With the continuous evolution of NBA game strategies, scoring has become much easier for players today compared to a decade ago. This season alone, over 40 players in the league have averaged more than 20 points per game. Considering that superstar pairings have become commonplace in the current NBA landscape, we've witnessed numerous high-scoring duos within teams, many of whom have combined averages exceeding 50 points. For instance, this season's Bucks duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have a combined average of 58.6 points. However, since the regular season is far from over, their performance may still fluctuate. Excluding this season, let's explore the highest-scoring duos in NBA history.
- Anthony & Iverson (52.1 points per game in the 08 season)
In the mid-2006-2007 season, Allen Iverson was traded to the Nuggets. Although he was no longer at his peak, he still had considerable scoring ability. At the same time, the Nuggets' star player, Carmelo Anthony, had matured, forming an explosive backcourt duo with Iverson.
By the 2007-2008 season, both their averages ranked in the top five in the league, with Iverson averaging 26.4 points (third in the league) and Anthony close behind with 25.7 points (fourth in the league). Under the leadership of Anthony and Iverson, the Nuggets won five more games in the regular season than the previous year. However, due to fierce Western Conference competition, their ranking dropped to eighth, and they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs that year.
- James & Wade (52.2 points per game in the 11 season)
In 2010, the NBA experienced a seismic shift when two-time MVP LeBron James announced he would bring his talents to the Heat. All-Star Chris Bosh also made the decision to join, forming a Big Three with Dwyane Wade and James. In the 2010-2011 season, James and Wade, as the stronger members of the trio, combined for an average of 52.2 points, with James averaging 26.7 points (second in the league) and Wade averaging 25.5 points (fourth in the league).
However, the Heat's final record that year was not ideal. In the playoffs, they struggled with poor chemistry, ultimately leading to James' underperformance in the Finals as they watched the Mavericks lift the trophy. Fortunately, James later redeemed himself, but unfortunately, after 2011, Wade began to show a noticeable decline, and they were unable to achieve a three-peat.
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Curry & Durant (53.3 points per game in the 19 season)
After losing to the Cavaliers in 2016, the Warriors recruited another peak MVP, Kevin Durant, throwing the league into imbalance. The Warriors were the clear favorites, and they easily won the championship in 2017. However, during the 2018-2019 season, their quest for a three-peat became more challenging, forcing Curry and Durant to perform even better in the regular season. Unfortunately, Durant's physical condition began to deteriorate, culminating in a playoff collapse, and his injury ultimately prevented the Warriors from achieving a three-peat.
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Bird & McHale (54.2 points per game in the 87 season)
Larry Bird maintained his MVP-level performance in the 1986-1987 season, averaging 28.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in the regular season. However, injuries caused him to miss several games, which could have allowed him to win the MVP for a fourth consecutive year. While Bird dealt with injuries, Kevin McHale stepped up, averaging 26.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, earning him spots in the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team. Unfortunately, in the Finals against their old rivals, the Lakers, the Celtics couldn't secure the victory, marking the last Finals appearance for the Celtics during Bird's era.
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Van der Rich & English (55.8 points per game in the 84 season)
As two of the most renowned scorers in Nuggets history, Van der Rich and Alex English delivered outstanding scoring performances in the 1983-1984 season, with English averaging 26.4 points and Van der Rich an impressive 29.4 points. Notably, neither player was selected for the All-NBA team that season, which was particularly unfortunate for Van der Rich. In NBA history, only two players have averaged over 29 points without being selected for the All-NBA team: Van der Rich and James Harden, who averaged 29+6+7 in 2016.
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Tatum & Jaylen Brown (56.7 points per game in the 23 season)
The Celtics drafted Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and despite initial doubts about their growth, the team remained confident in them. Even when they had the chance to acquire Anthony Davis in 2019, the management refused to part with the duo. Their growth proved the Celtics' decision correct, and starting from the 2022-2023 season, they became one of the best duos in the league, successfully leading the team to their 18th championship in 2024.
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O'Neal & Kobe (57.5 points per game in the 03 season)
Following their three-peat in 2002, Kobe Bryant took on more offensive responsibility, averaging 23.5 shots and 30 points per game in the 2002-2003 season. Shaquille O'Neal's average shots dropped to 18, but he still managed 27.5 points. However, the Lakers' championship defense wasn't as smooth, and they failed to advance past the Spurs in the playoffs, with Kobe averaging 32.3 points and O'Neal 25.3 points. After this series loss, the rift between the two grew larger.
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Doncic & Irving (59.5 points per game in the 24 season)
Midway through the 2022-2023 season, the Mavericks made a significant trade, acquiring Kyrie Irving from the Nets, whose reputation had hit rock bottom. Initially, Irving's chemistry with the team wasn't optimal, and they missed the playoffs that year. Thankfully, the Mavericks adjusted in the 2023-2024 season, with Doncic and Irving delivering exceptional performances in the regular season. Doncic, with an average of 33.9 points, won the scoring title, while Irving averaged 25.6 points. Under their leadership, the Mavericks advanced to the Finals as dark horses.
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Harden & Westbrook (61.5 points per game in the 20 season)
After the Thunder failed to progress beyond the first round for the third consecutive year in 2019, they initiated a rebuild, allowing Russell Westbrook to fulfill his wish by joining the Rockets and teaming up with James Harden. During the regular season, Harden and Westbrook clearly demonstrated excellent performances, with Harden winning the scoring title for the third consecutive year, averaging 34.3 points, and Westbrook contributing 27.2 points. Unfortunately, their playoff performances were inconsistent, especially Westbrook, who was frequently targeted by opponents during the series against the Lakers. Following their second-round elimination, the Rockets decided to dismantle the lineup, sending Westbrook to the Wizards. -
Chamberlain & Arizin (72.3 points per game in the 62 season)
This duo tops the list due to Chamberlain's overwhelming dominance in the league. In the 1961-1962 season, he averaged an astonishing 50.4 points, a feat unmatched in NBA history. Despite Tom Gola's average of only 21.9 points, he still benefited from Chamberlain's brilliance to make it onto this list.