The NBA has seen its fair share of iconic trios, but nothing captures the art of teamwork like the greatest assisting trios. For days on end, I’ve been diving into stats, footage, and endless pages of history to cherry-pick the gems of passing excellence. From the setup to the dunk, every assist tells a story, and these trios have crafted plenty of them.
First off, let’s not miss the golden trio from the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. If you think about effectiveness, Magic’s vision was second to none. Over his career, Magic averaged 11.2 assists per game. Combine that with Worthy’s knack of finishing fast breaks and Kareem’s skyhook, it’s no wonder they dominated. In the 1984-85 season alone, Magic dished out a mind-blowing 13.1 assists per game, setting the tempo for one of the most prolific offenses in NBA history. There’s no denying their chemistry was otherworldly.
Let’s slide over to the Boston Celtics’ famed trio: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. These guys didn’t just play basketball; they played mind games with their opponents. Bird, known for his court vision, averaged 6.3 assists over his career. But don’t overlook McHale and Parish—they were masterful in positioning themselves, making it easier for Bird to drop dimes. Bird’s ability to make the perfect pass, sometimes throwing no-look passes, was just magic in motion. Bird, McHale, and Parish had an interconnectedness that produced 3 NBA championships. Talk about synchronization.
Moving to the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman played a different kind of game. Although known more for scoring, Jordan averaged 5.3 assists per game, with Pippen not far behind, at 5.2. But what was electric about their connection was how it translated to on-court results—six championships in eight years. Pippen’s role often gets overshadowed, but he was the glue that held it all together. This trio understood each other’s moves so well, it was like they had a telepathic link. That understanding led them to a 72-10 regular season record in the 1995-96 season. Now that’s efficiency.
Let’s jump to modern-day basketball with the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have revolutionized the sport. Curry’s deep threes, Thompson’s catch-and-shoot accuracy, and Green’s playmaking set a new standard. Draymond, in particular, has redefined the point-forward role, averaging 6.9 assists per game in his career. The 2016-17 season saw him rack up 7.0 assists per game. Curry makes passes look too easy, opening up the floor for Thompson’s lethal shooting. Their synergy brought them three championships in five years. Plus, the Warriors shattered the NBA’s regular-season win record with 73 wins in 2015-16, proving not just offensive prowess but incredible team dynamics.
Meanwhile, the “Lob City” era of the Los Angeles Clippers featured an irresistible trio: Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. Paul, often called “CP3”, is one of the most precise point guards. Averaging 9.5 assists per game over his career, Paul had a special connection with Griffin and Jordan. The trio consistently executed alley-oops that left audiences stunned. During the 2013-14 season, Paul led the league with 10.7 assists per game, significantly contributing to the Clippers’ offensive machine. It wasn’t just entertaining to watch; it was effective basketball.
If we dig up records from the Cleveland Cavaliers, their 2016 championship team can’t go unnoticed. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love made magic on the court. Over that season, LeBron averaged 8.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and playmaking genius. LeBron’s ability to read the game, coupled with Kyrie’s ball-handling and Love’s court spacing, created a formidable trio. Who can forget the 2016 NBA Finals, where they came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title? That’s the stuff of legends, my friends. This Cleveland trio ranks high for both drama and execution.
Speaking of modern marvels, you can’t ignore the juggernaut known as the Miami Heat when LeBron James teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In those four years, LeBron took his passing skills to another level, averaging 6.7 assists per game, while Wade and Bosh played integral roles in spacing the floor. The chemistry between LeBron and Wade was highlighted numerous times through jaw-dropping alley-oops and perfect timing. They reached the NBA Finals four times in a row, winning two championships. The precision and flair they played with were modern masterpieces of teamwork.
Another team that deserves a shoutout is the San Antonio Spurs with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan. Parker’s speed and playmaking, averaging 5.6 assists per game, complemented Ginobili’s unpredictable passes, and Duncan’s reliability in the paint. The Spurs won four championships with these three in the mix, cementing their legacy. During the 2013-14 season, Parker averaged 5.7 assists, a reason they were an offensive juggernaut and won their fifth championship. They were the epitome of consistent excellence.
And for the fans of classic basketball, the trio of Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, and Tom Heinsohn from the Celtics’ heyday deserves mention. Cousy, known as the “Houdini of the Hardwood”, led the league in assists for eight straight seasons, peaking at 9.5 assists per game. Russell’s incredible defense and rebounding, combined with Heinsohn’s scoring abilities, formed an early blueprint for teamwork. This Celtics trio together captured six NBA championships. Their chemistry and skill set left an indelible mark on the NBA’s history books.
It’s undeniable that the synergy between these players allowed them to create moments of pure basketball artistry. Whether it’s Magic’s no-look passes, Bird’s court vision, or Curry’s range, each trio brings something unique to the floor. So, next time you catch a game, think of the legends who perfected the art of the assist and made the game what it is today. After all, the game isn’t just about scoring; it’s about making everyone around you better.
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