When it comes to looking at the best scoring duos in the NBA from the 21st century, certain names automatically flood my mind. arena plus recently did a deep dive into this topic, and man, it brought back some iconic memories. First off, let's talk about Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Can anyone forget their early 2000s dominance? Shaq, with his massive 7'1", 325-pound frame, was virtually unstoppable in the paint, and Kobe, with his assassin mentality and skillset, perfectly complemented Shaq's power game. Between 2000 and 2003, the duo won three consecutive NBA championships and had a ridiculous average combined scoring output. Shaq was putting up around 28 points per game, while Kobe added approximately 25 points per game in the 2002-2003 season alone. These guys were a nightmare for any defense.
Looking beyond the Lakers' dominance, how can we ignore the partnership of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the 2010s? These "Splash Brothers" redefined the modern game with their insane three-point shooting ability. In the 2015-2016 season, Curry set the NBA record for most threes in a season, hitting 402, while Klay wasn't far behind, amassing 276 threes. Combined, this backcourt duo put up an incredible 52.2 points per game. Their synergy and ability to space the floor utterly dismantled opposing teams, contributing to the Golden State Warriors' historic 73-9 regular-season record.
One more pair that often pops up in discussions is LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during their Miami Heat years. LeBron, often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, brought unparalleled versatility and playmaking to the Heat. Wade, known for his slashing and scoring ability, formed an electric partnership with LeBron. During the 2011-2012 season, they combined for nearly 53 points per game. Adding Chris Bosh to the mix turned this duo into a formidable trio, but even when focusing just on LeBron and Wade, their combined efforts led Miami to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
And how about Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook during their Oklahoma City Thunder days? Before Durant's controversial move to the Warriors, this duo wreaked havoc on the league. KD is considered one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, boasting a career average of 27 points per game. During the 2011-2012 season, he was the scoring champion with an average of 28 points per game, whereas Westbrook provided an added spark with 23.6 points per game. Their athleticism and scoring ability made them a perennial playoff team, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012.
Let's not forget James Harden and Chris Paul during their tenure with the Houston Rockets. Harden, also known as "The Beard," led the league in scoring multiple times. During the 2018-2019 season, Harden averaged an extraordinary 36.1 points per game. When paired with Chris Paul, who is one of the best point guards of his generation, the Rockets' offense was practically unstoppable. In the same season, they combined for nearly 55 points per game. Their play wasn't just effective; it was also entertaining to watch.
Another duo worth mentioning is Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. While not necessarily known for their high-scoring games, this pair epitomized efficiency and longevity. Duncan, often called "The Big Fundamental," brought a sound and effective post game, while Parker, with his quickness and finesse, deftly maneuvered through defenses. Together, they were a significant force for the San Antonio Spurs, winning four championships from 2003 to 2014. During the 2002-2003 championship season, they combined for a solid 37 points per game, contributing to the Spurs’ highly disciplined and effective style of play.
I also can't leave out Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash during their early years with the Dallas Mavericks. Before Nash became a two-time MVP with the Phoenix Suns, he and Dirk formed a potent 1-2 punch. In the 2001-2002 season, Dirk averaged 23.4 points while Nash contributed 17.9. Their pick-and-pop game was lethal, with Dirk’s ability to shoot from anywhere on the court and Nash’s exceptional vision setting them apart.
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's dominance feels almost mythic when contrasted with modern duos, but it’s essential to appreciate the different eras. Even though they mainly dominated the 90s, their influence set the stage for what came in the 21st century. However, if we're talking about scoring and impact within this century, those dynamic duos like Shaq & Kobe, Curry & Klay, and LeBron & Wade truly encapsulate what made the NBA games so exciting to watch. Each pairing brought a unique element to the game and will be remembered for generations.