When I think about some of the greatest NBA playoff performances by assisting trios, my mind races back to the Miami Heat’s notorious “Big Three” era. Watching LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh on the court felt like witnessing history in the making. In the 2012 playoffs alone, the trio collectively averaged over 15 assists per game. It’s not just the numbers but the chemistry and synergy they displayed that made it spectacular. Each pass was a work of art, a testament to their strategic gameplay and basketball IQ. You could see the outcome of months of practice and an understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Boston Celtics’ “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen brought a fascinating dynamic into the conversation. During the 2008 playoffs, the trio led the Celtics to an NBA championship, their first since 1986. Pierce alone averaged 4.5 assists per game, with Allen and Garnett combining for nearly eight more. Their teamwork was emblematic of a traditional yet highly effective style of basketball. Each possession was meticulously crafted; it was as if they operated on an elevated basketball wavelength. In Game 6 of the Finals, they not only crushed the Lakers with a 131-92 victory, but they also showcased unselfish basketball—a significant contributing factor to their success.
One of the standout assisting trios in NBA playoff history would also undeniably include the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. In 2014, their journey to the championship saw them dishing out assists with surgical precision. Parker, the floor general, contributed 5.7 assists per game, while Ginobili added a crafty 5.4. Duncan, often operating from the post, chipped in with close to three assists per game. Their ball movement and selflessness were legendary. I remember the 2014 Finals against the Miami Heat, where their style of play mesmerized fans and critics alike. Their assist rate was off the charts, and the Spurs’ ball movement clinic culminated in a series victory that saw them dethroning the Heat “Big Three” in just five games.
Moreover, the Golden State Warriors deserve a mention, primarily the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Green, acting as a point forward, helped facilitate the Warriors’ fluid offense. During the 2017 playoffs, Green averaged nearly 7.2 assists per game, while Curry contributed 6.7. Thompson, known more for his sharpshooting, also played his part with a solid ball distribution role. The Warriors’ distinct style of play during this period broke conventional norms. Their third-quarter explosions, a hallmark of their dynasty, were often fueled by deft passing and pinpoint shooting. It’s mesmerizing to replay their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 Finals where they wrapped up their second championship in three years, partly due to their impeccable ball movement.
Let’s not forget the legendary Los Angeles Lakers’ trio comprising Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy in the 1980s. By the 1987 playoffs, Magic averaged a whopping 12.5 assists per game. Worthy and Abdul-Jabbar chipped in with nearly eight combined assists per game. Their performance was a symphony of Showtime basketball, characterized by rapid transitions and highlight-reel worthy dunks and passes. One iconic moment remains the Finals Game 4 “baby hook” shot by Magic Johnson against the Celtics, symbolizing not just scoring prowess but the culmination of an assist-driven play.
The era of assisting trios continues to evolve and inspire. Even in today’s landscape, you have trios like Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, who in their 2021 playoff run, though short-lived due to injuries, showcased glimpses of magic with healing chemistry and assist proficiency. Harden alone averaged over 8.6 assists per game, while Durant and Irving combined added an additional 8.4. Their collaborative efforts on the floor hinted at future dominance, illustrating just how impactful and necessary the art of the assist is in modern basketball.
When looking at these incredible assisting trios, it’s impossible to ignore the connective thread of exceptional teamwork, intuitive understanding, and sheer basketball brilliance. The way they share the ball transforms the game into an intricate dance, captivating fans and securing wins. For more in-depth coverage of these and other basketball tales, check out Arena Plus for continuous sports analysis and highlights.