The 20 Best NBA Duos Of All Time, Ranked

Throughout the history of the NBA, dynamic duos have defined eras and led teams to great success. These legendary pairings, renowned for their chemistry and combined talent, have left an indelible mark on the game, creating unforgettable moments and leading their franchises to championship glory.

This article explores twenty of the greatest NBA duos, taking a chronological journey through some of the most iconic partnerships that have graced the hardwood.

20. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin formed the core of the “Lob City” Clippers from 2011 to 2017. Their pick-and-roll chemistry was unmatched, with Paul’s precise passing and Griffin’s explosive athleticism creating highlight-reel plays. The duo led the Clippers to six straight playoff appearances, averaging 20.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game together.

19. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce formed a dynamic duo that led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008. Their partnership began in high school and culminated in a legendary NBA career. Known for their intense competitiveness and complementary skills, KG and Pierce revolutionized the Celtics franchise and left an indelible mark on basketball history.

18. Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

This legendary Bucks duo dominated in the early 1970s, leading Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 1971. Robertson’s playmaking brilliance perfectly complemented Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable scoring, forming a partnership that revolutionized the game. Their combined skills and basketball IQ made them one of the most formidable tandems in NBA history.

17. Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West

Chamberlain and West led the Lakers to their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972, capping off a historic season that included a 33-game winning streak. The duo’s dominance was unmatched, with West’s sharpshooting and Chamberlain’s rebounding prowess creating a formidable force on both ends of the court.

16. Bob Cousy and Bill Russell

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell formed a legendary duo for the Boston Celtics, winning six NBA championships together from 1957 to 1963. Cousy’s playmaking skills perfectly complemented Russell’s defensive prowess and rebounding ability, revolutionizing the game. Their partnership laid the foundation for the Celtics dynasty and left an indelible mark on NBA history.

15. Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki

Nash and Nowitzki formed a dynamic duo for the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2004. Their pick-and-roll chemistry was unmatched, with Nash’s pinpoint passing and Nowitzki’s deadly shooting. Though their partnership was short-lived, it laid the foundation for both players’ Hall of Fame careers and revolutionized the game for international players.

14. Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler

Reunited in Houston in 1995, this “Phi Slama Jama” duo led the Rockets to their second consecutive NBA championship. Olajuwon’s dominant post play and Drexler’s explosive perimeter skills created a formidable inside-out threat. Their chemistry, honed since college days, made them an unstoppable force in the playoffs.

13. Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter

Clyde “The Glide” Drexler and Terry Porter formed a dynamic backcourt for the Portland Trail Blazers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their partnership peaked in the 1990-91 season, when they combined for a total of 14.2 Box Plus/Minus, ranking as the #2 duo in the league that year. Drexler’s athleticism and Porter’s playmaking led Portland to two NBA Finals appearances.

12. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars

Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars formed one of the most formidable backcourts in NBA history, leading the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Known for their defensive prowess and clutch scoring, this duo was the cornerstone of the “Bad Boys” era, combining for 12 All-Star appearances and revolutionizing guard play in the league.

11. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook

Durant and Westbrook formed one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos during their time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. From 2008 to 2016, they led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including the 2012 NBA Finals. Their combined scoring prowess was unmatched, with both players consistently ranking in the top 10 in player efficiency rating for six consecutive seasons.

10. Julius Erving and Moses Malone

Dr. J and Moses formed an unstoppable duo for the Philadelphia 76ers in the early 1980s. Their partnership culminated in the 1982-83 season, where they led the Sixers to a dominant 65-17 record and an NBA championship. Malone’s famous “Fo’, Fi’, Fo'” prediction nearly came true as they steamrolled through the playoffs with a 12-1 record.

9. Jerry West and Elgin Baylor

Jerry West and Elgin Baylor formed one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers. West’s sharpshooting and playmaking complemented Baylor’s acrobatic scoring and rebounding prowess. Together, they led the Lakers to seven NBA Finals appearances in the 1960s, revolutionizing the game with their offensive firepower.

8. John Stockton and Karl Malone

The Utah Jazz’s iconic duo revolutionized the pick-and-roll. Stockton, the all-time assists leader, and Malone, the second-highest scorer in NBA history, played together for 18 seasons. Their partnership began at the 1984 Olympic trials and blossomed into an “inseparable” bond, leading to two NBA Finals appearances.

7. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker formed a formidable duo for the San Antonio Spurs, winning four NBA championships together. Despite a rocky start where Duncan didn’t speak to Parker for his entire rookie year, they developed a strong on-court chemistry. Their partnership, spanning 15 seasons, revolutionized the pick-and-roll game and epitomized team-first basketball.

6. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale

Larry Bird and Kevin McHale formed one of the most formidable forward duos in NBA history. Playing together for 12 seasons, they averaged over 43 points and 18 rebounds per game, winning three championships. Their contrasting styles – Bird’s lethal perimeter shooting and passing, and McHale’s unstoppable post moves – made them nearly impossible to defend.

5. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

The “Splash Brothers” revolutionized basketball with their unparalleled three-point shooting. From 2011 to 2023, Curry and Thompson led the Warriors to four NBA championships, setting numerous records along the way. Their partnership ended in 2024 when Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks, but their legacy as one of the greatest shooting duos in NBA history remains intact.

4. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade formed a dynamic duo during their time with the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014. They led the team to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. Their partnership was characterized by electrifying fast breaks, clutch performances, and unmatched chemistry on the court.

3. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant

Shaq and Kobe formed one of the most dominant duos in NBA history, leading the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Despite their off-court tensions, their on-court chemistry was undeniable, combining O’Neal’s unstoppable force in the paint with Bryant’s lethal perimeter skills.

2. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

This legendary Lakers duo dominated the 1980s, winning five championships together. Magic’s unparalleled court vision perfectly complemented Kareem’s unstoppable skyhook. Johnson averaged 20.2 points and 11.4 assists, while Abdul-Jabbar contributed 20.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during their partnership, solidifying their status as one of the greatest NBA duos ever.

1. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen formed the most dominant duo in NBA history, leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s. Despite their on-court chemistry, Pippen revealed they “had no relationship” off the court. The Bulls achieved an impressive 514-177 record when Jordan and Pippen played together, showcasing their unparalleled synergy.

Watch Now: Big plays. Fast takes. Check out TQR Shorts for the latest sports news with Zoe!