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Basketball is a team sport, and some of the greatest duos in the NBA have proven that teamwork makes the dream work. From Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal's combined 59 points in the 2001 NBA Finals to Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton's dynamic partnership in the 1990s, the NBA has seen some incredible pairs. Whether it's through their complementary playing styles, like Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard, or their undeniable chemistry, like Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire, these duos have left an unforgettable impact on the game. Some underrated pairs include Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston, who formed one of the league's first volatile tandems, and the Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young and John Collins, who wowed with their displays of alley-oops and dunks.
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What You'll Learn
Best NBA Duos of All Time
The NBA has seen some of the greatest basketball duos take the court together and dominate the game. Here is a list of some of the best NBA duos of all time:
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the GOAT, and alongside Scottie Pippen, they formed a dynamic duo that led the Chicago Bulls to 6 NBA Finals wins in 11 seasons. Jordan and Pippen were exceptional athletes with quickness, agility, and dexterity, coupled with elite-level scoring, rebounding, and basketball IQ. They had no weaknesses and are considered one of the most accomplished duos in NBA history.
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA for a sustained period. Their combined stats are impressive: Johnson averaged 19.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 11.2 assists, while Kareem averaged 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. They may not have the most championship hardware, but their impact on the game was immense.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were a formidable duo for the LA Lakers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They combined for 59 points in Game 2 of the 2001 NBA Finals, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. Shaq's dominance in the post drew attention, allowing Kobe the freedom to excel in his own right. Together, they won three championships and an MVP award.
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving had incredible chemistry during their time together as Cavaliers. They are the only duo in NBA history to both score 40+ points in an NBA Finals game, doing so against the 73-9 Warriors, who are considered one of the best teams ever. Their success as underdogs and their ability to work together made them a beloved duo.
Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning
An underrated duo from the 1990s, Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning led their team to 61 wins in 1996, the most in the team's history. They complemented each other well, with Mourning dominating the paint and Hardaway finishing from the outside. This duo achieved success that even players like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James couldn't replicate with the same team.
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One-Two Punches
Jerry West and Elgin Baylor
Considered by some as the "best one-two punch in basketball", Jerry West and Elgin Baylor of the Los Angeles Lakers were a formidable duo. Despite not being tall in the classic basketball sense, they played big. Their coach, Fred Schaus, described them as taking the pressure off each other, with one helping the other constantly. In one stretch, the Lakers won 42 out of 50 games with West and Baylor on the court together.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis
LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers are a dominant duo in the NBA. James is a versatile player who can do everything on the court, and Davis is a strong rebounder and defender. Together, they form a tough match-up for any team.
Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons
Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons of the Xavier Musketeers are one of the most explosive duos in college basketball. Holloway's elite skills allow him to create shots for himself and his teammates, while Lyons is a deep threat and a high scorer. Together, they led the Musketeers in scoring.
Draymond Green and Keith Appling
Senior Draymond Green and his young sidekick Keith Appling of Michigan State are a top scoring and assist duo. Their contributions to the effectiveness of the Michigan State offense are significant, and they were key to the team's success.
Other Notable Mentions:
- Jordan and Pippen
- Magic and Kareem
- Kobe and Shaq
- Bird and McHale
- Russell and Cousy
- Kyrie Irving and LeBron James
- James Harden and Nene Hilario
- Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan
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Dynamic Duos
The NBA has seen some incredible 'Dynamic Duos' over the years, with players working together to bring about remarkable wins and successes.
One of the greatest pick-and-roll duos ever to grace the court was Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire. Nash's court awareness and refined skills allowed him to pick and choose his passes, and Stoudemire was a scoring machine, slashing better than any other power forward in the league at the time. Together, they won 62 games for the Phoenix Suns. Another dynamic duo with an impressive record was Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, who wowed fans in the 1990s with their displays of alley-oops, dunks and defence for the Seattle Supersonics.
Some duos are known for their individual strengths, which, when combined, created a formidable force. Stockton and Malone of the Jazz legends are a prime example. Stockton brought toughness to the game, while Malone surprised with his basketball IQ. Similarly, Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston formed an outstanding inside-outside threat. Arizin was a mid-range shooter and slasher, while Johnston worked in the post. This combination helped lead their team, the San Francisco Warriors, to their second franchise title in 1956.
