When talking about the best scoring duos in NBA history, it's hard not to reminisce about the dynamic pairs that dominated each decade. Let's kick this discussion off with the 1960s. Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers come to mind immediately. Wilt averaged 30.1 points per game during his career, while Jerry West, known as "Mr. Clutch," significantly contributed with around 27.0 points per game. Together, they formed one of the most lethal scoring combos that set the stage for future generations.
Moving into the 1970s, the conversation can't overlook the contributions of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson for the Milwaukee Bucks. Kareem's versatile skyhook shot became almost unstoppable, contributing to his lifetime average of 24.6 points per game. Robertson, on the other hand, had a unique flair for scoring and playmaking, averaging about 25.7 points per game. These numbers illustrate how their synergy drove the Bucks to their first-ever NBA championship in 1971.
The 1980s ushered in iconic duos like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale of the Boston Celtics. Bird, with a career average of 24.3 points per game, displayed incredible shooting efficiency. Ranked among the top forwards in NBA history, he was complemented perfectly by McHale's 17.9 points per game. The chemistry between them led to numerous NBA Finals appearances and three championships, solidifying their legacy. During this decade, you would also have to mention Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the "Showtime" Lakers, another deadly combination that won multiple championships.
By the 1990s, the league saw the rise of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen for the Chicago Bulls. Jordan’s astonishing 30.1 points per game—one of the highest in NBA history—paired with Pippen's versatile play, including an average of 16.1 points per game, created a dynamic offensive front. Six NBA championships and two three-peats speak volumes about this duo's scoring prowess and overall impact on the game. They were practically the gold standard for NBA duos of that era.
In the 2000s, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers made waves. O’Neal's sheer dominance in the paint, with averages upwards of 27 points per game during his peak seasons, perfectly meshed with Kobe’s 25 points per game. This duo led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. The combined scoring force of Shaq and Kobe was a nightmare for defenders, resulting in numerous high-scoring games and memorable moments.
Transitioning to the 2010s, one cannot discuss scoring duos without touching on Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors. Durant's flawless scoring ability, averaging around 27 points per game, combined with Curry's revolutionary three-point shooting, averaging about 23.5 points, redefined modern basketball. Their partnership led to back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018 and marked an era dominated by perimeter shooting and offensive efficiency. The synergy between these two was unparalleled and their impact on the game was profound.
Today, looking at recent years, we could mention LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron, a multi-faceted scorer with almost 27 points per game, alongside Davis' dominating presence in the paint with an average hovering around 24 points, established them as one of the top scoring duos. Their chemistry on the court culminated in winning the NBA championship in 2020, signaling the continued trend of dynamic duos shaping the narrative of the league.
Basketball enthusiasts always have a soft spot for nostalgia, and revisiting the best scoring duos of past decades serves as a celebratory trip down memory lane. It also highlights the evolution of the league through differing styles of play, unique skill sets, and changing eras. Each decade brought its distinctive flair, bearing testament to the magic created by these astounding athletes. For more extensive insights into such fascinating basketball history, check out arena plus.