When diving into the annals of NBA Playoff history, the performances of assisting trios emerge as some of the most captivating stories. We often laud the scoring prowess of key players, but the essence of team play shines through the assists that lead to those buzzer-beaters and clutch shots. Let’s talk numbers—think John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz during the ’97-’98 season, when these guys averaged a combined 20 assists per game. That season, Stockton alone had an assist percentage of 45.6%, a staggering figure even by today’s standards.
Now, if we turn the pages and look at the 2016 Golden State Warriors, the trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green forms another remarkable assist machine. It’s fascinating how they functioned; Curry averaged 6.7 assists per game that post-season, while Green chipped in with 5.9. It’s that fluid ball movement that’s essential to the Warriors’ fast-paced offense, often resulting in open three-point opportunities. They aggregated a total of 17 assists per game, which directly correlated to their increased offensive efficiency.
Mentioning the iconic 1985-86 Boston Celtics would be a crime if we’re talking assists. Larry Bird, Dennis Johnson, and Danny Ainge together averaged over 14 assists per game during their championship run. Bird’s court vision, Johnson’s ball-handling skills, and Ainge’s sharp passing led to a symphonic style of play that remains iconic. That season, Bird had an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.3, ensuring that ball security was as essential as court vision.
In more recent history, the Miami Heat’s 2010-11 season is hard to overlook. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh formed a trio that regularly facilitated unselfishly, contributing to the team’s high assist rate. During that playoff run, LeBron averaged 6.2 assists per game, while Wade added another 4.3. Their combined effort wasn’t just about volume but also about the clutch moments. LeBron’s assist to Mike Miller for a crucial three-pointer in Game 5 of the 2011 Finals is still talked about.
Shifting gears to the San Antonio Spurs, their famous trio of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan needs no introduction. In their 2007 Playoff run, these players averaged a combined 15.7 assists per game, with Parker contributing 5.8 and Ginobili 4.5. Their precise ball movement and high assist rate played a pivotal role in their Finals sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Notably, Parker had an effective field goal percentage of 51.1%, which is impressive considering his role as the primary ball handler.
Let’s not forget the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015-16 season when LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love orchestrated an iconic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. During that series, LeBron’s assist rate went through the roof, averaging 9.3 assists in the final three games. His assist to Kyrie for the go-ahead three-pointer in Game 7 against the Warriors encapsulates what teamwork is all about. Their combined efforts were integral in breaking Cleveland’s championship drought, as demonstrated by their collective box score stats that season.
Turning our attention to the Lakers, Showtime wouldn’t have been the same without Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Byron Scott. During the 1987 Playoffs, Magic averaged a jaw-dropping 12.2 assists per game, leading the trio to accumulate nearly 20 assists per game together. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the assist-to-turnover ratio, which Magic kept at a very respectable 3.5. The fluid ball movement created countless scoring opportunities, making them one of the most feared teams during that era.
One can’t overlook the Chicago Bulls’ 1995-96 season when Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Ron Harper operated as a well-oiled machine. This trio not only dominated defensively but also made sure the ball found the right hands at crucial moments. Pippen’s unique ability to serve as a point forward facilitated an average of 5.1 assists per game, complementing Jordan’s and Harper’s contributions. A notable highlight would be Pippen’s no-look pass to Jordan in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic, a perfect example of their incredible on-court chemistry.
In closing, merit should also be given to the 2019-20 Denver Nuggets trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris. Jokic, known for his exceptional passing ability for a big man, averaged 7.0 assists per game in that postseason. Combined with Murray’s 6.6 assists and Harris’ contributions, they averaged close to 18 assists per game. Their ball movement was key in overcoming a 3-1 deficit twice, first against the Jazz and then the Clippers, to make the Western Conference Finals. Jokic’s behind-the-back pass to Murray for a rallying three-pointer in Game 6 against the Clippers is a moment talked about in arena plus analysis reports, underscoring the value of assists in high-stakes situations.
These historic performances remind us that assists are the unsung heroes of basketball. Beyond the slam dunks and three-pointers, it’s the passes that make these moments possible. Each of these trios exemplifies that truth, their names forever etched in the storied history of NBA Playoff lore.