When I think about the best scoring duos in the NBA during the 2020s, my mind immediately goes to the sensational pairings we’ve witnessed. For example, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets combined for an impressive 54.3 points per game during the 2020-2021 season. It's insane to watch them execute on the court. Durant’s efficiency is off the charts; his field goal percentage stood at a stellar 53.7%. On the other hand, Irving brought his own flavor to the game with flashy dribbling and a shooting accuracy of nearly 50%. Seeing these two players overlap in their prime is a basketball fan’s dream.
Then there's the dynamic duo from the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They're like a well-oiled machine, consistently pushing their team to the forefront of championship contention. In the 2020 post-season alone, LeBron averaged 27.6 points, while Davis added 27.7 points per game. This level of consistency and high performance under pressure is unparalleled. Their chemistry isn’t just a fluke; it’s built on years of dominance in their respective positions. LeBron accelerates on fast breaks like no one else, while Davis can dominate both in the paint and from mid-range.
Don’t even get me started on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Splash Brothers. They redefined what it means to be a shooting guard duo. In the few games we’ve seen them together post-injury, they haven’t missed a beat. Curry’s three-point shooting percentage touched a jaw-dropping 42.1% last season. Thompson, coming back from injury, showed flashes of his former self, scoring 20-plus points multiple times. I saw a game where Curry shot 11 three-pointers. That’s a crazy efficiency you don’t see often. It feels like they've found a way to break the game.
Besides the obvious star duos, some under-the-radar pairings deserve mention. Take Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Together, they accounted for 51.8 points per game in the 2020-2021 regular season. Tatum’s game has shades of Kobe Bryant with his perimeter shooting and footwork in the post. Brown, on the other hand, utilizes his athleticism to hit those tough inside shots. During a regular season game, I remember them scoring 30 points each, showing their ability to co-exist and shine brightly.
Let’s shift gears and talk about Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porziņģis on the Dallas Mavericks. Although Porziņģis has struggled with injuries, Luka's talent is undeniable. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. He’s a triple-double machine in the making. Porziņģis, when healthy, provided solid rim protection and critical three-point shooting, adding 20.1 points per game. The synergy isn’t perfect yet, but the potential is sky-high. They could revolutionize the concept of European players dominating the NBA.
I can’t forget Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the Los Angeles Clippers. This duo is about more than just scoring; it's their two-way play that makes them lethal. During the 2020 playoffs, Leonard and George averaged 28.2 and 20.2 points per game, respectively. Leonard's defensive acumen paired with George’s scoring versatility is what every coach dreams of. They’re not just athletes; they’re strategists on the court. They elevate the competitive nature of games, and watching them is like attending a masterclass in basketball.
Over in Colorado, the combination of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray on the Denver Nuggets represents a different style. Jokić’s MVP season in 2021 was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. Jokić’s vision and passing skills are almost magical for a center. Murray complements him perfectly with his explosive scoring and clutch performances. Remember that bubble performance in 2020? Murray scored 50 points twice. Their pick-and-roll plays are clinical, making them one of the most formidable duos. Their style of play is more cerebral, relying on basketball IQ over pure athleticism.
In Phoenix, Devin Booker and Chris Paul have showcased what a perfect balance of young talent and veteran savvy looks like. Booker’s scoring ability is extraordinary, averaging 25.6 points per game during the 2020-2021 regular season. Paul’s leadership and playmaking, averaging 8.9 assists, have turned the Suns into serious contenders. They nearly clinched the title in 2021, which speaks volumes about their impact. The combination of Paul’s clutch gene and Booker’s relentless scoring makes every game a thrilling experience.
Lastly, I can’t ignore the rising stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Although still young, Morant’s electrifying drives and Jackson's shot-blocking ability make for a thrilling combination. Morant averaged 19.1 points in just his second season. What stands out most is their potential to grow even more. Like, you see them, and it feels like watching the future unfold right in front of your eyes.
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