larry Bird was the heart of the Boston Celtics in the 1980. Known for his deadly shooting touch, sharp basketball IQ, and fierce confidence, he led the Celtics to three championships and became the first player ever to win three consecutive MVP awards (1984-85-86).

He also claimed two Finals MVPs. His legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson started with their clash in the 1979 NCAA title game. Though not the fastest or most athletic, his clutch shooting, leadership, and toughness made him nearly unstoppable. Fans embraced his fiery competitiveness.

Answer: Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal, better known as 'Shaq' was one of the most dominant forces in basketball history. At 7 ft 1 in (2.16m), he won four championships, earned league MVP honours in 2000, and collected three straight Finals MVPs during the Lakers' three-peat (2000-01-02). In his rookie year, 1992, he famously shattered multiple backboards with his thunderous dunks, forcing the NBA to reinforce rim and backboard structures. He retired in 2011.

Shaq's influence extended far beyond the court. In 2012, he earned a doctoral degree in education (Ed.D.) from Barry University, and he has starred in movies, released Rap albums, and built a wide-ranging business empire. His unique mix of charisma, dominance, and humour turned him into both a basketball legend and a cultural icon.

Answer: Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16m), he put up numbers that still seem unreal today. His most famous achievement came in 1962, when he scored 100 points in a single game, a record that has never been broken. Over his career, he averaged an incredible 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game.

Hewasn't just a scorer, as he was a complete player who once led the entire league in assists (1968), a feat almost unheard of for a centre. He won two NBA championships and earned four MVP awards, along with countless other records. Off the floor, Wilt lived a larger-than-life lifestyle, appearing in movies, writing books, and even playing professional volleyball after his 19-year playing career ended in 1973.

Answer: Bill Russell

Bill Russell is remembered as the greatest winner in basketball history. Playing for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, he captured an unprecedented 11 NBA championships, the most by any player ever. Known for his defence, rebounding, shot-blocking, he redefined what it meant to be a team player and won five MVP awards along the way.

He was also a trailblazer beyond the court. In 1966, he became the NBA's first Black head coach while still playing, and he used his platform to speak out for civil rights and social justice.

His dominance and impact went far beyond the stat sheet, making him not only a basketball legend but also a cultural icon.

Answer: Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry revolutionised basketball with his extraordinary shooting ability. Famous for sinking deep three-pointers with ease, he forced defences to adapt and reshaped how the modern game is played. He is the NBA's all-time leader in season three-pointers (402 in 2015-16), cementing his status as the greatest long-range shooter in history.

Curry shares a unique link with LeBron James, as both were born in the same hospital in Akron, Ohio. Considered undersized by NBA standards, his skill, vision, and leadership powered the Golden State Warriors to four championships. He's a two-time MVP, including the league's first unanimous winner in 2016, and the 2022 Finals MVP.

Answer: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is nicknamed the 'Greek Freak'. He once sold items on the streets of Athens to help support his family before reaching the NBA. In 2021, Giannis led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years, delivering a legendary 50-point performance in the decisive Game 6 and earning Finals MVP honours.

He's a two-time league MVP and a one-time Defensive Player of the Year.