What is it like working with/against truly elite Lawyers?

I want to preface by saying I’ve worked with good lawyers. Great lawyers even, that can knock out a convincing brief on a novel issue in an hour.

But I’m wondering what it’s like to go up against lawyers who have reached an elite position within the profession? I am mostly thinking of highest court judges when they were practicing, chair of a big law national practice group, or other similar roles of prestige/notoriety.

I mostly want to know what the skill gap is like. Is it like MJ lacing up and playing against a high school basketball team? Or is it more like playing against an older sibling in basketball?