CBN’s Top 10 Best Duos in NBA History
Two proves better than one with these unforgettable powerhouse pairs.
When the chemistry is just right between two superior NBA players, magic happens (and, consequently, many losses for opposing teams). That’s why this week is all about the top duos in franchise history. Beginning with #10 and making our way up to the all-time greatest of the greats, here are the top 10 best duos in the history of the NBA:
10. Karl Malone and John Stockton
Across their whopping 18 seasons spent together, Karl Malone and John Stockton made some legendary numbers for the Utah Jazz. As a duo, Malone averaged 25.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while Stockton averaged 13.5 points and 10.8 assists. With a combined 477.5 playoff and regular-season win shares, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were the only force to stand in their way of ultimate greatness (though it’s worth mentioning that Malone had scored over 6,000 more points than MJ).
9. Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West
With a combined total of 37.6 points per game while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to its 1972 championship, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West made one resilient pair. Chamberlain had led the team in rebounds with 21.0 per contest while West made 8.9 assists. It’s also worth noting that with Elgin Baylor, they made a pretty fine trio for the Lakers that is remembered as one of the best in league history to this day.
8. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant
Although their time together was rather brief, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant made one of the mightiest duos the NBA (and Golden State Warriors) has ever seen. Together these two prodigies had a combined 52.1 points, 11.4 assists and 6.6 3-pointers per game – with Curry’s true shooting percentage being 64.3 and Durant’s being 64.0. The three Warriors’ teams during Curry and KD’s run even ranked first, second and third in effective field goal percentage in franchise history.
7. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker
Winning four championships (sooo close to five) as a fireball dyad, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker steal a spot at #7 on our Top 10 NBA Duos list. They made the playoffs in each season they played together with the San Antonio Spurs, and won at least 50 games. With that said, we can’t forget the great Manu Ginobili who completed Duncan & Parker for a memorable Big Three.
6. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale
The highly acclaimed duo of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale played a lengthy 12 seasons together and won three titles during their run with the Boston Celtics. Bird averaged 24.6 points per game along with 9.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists while McHale averaged 18 points along with 7.4 rebounds. With a historically top player like Bird and historically top power forward like McHale, this duo was a serious threat to any of its opponents.
5. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson
Winning three championships together and making five consecutive Finals (and, leading the Golden State Warriors to a record 73 wins in 2016), the iconic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson aren’t even finished yet. Together, Curry’s had averages of 25.1 points, 6.8 assists and four 3-pointers made per contest, with Thompson averaging 19 points and three triples.
4. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade
Without a doubt, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade displayed some of the most flawless teamwork the league has seen. Winning two titles together, James posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while Wade averaged 22.2 points and 5.3 rebounds.
3. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Coming in hot at #3 on our Best Duos in NBA History list, together the highly acclaimed Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships, three MVPs and made 19 All-Star appearances during their ten-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson posted averages of 19.4 points, 11.4 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game, while Abdul-Jabbar posted averages of 20.2 points and 7.4 assists
2. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant
Regarded by many as the best guard-big combo in league history, the legendary pairing of Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant were a serious force to be reckoned with during their eight seasons together with the Lakers. With three titles under their belt, O’Neal averaged 27 points and 11. 8 rebounds per contest with Bryant averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists. O’Neal had led the NBA in win shares during this time while Bryant came in seventh.
1. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
Taking the #1 spot on our Top 10 Best Duos in NBA History list, the unquestionably unstoppable and perhaps most harmonious duo the league has ever seen is none other than Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls during the ‘90s, Jordan and Pippen ranked both first and second in playoff win shares during their run. Jordan posted averages of 31.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game, while Pippen posted up 17.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists.And that concludes our list! We hope you enjoyed our compilation of the Top 10 Best Duos in NBA History who have proven that with the right dynamic, the power of two cannot be matched.