Since the turn of the century, the NBA has seen some phenomenal duos who have elevated their teams with their remarkable passing abilities. When we talk about the best assisting duos, we need to dive into some cold, hard numbers and the unforgettable moments they've created. Let’s start with the iconic pairing of Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire on the Phoenix Suns in the mid-2000s. Nash, a two-time MVP, averaged over 10 assists per game for five consecutive seasons between 2004 and 2009. The chemistry these two developed was phenomenal, with Nash's court vision and Stoudemire’s athleticism coming together for those electrifying pick-and-roll plays. The Suns became the epitome of the "seven seconds or less" offense, delighting fans with their speed and precision.
Moving on, we've got LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during their time with the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014. They didn't just rack up the numbers, although those were impressive enough—LeBron averaged 7.2 assists per game while Wade had his fair share of double-digit assist games. Their synergy was evident in countless alley-oops and fast break points, contributing to their two championships in 2012 and 2013. There was even an iconic moment in 2010 when LeBron tossed a no-look alley-oop to Wade, demonstrating how their chemistry was unmatched.
Another significant pairing has got to be the San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. Over their 14 full seasons together, from 2001 to 2016, they amassed an average of over 15 assists per game collectively. Their understanding of each other’s playstyle was virtually telepathic. Duncan set the screen, Parker drove to the basket—it was a play that became a staple in Spurs' basketball lore. It's rare to see such consistent success, with the duo winning four championships together.
When discussing assisting prowess, we can't forget about the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Their unique skill sets have made them a dynamic duo on the offensive end. Curry’s off-ball movement paired with Green's court awareness have led to numerous assists. Specifically, during the 2016-2017 season, they combined for nearly 15 assists per game, helping the Warriors to a historic 73-win season. The Warriors' ability to spread the floor and execute complex offensive sets hinges significantly on the chemistry between these two playmakers.
We also have to recognize Chris Paul and Blake Griffin during their time with the Los Angeles Clippers, especially from 2011 to 2017. Chris Paul, one of the league's best pure point guards, averaged close to 10 assists per game during that period, while Griffin was often on the receiving end with his spectacular dunks and athleticism. Their pick-and-roll play was almost a guaranteed highlight reel every night, earning them the nickname “Lob City.” Their dynamic play was pivotal in the Clippers consistently making playoff appearances, changing the team’s reputation in the process.
Let’s not overlook the Oklahoma City Thunder duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Although they were both dominant scorers, their ability to find each other was key to the team’s success from 2008 to 2016. Westbrook's relentless energy and Durant’s sharpshooting made them one of the deadliest duos in the league. In the 2015-2016 season, they combined for nearly 13 assists per game. Despite not winning a championship together, their impact on the court was undeniable.
Currently, the Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant show promise, combining for around 12 assists per game in their first full season together, despite limited court time due to injuries. The way Irving’s dribbling skillset complements Durant’s shooting ability showcases the potential for even more impressive numbers in the upcoming seasons. If their health holds up, they could easily become one of the most memorable duos of this era.
There are many ways to quantify the greatness of these assists-focused duos, whether it's through traditional stats like assists per game or through more advanced metrics. What makes these duos stand out isn't just their ability to pass the ball—it's how they’ve understood and complemented each other's playstyles to make their entire teams better. For more insights and updates on these incredible partnerships, you might want to check out arena plus for the latest breakdowns and sports news. Every one of these pairings brought something special to the game, whether through their unique styles or their unforgettable highlights. They’ve set benchmarks in chemistry and teamwork, defining eras of basketball for fans and analysts alike.