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Duke-North Carolina and the 10 Best Rivalries In Sports

Duke-North Carolina and the 10 Best Rivalries in Sports

North Carolina v Duke
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The most recent installment of the Duke-North Carolina rivalry, we were all reminded about just how great of a rivalry it is. These two North Carolina-based basketball teams aren't the only great rivalry in sports. Including the Duke-North Carolina rivalry, these are the 10 best rivalries in all of sports.

10. Lakers and Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics
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10. Lakers and Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics
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This rivalry has lost its luster in recent years since neither has been competitive, but it's still a great all-time rivalry. Routinely, these teams have battled each other for NBA championships, and they're No. 1 and 2 all-time in titles. The Larry Bird, Magic Johnson rivalry also was continued between these teams, which made it even more intense.

9. Kentucky and Louisville

Kentucky v Louisville
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9. Kentucky and Louisville

Kentucky v Louisville
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College sports rivalries can be among the most intense since college kids seem to play with more passion when it comes to rivalry games. Both of these programs are always good, and when they play each other, there are serious implications. Add to that the famous coaches who have directed both teams and the rivalry seems even better.

8. Eagles and Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Redskins
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8. Eagles and Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Redskins
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It seems like the entire NFC East is one big rivalry, but the rivalry between the Eagles and Redskins is the best in the division. That's because these teams genuinely don't like each other and both fanbases can get really intense. As time goes on, this rivalry only grows in intensity.

7. Cubs and Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals v Chicago Cubs
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7. Cubs and Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals v Chicago Cubs
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While this rivalry hasn't been intense in nearly a decade, it's getting ready to heat back up. The Cardinals are routinely good, and the Cubs seem like they're ready to compete starting this season. Once the rivalry is renewed, it could be as good as ever.

6. Giants and Dodgers

San Francisco Giants v Los Angeles Dodgers
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6. Giants and Dodgers

San Francisco Giants v Los Angeles Dodgers
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This rivalry goes way back to when both teams were in the New York City area even though both teams are now in California. Most of the time, both teams are good at the same time which only adds to the rivalry. They've shifted sides of the country, but the animosity between the two teams is still very much there.

5. Bruins and Canadiens

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
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5. Bruins and Canadiens

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
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Hockey's greatest rivalry is between the Bruins and Canadiens now that the Red Wings moved out of the same conference as the long-time rival Blackhawks. These teams meet in the playoffs all the time and their best games come with the most on the line. After meeting again last postseason, this rivalry is as alive as ever.

4. Alabama and Auburn

Alabama v Auburn
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4. Alabama and Auburn

Alabama v Auburn
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The Iron Bowl is one of the marquee sporting events every year, and after the dazzling finish to the game two seasons ago, the rivalry has heated back up. The entire state of Alabama is invested in this game in one way or another and ultimate bragging rights are always on the line.

3. Bears and Packers

Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears
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3. Bears and Packers

Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears
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These teams go way back and each team has experienced a measure of success against the other. Recently, the Packers have dominated the rivalry, but it gets nasty when these two teams meet twice a year. It always gives players a little extra motivation to push through and claim bragging rights in the all-time series.

2. Duke and North Carolina

North Carolina v Duke
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2. Duke and North Carolina

North Carolina v Duke
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In one of the most thrilling regular season college basketball games in recent memory, Duke topped rival North Carolina 92-90 in overtime. With two passionate fanbases, two consistently good programs and legendary coaches, this rivalry is about as good as it gets. Jumping into the atmosphere of this rivalry is something any sports fan would love to do.

1. Yankees and Red Sox

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox
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1. Yankees and Red Sox

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox
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Based on history alone, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is the best in sports. These teams and fanbases hate each other based on that history, and since the Red Sox have exacted some revenge on the Bronx Bombers lately, the rivalry has been more even. As time goes on, there are sure to be more thrilling installments to this epic rivalry.

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