Last updated: 23 September 2026
About Basketball Legends 2020
Basketball Legends 2020 is one-on-one arcade basketball with a roster. You pick a character, you pick a court, and you settle it against either the computer or a second player on the same keyboard. It sits between the physics chaos of Basket Random and the pure trick-shot focus of Basketball Stars: the movement is arcade, but the characters have distinct abilities that change how you play.
The roster is what keeps it interesting. Two characters with different speed, jump height and shot behaviour turn the same court into a different match, which is more variety than a game with a single preset roster can offer.
How to Play Basketball Legends 2020
After choosing your character and court, you control a single player against a single opponent. Move around the court, grab the ball when it comes loose, and drive toward your hoop. The defensive player has one job: stay between their opponent and the basket.
Character choice matters more than it first appears. A fast character can outrun a defender to a loose ball, while a stronger one wins the physical contests near the rim. Neither is strictly better — but picking a character whose movement suits how you actually play is worth more than picking the one with the best-looking stats.
- Pick a character from the roster and a court to play on.
- Choose one-player or two-player mode.
- Click inside the frame once so the keyboard reaches the game.
- Player one uses the left set of keys and player two the right, if you are playing head-to-head.
- Score through your opponent's hoop and defend your own until the match ends.
Key Features
Character roster
Each character has its own speed, jump and shooting behaviour, so the same court plays differently depending on who is on it.
Local two-player
Share a keyboard for head-to-head matches, or take on the computer in single-player.
Multiple courts
Choose your setting rather than playing on the same background every time.
Arcade control
A small, learnable control set with no simulation complexity layered on top of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basketball Legends 2020 free?+
Yes. It plays in the browser on this page with no download, account or payment.
Can two players use one keyboard?+
Yes. Local head-to-head uses two sets of keys on the same keyboard, one set per player.
Which character should I pick?+
Whichever matches your style. Fast characters win loose balls; stronger ones win contact near the rim. Try a few before settling.
What is the difference between this and Basketball Stars?+
Both are one-on-one arcade basketball, but Legends 2020 puts more emphasis on picking a character from a roster, while Stars focuses on trick shots and shot-clock pressure.
Does it work on mobile?+
It is a desktop title. It is playable with touch on a tablet, but a keyboard gives much better control.
How do I win a match?+
Score more than your opponent by putting the ball through the hoop you are attacking, and stay between your opponent and your own basket when they have possession.
Is this the original Basketball Legends?+
This page embeds the 2020 release published by GameDistribution. Later releases with similar names exist but are separate games.
More Basketball Games
Basket Ball For Two Player is the other local head-to-head title on this site if you want a different take on the same format.
Browse the full collection on the basketball games hub, or go back to the Basketball Random Game homepage for the main title.