When I think about the greatest scoring trios in NBA history, my mind immediately goes to the dynamic powers of the league that left fans and analysts in absolute awe. For any basketball nut, watching three players dominate the courts together feels almost magical. So, let’s dive into those electrifying combinations that redefined the term “superteam” and had defenses scrambling to adjust.
The 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, man, what a team. You had Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant led by the mastermind, Steve Kerr. These guys didn’t just play basketball; they orchestrated a symphony on hardwood. Curry’s ability to drain threes from anywhere on the court was already a nightmare for defenders. Add Thompson’s sharpshooting skills and Durant’s multi-faceted scoring abilities—it’s no wonder they went 16-1 in the playoffs, the best winning percentage in NBA postseason history. They crushed their opponents at an average margin of 13.5 points per game. That’s insane efficiency.
Jumping back a few decades, the Boston Celtics of the mid-1980s also carved their names in the annals of NBA history. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish were a force to be reckoned with. In the 1985-86 season, the trio combined for an average of 63 points per game. Think about that: three players accounting for nearly two-thirds of an NBA team’s total points on average. No wonder they secured a 67-15 record that season and went on to win the championship. Bird’s clutch shooting, McHale’s post moves, and Parish’s rebounding made a lethal combination that remains iconic.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat took the NBA by storm starting in the 2010-11 season. Dubbed “The Heatles,” these three didn’t just aim to win games; they aimed to bring a dynasty to South Beach. Remember the 2013 NBA Finals? LeBron’s impeccable play, Wade’s agility, and Bosh’s versatility allowed them to capture the championship in a riveting series against the San Antonio Spurs. Over four seasons, they made four NBA Finals appearances and won two championships, recording an astounding .717 winning percentage in the regular season during their run.
My mind can’t skip over the Los Angeles Lakers’ showtime era, especially the 2001-02 season where Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Derek Fisher shined best. Although Fisher isn’t always mentioned in the same breath as other elite scorers, his role was essential in clocking those wins. Shaq and Kobe alone were enough to obliterate many teams. In that season, Shaq averaged 27.2 points per game, and Kobe wasn’t far behind with 25.2. Together, they led the Lakers to a 58-24 record before sweeping the New Jersey Nets in the Finals. Here lies the epitome of dominance.
Fast forward again, and you’ve got to talk about the Brooklyn Nets’ recent trio: Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Despite injuries and limited time together, when they played, it was electrifying. They combined for an average of 74.9 points per game during the 2020-21 regular season. What’s even crazier? Durant’s ability to score from virtually any spot, Harden’s unparalleled playmaking, and Irving’s ridiculous finishing skills made everyone just sit back and admire. Even with their limited playoff run due to injuries, their talent level is nearly unprecedented.
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant of the early ‘90s Chicago Bulls, are another trio that still gives basketball enthusiasts chills. In the 1990-91 season, they accumulated a 61-21 record, then steamrolled through the playoffs to win their first of six championships in the decade. Jordan’s sheer scoring prowess, Pippen’s defensive skillset, and Grant’s dependability in the paint made them virtually unstoppable. Jordan averaged 31.5 points, Pippen 17.8, and Grant chipped in with 12.8 during that championship season, perfectly balancing scoring responsibilities.
A mention of scoring trios wouldn't be complete without talking about the Spurs’ trio: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Over a span of seven seasons from 2006 to 2013, these three proved that you didn’t need to be in a glitzy market to shine. They combined selflessness and strategic brilliance, leading the Spurs to an average regular-season record of 59-23. The 2013-14 season was especially notable where they won the Finals, with the trio combining for an average of 47.3 points per game. Strategic precision made them the epitome of team basketball.
And of course, we can’t overlook the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trio of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. Their 2015-16 season remains legendary, mainly because of the 3-1 comeback in the Finals against a 73-win Warriors team. LeBron averaged an eye-popping 29.7 points, Irving had 27.1, and Love provided key contributions. The chemistry they displayed, especially in crucial moments, made them one of the all-time greats.
So yeah, if you're a fan of stunning basketball, these scoring trios are where legendary moments are forged. And you better believe future trios will continue to chase the greatness these legends set a standard for. Check out more on arena plus.