When talking about the NBA’s best backcourt duos, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson always come to mind first. These two have revolutionized the game with their incredible shooting range and efficiency. Curry, the two-time MVP, boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 43.2%, while Thompson isn't far behind with 41.9%. They combined for a staggering 484 three-pointers in the 2015-2016 season, setting an NBA record. Watching them play is like seeing an offensive masterpiece in motion. The duo has been crucial in securing three championships for the Golden State Warriors, proving the effectiveness of their partnership on the court.
Another impressive duo that deserves mention is Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, known for his clutch performances and ability to hit deep threes, averaged 28.8 points per game in the 2020-2021 season. McCollum, his reliable sidekick, chipped in with 23.1 points per game. This pair can score in a variety of ways, from deep shots to crafty drives to the basket. Together, they form an offensive powerhouse capable of taking over games. In the 2018-2019 playoffs, they led Portland to the Western Conference Finals, showing just how dangerous they can be when they’re clicking.
Moving to the East, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, when healthy, present a backcourt duo that’s nearly impossible to defend. Kyrie’s handles and finishing skills are almost unmatched, which he showcased by averaging 26.9 points on 50.6% shooting during the 2020-2021 regular season. Harden, the former MVP and scoring champion, brings his expertise in creating shots and drawing fouls, which resulted in him averaging 24.6 points and 10.8 assists. During the time they played together for the Brooklyn Nets, their combined offensive firepower made them a constant threat, ensuring they were always in the conversation for the top team in the league.
Let’s not forget Chris Paul and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. Paul, known as the “Point God,” has been lauded for his exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership. During the 2020-2021 season, Paul averaged 8.9 assists and led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. Booker, the young and explosive scorer, averaged 25.6 points per game, showing his ability to take over games with his shooting and scoring acumen. Their contrasting styles complement each other, creating a balanced backcourt that keeps defenses on their toes.
In the up-and-coming category, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks are an intriguing duo. Young, known for his deep-range shooting and playmaking, averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists in the regular season. Murray, recognized for his defensive prowess and versatility, adds a different dimension to their backcourt. His averages of 19.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 2 steals per game in the previous season illustrate his ability to contribute in multiple areas. This pairing has great potential and could be a significant force in the league in the coming years.
Another exciting duo is Ja Morant and Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant, the electrifying guard with unmatched speed and athleticism, averaged 27.4 points per game last season. His fearless drives to the basket and highlight-reel dunks make him a fan favorite. Bane, shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc, provides the perfect complement with his sharpshooting ability. Together, they led the Grizzlies to a strong playoff showing, hinting at a bright future ahead for Memphis.
Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie, when they teamed up on the Washington Wizards, showed promise as well. Beal has been one of the league’s top scorers, averaging 31.3 points per game in the 2020-2021 season. His scoring ability and Dinwiddie’s playmaking create a dynamic offensive threat. Dinwiddie’s return from injury allowed him to average 13.7 points and 5.3 assists per game, providing a balanced scoring and distributing presence. Although their time together wasn’t long, the potential for a high-scoring duo was evident.
Looking into the past, one can't ignore the legendary duo of Michael Jordan and Ron Harper from the Chicago Bulls. Jordan, arguably the greatest player of all time, brought his unparalleled scoring ability, averaging 30.1 points per game over his career, while Harper, a solid defender and secondary scorer, played a crucial role in the Bulls' success during their second three-peat in the 1990s. Their chemistry and complementary skills were vital in creating one of the most dominant teams in NBA history.
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James also set the standard for modern backcourt duos during their time with the Miami Heat. Wade, known for his slashing and scoring ability, averaged 25.5 points per game during their first championship season together in 2011-2012. LeBron, a versatile and dynamic player, contributed with all-around stats, including 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Their athleticism, skills, and basketball IQ made them one of the most unstoppable duos, resulting in two NBA championships.
While these are just a few examples, the NBA has seen numerous exceptional backcourt pairings over the years. The synergy between guards often sets the tone for a team’s success, and the right combination can lead to both individual accolades and team championships. For more insights and analysis, you might want to check out arena plus, which covers a wide range of sports topics.