When we talk about NBA scoring performances, especially by trio combinations, certain games often come to mind. The impact of scoring trios is nothing short of phenomenal. One can easily recall instances like the Explosion of the Celtics’ Big Three back in the 2007-2008 season. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen combined forces, pulling off an average of 68.9 points per game. It was an unforgettable era marked by their combined efforts and unique chemistry.
Numbers don’t lie. During a game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2009, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom of the LA Lakers combined for a staggering 94 points. That’s a sheer demonstration of offensive power that not many trios in the history of NBA can boast about. Their ability to dominate the court laid foundations for future superteams.
In recent times, one cannot overlook the Brooklyn Nets’ trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. The 2020-2021 season saw them average a combined 79.2 points per game. During their match against the Chicago Bulls on November 8, 2021, this trio recorded a remarkable 108 points together. High-efficiency scoring from Durant and Irving mixed with Harden’s playmaking skills created one of the most potent scoring machines in modern NBA.
Statistics show that the concept of superteams isn’t a new phenomenon. Rewinding back to the 1984-1985 season, the Lakers’ trio of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy was an exemplary force of dynamic scoring ability. They averaged 74.9 points per game, setting a precedent for future trios to follow. In the Finals against the Boston Celtics in 1985, they combined for 91 points in Game 6, solidifying their place in history.
One cannot drive past the topic without mentioning the Golden State Warriors. Their infamous third-quarter bursts often turned games on their heads. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant produced one of the highest-scoring trio combinations of all time. During the 2017-2018 season, they averaged 80.4 points per game in highly crucial matchups. On January 12, 2018, against the Houston Rockets, they dropped a whopping 112 points between them, showcasing perfect synergy and tactical prowess.
Speaking of historical benchmarks, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish of the Boston Celtics were also legendary. From 1984-1985, they contributed a combined 72.3 points per game on average. Their most notable performance came on November 10, 1984, against the Denver Nuggets, wherein they racked up 95 points. This trio’s inside-out game, mixed with Bird’s shooting, McHale’s post-ups, and Parish’s rebounding prowess, formed a cornerstone model for effective trios.
Today’s NBA still revolves around the concept of multiple stars combining efforts. Take the Miami Heat’s 2011-2012 season where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh averaged 70.8 points per game. They led their team to an NBA Championship, proving that trios play a crucial role in achieving such milestones. On May 30, 2012, during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, they amassed an impressive 98 points combined.
Perhaps, the more recent example involves the Phoenix Suns, where Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton combined to average 72.5 points per game in the 2021-2022 season. In a standout game against the LA Lakers on November 12, 2021, they totaled 97 points. The Suns’ balance of youth, experience, and resilience created a trio that was incredibly tough to match up against.
Even lesser-heralded trios have had eye-popping performances. For instance, the Milwaukee Bucks’ trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, who in the 2020-2021 season, averaged 68.1 points per game together. Their outstanding work led the Bucks to an NBA Championship, and on June 29, 2021, they combined for an incredible 105 points against the Atlanta Hawks.
It’s not just about big names or historical teams; even modern combinations continue to break records. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart of the 2022-2023 Boston Celtics averaged 67.3 points per game. On February 17, 2023, against the Philadelphia 76ers, they recorded a powerful 96 points combined. Such performances include excellent individual skills, team play, and strategic ingenuity.
The phenomenon isn’t confined to just one or two generations. The Detroit Pistons’ trio of Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Vinnie Johnson in the late 1980s was a defensive powerhouse but also averaged 69 points during the 1988-1989 season. Their 94-point performance against the LA Lakers in the NBA Finals on June 13, 1989, pushed them to a memorable win and cemented their legacy.
Across generations and teams, the concept of the scoring trio has revolutionized the NBA. These impressive performances and the ability of such teams to come together to achieve staggering numbers highlight the significant role these trios play. For more on NBA performances and detailed rankings, check out arena plus for in-depth analysis and updates.