When it comes to the best scoring duos in NBA history, I can't help but immediately think of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They brought six championships to the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s. Between 1991 and 1998, these two were practically unstoppable. Jordan, the primary scorer, averaged around 30.1 points per game over his career. Pippen, known for his all-around game, contributed significantly with his own scoring average of 16.1 points per game. Their chemistry was off the charts, blending offensive prowess with tough defense. They made playing together look effortless, and their teamwork set the bar for future duos.
Another duo that dominated the court was Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. During their time on the Los Angeles Lakers, they won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Shaq’s sheer physicality and inside game complemented Kobe’s perimeter shooting and versatility. In the 2000-2001 season, Shaq averaged 28.7 points per game, and Kobe wasn’t far behind with 28.5 points per game. This scoring power was a nightmare for defenders and opponents had to think twice before stepping on the court with them.
More recently, the pairing of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant with the Golden State Warriors achieved remarkable feats. Together, they won two championships in 2017 and 2018. Curry's three-point shooting changed the game forever, and his average of 23.5 points per game along with Durant’s 25.8 points per game over their time together was just unheard of. During the 2017 playoffs, they had a combined average of over 56 points per game, showcasing their impressive scoring ability. The way Curry could stretch the floor and Durant could score from virtually anywhere made them a formidable duo. They didn’t just win games, they revolutionized the way basketball is played.
Furthermore, I can't leave out Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They played together for a decade in the 1980s and led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles. Magic, as a point guard, averaged 19.5 points per game but his true value was in his assists, averaging 11.2 per game which led to many of Kareem’s points. Kareem, with his skyhook shot, amassed an incredible 24.6 points per game across his career, making him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. This duo managed to balance power and finesse in a way that few have been able to replicate.
Another legendary pairing is LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. From 2010 to 2014, they reached the NBA Finals four times and won two championships. LeBron’s versatility and athleticism were complemented by Wade’s explosive scoring ability. LeBron averaged 26.9 points per game during their time together, while Wade chipped in with 22.2 points per game. Just thinking of how they managed to bring energy and excitement to every game still gives me chills. Their alley-oops, fast breaks, and clutch performances made them one of the most entertaining duos ever to watch.
Then there was the no-nonsense pairing of Karl Malone and John Stockton on the Utah Jazz. They may not have won an NBA championship, but their pick-and-roll play became one of the most effective and influential in basketball history. Malone, the power forward, averaged 25 points per game over his career, while Stockton, the point guard, racked up an average of 13.1 assists per game, many of which went to Malone. Their chemistry and understanding of each other’s game made them a lethal combination, and they still hold numerous records in the league.
We should also talk about how dynamic Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon were with the Houston Rockets. They played together during the 1995 championship run, with Drexler averaging roughly 21.4 points per game and Olajuwon sending shockwaves through the league with an average of 26.9 points per game. Their defensive play, combined with their offensive scoring, made the Rockets a team to fear. That playoff run proved their worth and cemented their legacy as one of the best duos.
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics also deserve a mention. In 2008, they won an NBA title together, restoring the Celtics to their former glory. Garnett's average of 20.4 points per game blended well with Pierce's 21.8 points per game. More importantly, their veteran leadership and defensive prowess helped guide the Celtics through the playoffs, securing their championship ring. They demonstrated that experience and teamwork could indeed overpower younger and possibly more athletically gifted opponents.
Let's not forget Tim Duncan and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs. Their consistent play over many years resulted in four NBA championships together. Duncan, the power forward, had a career average of 19 points per game, while Parker, the point guard, contributed 15.5 points per game. The harmony between Duncan’s inside game and Parker’s speed and agility was instrumental in their sustained success. They personified the Spurs' philosophy of team-first basketball, which can often overshadow individual statistics but undeniably produced results.
If you’re looking for another great example, consider how Kyrie Irving and LeBron James paired up during their time at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Especially during the 2016 NBA Finals, when they came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors, they were exceptional. LeBron averaged 29.7 points per game, while Kyrie delivered 27.1 points per game in those Finals. That level of output, especially against a team as excellent as the Warriors, shows just how much firepower they had and how well they complemented each other.
There are many more pairs I could mention, but I think we can agree that these duos stand out not just because of their individual skill but because of how well they played together. They each brought something unique to the game, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of players. Want to delve more into these fantastic stories of basketball heroics? Check out arena plus for a comprehensive look. It’s amazing to see how individual talent can mesh to create something extraordinary on the court.