When thinking about the top assisting duos in the NBA, one can’t ignore the electric synergy between Steph Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. These two have been a cornerstone for the team’s success over the years, and the numbers say it all: Green has assisted Curry over 3,000 times in his career. Their on-court chemistry is simply unparalleled.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the dynamic duo of James Harden and Joel Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers stand out. Harden’s ability to distribute the ball combined with Embiid’s dominant post presence has turned them into a formidable pair. Harden averages over 10 assists per game, a number only matched by a few in the league.
Shift to the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s impossible to overlook the connection between LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron is a passing wizard, often leading the team in assists per game, which currently sits at 8.2 for this season. Davis, on the other hand, benefits immensely from LeBron’s playmaking abilities, resulting in countless alley-oops and easy baskets inside. Their teamwork is a highlight reel every single game.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers are becoming quite the pair in their own right. Garland’s quick passes and Mitchell’s knack for scoring have boosted their team’s offensive rating significantly this season. With Mitchell averaging 25 points and Garland clocking in at 8.1 assists per game, they’ve revitalized the Cavs’ playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, any conversation about assists will always bring Luka Dončić into the spotlight. Luka and Kristaps Porziņģis were a thrilling duo until Porziņģis moved on. Now the focus has shifted to his partnership with the newly acquired Kyrie Irving, which looks promising. Dončić is currently averaging nearly a triple-double per game, with assists making up a significant portion of his stat line.
Switching gears to the Denver Nuggets, the combo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray is worth mentioning. Jokić, the reigning MVP, has an exceptional court vision for a center, dishing out 8.6 assists per game. Murray’s sharpshooting and ability to finish at the rim make them a tough duo to defend against. Together, they have an incredible offensive rating, pushing the Nuggets to be strong contenders every season.
Don’t forget about the Utah Jazz’s Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert. Although Gobert’s game is centered around defensive prowess, Conley’s playmaking takes full advantage of Gobert’s height and reach. This year, Gobert has catered to Conley’s assists in over 60% of their pick and roll plays, a testament to their efficiency.
Trae Young and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks have shown a lot of potential as a young duo. Trae, leading with 9.3 assists per game, frequently sets Collins up for explosive plays. Last season alone, Collins benefited from nearly half of Young’s assists, highlighting their effective partnership.
Over on the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have formed an iconic partnership. Despite their short time together, Durant’s ability to score from anywhere on the court combined with Irving’s crafty playmaking has yielded a lot of assists. Irving is averaging 6.4 assists per game, while Durant’s scoring efficiency is at an all-time high, reinforcing their status as one of the league’s elite duos.
In Portland, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were long-time staples producing high-assist numbers until McCollum’s recent trade. Now, Anfernee Simons is stepping up, linking up with Lillard for crucial plays. This new pairing is averaging around 7 assists per game collectively, indicating a budding chemistry.
The past season saw some thrilling synergy between arena plus Kahwi Leonard and Paul George on the Los Angeles Clippers. While typically known for their stellar defense, their offensive play compliments each other, with George contributing 5.4 assists per game to Leonard’s scoring prowess. This pair is instrumental in keeping the Clippers as a top-tier team in the competitive Western Conference.
In Miami, the combination of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo is impressive. Butler averages 7 assists per game, often finding Adebayo in perfect scoring positions. Their plays have been integral to the Heat’s recent successes, including their finals appearance in the 2019-2020 season.
Lastly, one can’t ignore the chemistry between Chris Paul and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. Paul’s veteran expertise as a point guard, delivering 10.3 assists per game, paired with Booker’s scoring ability, makes them a deadly combination. Their exceptional play was a key factor in the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals last year.