When talking about the best scoring duos in NBA history, certain names immediately come to mind. Take Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, for example. During the 1995-96 season, they combined for an average 52.6 points per game, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 72-10 record. Jordan, with his unmatched shooting efficiency and Pippen's all-around game, created a dynamic duo that became almost unstoppable. The synergy between their playing styles proved that the whole could be greater than the sum of its parts. If those two played in the era of analytics, their PER (Player Efficiency Rating) would still rank among the all-time greats.
Another pair that deserves mention is Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. In their prime, specifically during the 2000-01 season, they amassed an astonishing 57.2 points per game. O'Neal's dominance in the paint, combined with Bryant's scoring prowess, created a one-two punch that led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Their inside-outside game put immense pressure on opposing defenses, often leading to mismatches that O'Neal and Bryant exploited masterfully. The combination of brute strength and finesse, backed by consistent top-tier performance, set them apart from many contemporary duos.
Fast forward to the current era, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving form a potent scoring pair for the Brooklyn Nets. Durant, a four-time scoring champion, and Irving, a wizard with the ball, averaged 58.3 points per game during the 2021-22 season. Together, they have the ability to take over games, scoring from any part of the court. The advanced metrics indicate their high efficiency, with both players maintaining a true shooting percentage (TS%) above 60%. Their chemistry on the court is palpable, making them one of the most feared offensive units in the league today.
James Harden and Kevin Durant also deserve mention, especially during their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder and brief reunion with the Nets. In the 2011-12 season, they combined for 50.9 points per game, propelling the Thunder to the NBA Finals. While they eventually fell short to LeBron James' Miami Heat, Durant and Harden left an indelible mark on that season. Their ability to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, facilitated by their keen sense of spacing and ball movement, was exceptional.
Speaking of LeBron James, his partnerships have also been noteworthy. Teaming up with Dwyane Wade during his tenure with the Miami Heat, they achieved a combined average of 53.1 points per game during the 2012-13 season. Wade, known for his slashing ability and mid-range game, complemented LeBron's versatile skill set. Their effective use of pick-and-roll plays and fast breaks helped the Heat secure back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. LeBron's high basketball IQ and Wade's experience made them a formidable duo that was both entertaining to watch and highly effective on the court.
Returning to historic duos, Karl Malone and John Stockton stand out for their longevity and consistency. Playing together for nearly two decades, they exemplified the pick-and-roll play to near perfection. In the 1987-88 season, they combined for 49.3 points per game, propelling the Utah Jazz to the Western Conference Finals. Malone's ability to finish at the rim and Stockton's exceptional court vision and passing acumen made them a reliable scoring machine. Even today, their assists-to-turnover ratio and offensive rating (ORtg) remain benchmarks for efficiency.
Not to forget modern-day warriors Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, known as the 'Splash Brothers.' During the 2015-16 season, they averaged a combined 52.2 points per game, spearheading the Golden State Warriors to a historic 73-9 regular-season record. Their proficiency from beyond the arc, with both maintaining over 40% three-point shooting percentages, revolutionized the game by putting a greater emphasis on perimeter scoring. Their quick release and off-ball movement made it difficult for defenses to contain them, contributing to their team's offensive juggernaut status. More details can be found at arena plus.
While many other duos could be talked about, including Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, each of these pairs carved out their unique space in NBA history. Analyzing their contribution through metrics like Win Shares, Offensive Rating, and Box Plus-Minus, gives a clearer picture of why they are celebrated even today. The right combination of skills, chemistry, and situational advantage made each of these duos legendary in their own right.