When you think about the dynamic duos in NBA playoff history, some iconic pairs stand out immediately. John Stockton and Karl Malone, for example, were magical on the floor. Stockton, with his pinpoint passing, seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He is the all-time leader in assists during the playoffs, amassing a staggering 2,186 assists over his career. In one memorable Western Conference Finals game against Houston in 1997, Stockton delivered 13 assists, showcasing his unparalleled vision.
Looking further back, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar redefined what it meant to be a playmaking duo in the playoffs. Magic, the master of the no-look pass, gave out 2,346 playoff assists – the most in the history of the league. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1980 NBA Finals when he filled in at center for an injured Kareem and notched 14 assists in the decisive Game 6. Watching Magic and Kareem execute the "Showtime" offense was like poetry in motion.
Fast forward to the more contemporary era, and LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are a duo that cannot be left out. When they teamed up in Miami, they were an unstoppable force. LeBron, often referred to as a "point forward," consistently set up Wade for easy baskets. In the 2012 playoffs alone, they combined for over 180 assists, with LeBron dishing out 119 of those. The way they dominated opponents, especially during their championship runs, was a spectacle.
Another trailblazing pairing was Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire with the Phoenix Suns. Nash’s surgical precision in pick-and-roll situations allowed him to rack up over 1,061 playoff assists, often finding Stoudemire for electrifying dunks. Their execution of the "Seven Seconds or Less" offense under Coach Mike D'Antoni revolutionized the NBA's approach to fast-paced basketball. In the 2005 playoffs, Nash tallied 137 assists, further cementing his status as one of the best passers ever.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors formed a different kind of duo that affected the playoffs in a significant way. Curry's incredible shooting range and Green's remarkable vision made them a unique combination. Draymond's defensive prowess and playmaking ability resulted in him being the only player to have more than 150 assists in multiple playoff runs without being primarily a point guard. Their synergy on the court has been key to the Warriors securing multiple championships. In the 2018 playoffs, Curry and Green together accounted for 257 assists, a testament to their teamwork and chemistry.
One cannot forget the contributions of Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in the late '80s and early '90s. Representing the Detroit Pistons, they were the engine behind the "Bad Boys" dynasty. Isiah, with his aggressive style, amassed over 987 playoff assists. His partnership with Dumars was crucial during their back-to-back championship run, especially in the 1990 playoffs where they combined for 183 assists. Their tenacity and skill were vividly displayed in one of the roughest eras of basketball.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant also deserve mention. During their time on the Oklahoma City Thunder, they were a lethal scoring and assisting combo. Westbrook's sheer speed and athleticism paired perfectly with Durant's shooting prowess. In the 2016 playoffs, they combined for an impressive 212 assists. Their ability to create shots for each other was a nightmare for defenders and thrilling for fans. Despite not winning a championship together, their playoff performances were moments of brilliance.
Finally, we'd be remiss not to mention the underrated duo of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan with the San Antonio Spurs. Parker's quick, crafty play and Duncan's consistency as the "Big Fundamental" saw the Spurs through numerous deep playoff runs. Parker, racking up over 1,137 playoff assists, often found Duncan in perfect spots to score. Their most notable performance came in the 2014 Finals where Parker's 38 assists helped the Spurs dismantle the Miami Heat in just five games.
These duos have all left their mark on NBA playoff history in indelible ways. From racking up double-digit assists to clutch, game-winning setups, they've fueled their teams' successes and provided unforgettable performances. To get more insights and highlights on these amazing players and more, check out arena plus.