I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dynamics of assists in the NBA. When you dive into the history of the league, you can't help but admire some of the best assisting trios of all time. Let’s start with a legendary combination from the 1980s: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. Magic, with his impeccable court vision, averaged an astounding 11.2 assists per game throughout his career. The trio’s synergy on the court was a perfect blend of precision and timing, allowing the Lakers to clinch five championships during that golden era. The concept of “Showtime Lakers” is incomplete without acknowledging how seamlessly these three superstars worked together, creating plays that dazzled audiences and confounded opponents.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and we can't ignore the contributions of John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz. Stockton, who holds the NBA record for most career assists with a staggering 15,806, had an innate ability to find Malone at the right spot, every time. During that period, Stockton averaged 10.5 assists per game on a consistent basis. Hornacek, who was an exceptional shooter, often benefited from the defensive attention that Stockton and Malone garnered. This trio epitomized the pick-and-roll strategy, which became a hallmark for the Jazz, leading them to two consecutive NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.
In the 2000s, another magnificent trio emerged: Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns. Nash orchestrated the offense with his outstanding passing ability, highlighted by his back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. In the 2004-2005 season, Nash's playmaking resulted in an incredible average of 11.5 assists per game. Stoudemire and Marion thrived under Nash’s guidance; Amar’e with his explosive scoring in the paint and Marion with his versatility on both ends of the floor. Their combined efforts led the Suns to multiple deep playoff runs and solidified the "Seven Seconds or Less" offense as one of the most entertaining styles of play in NBA history.
Moving into the 2010s, the trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat deserves special mention. LeBron, known for his all-around game, frequently set up both Wade and Bosh, averaging 7.2 assists per game over his career. During their tenure together, they achieved four consecutive NBA Finals appearances and secured two championships in 2012 and 2013. LeBron’s basketball IQ complemented Wade’s athleticism and Bosh’s shooting, making them one of the most formidable groups in modern NBA history. The chemistry they developed was not just about numbers but also about understanding each other’s strengths and leveraging them effectively.
Moving a bit further to today's game, the modern era has blessed us with the trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. Curry, known for revolutionizing the game with his shooting, also excels as a facilitator, often setting up Green and Thompson. Over the past few seasons, Curry has averaged around 6.5 assists per game. Green, with his unique skillset, frequently leads the team in assists, having achieved a career-high average of 8.9 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. Thompson’s off-ball movement makes him a lethal scoring threat, benefiting from the playmaking of both Curry and Green. This trio’s ability to stretch the floor with their shooting and passing played a crucial role in the Warriors winning three championships in a span of four years from 2015 to 2018.
Another trio that stands out in recent years includes James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving when they played together for the Brooklyn Nets. Harden, renowned for his all-around offensive abilities, consistently averages over 10 assists per game, including a peak of 11.2 assists in the 2020-2021 season. Durant, one of the most efficient scorers in history, and Irving, with his elite ball-handling and clutch shooting, created a dynamic that was difficult for any team to counter. Despite limited time together due to injuries, whenever they took the court, their synergy was evident and made them a dominant force in the league.
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Let’s not forget Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers, another remarkable trio that delivered some of the most entertaining basketball in the 2010s. Paul, known as the "Point God," consistently ranked among the league leaders in assists, with an average of 9.5 assists per game during his time with the Clippers. Griffin and Jordan, with their athletic prowess, became the primary beneficiaries of Paul’s elite playmaking. The term “Lob City” became iconic due to their high-flying, alley-oop dunks that left fans in awe and opponents scrambling.
To keep the essence of playmaking alive, let’s also appreciate the historical significance of older trios like Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, and Bill Russell for the Boston Celtics. Cousy, often referred to as "The Houdini of the Hardwood," led the league in assists for eight consecutive seasons from 1953 to 1960. His innovative playmaking was a key component in the Celtics' dynasty, where Russell’s defense and rebounding, combined with Sharman’s shooting, created a powerhouse in the late 1950s and 1960s.