Duos can also complement each other's playing styles, like Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard. Nelson was always looking for Howard in the middle, and Howard was always ready to finish near the rim. This synergy led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, their first appearance since 1995.
The NBA has also seen duos with impressive individual achievements, like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, who combined for 59 points in Game 2 of the 2001 NBA Finals, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Best Backcourt Duos
The NBA has seen some incredible backcourt duos over the years, with players working together seamlessly to dominate the game. Here are some of the most notable backcourt duos, past and present:
Michael Jordan and Ron Harper
Michael Jordan, often recognised as the greatest player in NBA history, formed a legendary partnership with Ron Harper from 1995 to 1998. During this time, Jordan dominated on both sides of the game, while Harper was a high-volume scorer (averaging 19 PPG in his first seven years) and a smart, unselfish player. Together, they led the Chicago Bulls to the second three-peat in franchise history.
Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili
Parker and Ginóbili, along with Tim Duncan, formed two-thirds of the most successful Big Three in NBA history. They are the most successful duo in the NBA Playoffs, with 132 wins. Parker's ability to score and facilitate, combined with Ginóbili's skills, created a dynamic and successful backcourt partnership.
Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars
The Bad Boy Detroit Pistons' backcourt was a force to be reckoned with. Isiah Thomas controlled the offense, while Joe Dumars was a versatile player, solid on both offence and defence. Together, they won back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, with each of them winning a Finals MVP award.
Bob Cousy and Sam Jones
Bob Cousy and Sam Jones of the Boston Celtics formed the most successful backcourt duo in NBA history in terms of championships won. During their partnership from 1957 to 1963, they won five NBA championships together, a feat that has cemented their place in NBA history.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors' Curry and Thompson are a dynamic duo, revolutionising backcourt play in the NBA. Curry is a top-scoring point guard, capable of 20 PPG, while Thompson impressed in his rookie season, averaging 18.5 points per 36 minutes. Their impact on the game has been significant, and they are considered one of the best backcourt pairings in the league.
The above duos showcase the incredible talent and synergy that can be achieved when two players combine their skills in the backcourt. Each duo has left their mark on the NBA, whether through championships won, statistical dominance, or revolutionary playstyle.
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Father-Son Duos
The Currys: Dell and Steph
Dell Curry played 16 seasons in the NBA, and his sons Steph and Seth followed in his footsteps. Steph is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, winning two MVPs and rewriting the three-point-shooting record books. Seth is also a talented player, although his father's career was more decorated, as Dell won the Sixth Man of the Year award.
The Jacksons
The elder Jackson played into the early 2000s, so many fans will remember seeing both father and son play. The son, however, has had a more decorated career, winning a Defensive Player of the Year award and becoming an all-time shot blocker.
The Vandeweghes: Ernie and Kiki
Kiki Vandeweghe and his father, Ernie, make up one of the earliest father-and-son duos in NBA history. Ernie began his career with the New York Knicks in 1949, before rebounds were even tracked as a stat. Kiki joined the NBA in 1980 and made two All-Star Games playing for the Nuggets. He also averaged 23.5 points per game during his time with the Trail Blazers.
The Grants: Harvey and Jerami
Harvey Grant's twin brother, Horace, was the more well-known Grant brother, playing with Michael Jordan and the Bulls on three championship teams. Harvey, however, was a productive player on lesser teams, averaging 18-plus points in three straight seasons with the Bullets. Jerami, Harvey's son, reinvented himself from a low-post player to a dangerous 3-point shooter and is now the number one option for the Blazers.
The Barrys: Rick and Brent
Rick Barry played in two leagues (NBA and ABA) over three decades (1960s, '70s, and '80s). He was a great passer and led the league in steals. He won one championship as the centerpiece of the 1974-75 Warriors. Rick's son, Brent, won two championships as a valuable support player for the Spurs. Brent had more hops than his father, which translated into a dunk championship.
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