When I think about the best assisting trios in the NBA since the turn of the century, three particular groups always stand out to me: the '08 Celtics, the 2016-2019 Golden State Warriors, and the early 2000s San Antonio Spurs. Their seamless ball movement and impressive assist statistics defined their eras and influenced how the game is played today.
Starting with the '08 Celtics, the trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen truly embodied teamwork. Pierce, averaging 4.5 APG (assists per game), Garnett contributing 3.5 APG, and Allen adding 2.8 APG, brought an efficiency that led Boston to their 17th championship. I remember how they seemed to communicate almost telepathically on the court, creating high-percentage shots by always making the extra pass. This trio transformed Boston's offense, making them one of the most feared teams in the league. The synergy among these three players was reflected in their 66-16 record during the 2007-2008 season, where they led the league in assists with an impressive 26.1 APG as a team.
Moving on to the Warriors from 2016 to 2019, their trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green redefined what it meant to share the basketball. Curry and Thompson, known for their sharpshooting, both averaged around 5 APG, but it was Green who facilitated much of their offense, averaging up to 9 APG in 2016-2017. I was always amazed by Green's vision and ability to read the game, often functioning as a point forward. This passing prowess allowed the Warriors to set an NBA record with 73 regular-season wins in 2015-2016 and secure championships in 2017 and 2018. Their offense was not just high-paced but also highly efficient, with an effective field goal percentage of 56%, thanks in large part to their excellent assist rates. These Warriors weren't just about individual brilliance; their teamwork made them almost unstoppable.
The San Antonio Spurs in the early 2000s, led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, are another trio that must be mentioned. Duncan's presence in the post, Parker's speed and ability to penetrate, and Ginobili's creativity both inside and out made them a nightmare for defenses. Parker, with his 6 APG in their championship seasons, led the trio, while Ginobili chipped in about 4 APG and Duncan added 3 APG. I recall how their style of play wasn’t flashy but incredibly effective. Their ability to make the right pass at the right time led to four championships between 2003 and 2014. One can never forget how their consistent ball movement culminated in the 2014 Finals against the Miami Heat, where they averaged an incredible 25.7 assists per game, showcasing teamwork at its finest.
So, when discussing the NBA's best assisting trios, these three stand out not just for their numbers but for how they changed the game. Each of them brought something different to the table, whether it was the Celtics’ balanced attack, the Warriors’ quick-strike offense, or the Spurs' methodical dismantling of defenses. Their legacies are not just marked by championships but by how they embodied the essence of teamwork and ball movement. Whether you're a Celtics, Warriors, or Spurs fan, you have to appreciate the poetry in their passes and the rhythm in their plays.
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