I always marvel at those epic NBA Finals performances when a trio of players comes together and delivers unbelievable scoring feats. One legendary example that comes to mind is the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant during the 2017 NBA Finals. The sheer synergy between these three players enabled Golden State Warriors to demolish the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry averaged 26.8 points per game, Thompson added another 16.4 points, and Durant dominated with 35.2 points per game. Together, they set an example of how powerful a scoring trio can be, managing a total of 78.4 points per game combined.
Another unforgettable performance was by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh for the Miami Heat. In the 2012 NBA Finals, they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, and these three were simply unstoppable. LeBron averaged 28.6 points per game, Wade scored 22.6 points, and Bosh contributed with 14.6 points. Their collective 65.8 points per game were instrumental in clinching the championship, proving that high-scoring trios can change the course of the Finals.
Thinking about the Boston Celtics' Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen in the 2008 Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers brings another set of goosebumps. Pierce scored an average of 21.8 points per game, Garnett added 18.2 points, and Allen poured in 20.3 points, bringing their combined output to an impressive 60.3 points per game. Their performance was a blend of not just scoring but also impeccable defense and incredible teamwork.
Flashback to the 2001 NBA Finals when the Philadelphia 76ers faced the big three of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Derek Fisher from the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq averaged an astounding 33.0 points per game, Bryant added 24.6 points, and Fisher managed to chip in with crucial buckets bringing his average to 13.4 points. Together, they delivered a combined average of 71 points, overpowering the 76ers. This trio was different as their scoring was complemented by Shaq’s dominance in the paint and Kobe’s all-around playmaking.
The 1986 NBA Finals have a special place in history when the Boston Celtics' trio of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish played with flawless coordination. Bird led the team with 24 points per game, McHale contributed 25.8 points, and Parish added 15.4 points, amounting to a collective 65.2 points. Their synergy was impeccable and often described as poetry in motion, which led them to victory over the Houston Rockets.
Taking a look at the 2015 NBA Finals, the triumphant trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors once again came into focus. Curry averaged 26 points per game, Thompson contributed 15.8 points, while Green added 13.4 points. Even though Green is more known for his defensive prowess, he managed to add significant points to the scoreboard, bringing their trio's average output to 55.2 points per game. Their consistency and clutch performance were key factors in defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili for the San Antonio Spurs during the 2007 NBA Finals also had a noteworthy performance. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Duncan averaged 18.3 points per game, Parker added 24.5 points, and Ginobili contributed 14 points per game, leading to a combined 56.8 points per game. Their performance wasn't just about scoring; it was about experience, strategy, and executing the game plan to near perfection.
Probably one of the most talked-about performances would be the 2016 NBA Finals, featuring LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love from the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron shined with an average of 29.7 points per game, Kyrie added 27.1 points, and Love contributed 8.5 points, culminating in a total of 65.3 points per game. This trio was instrumental in overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win the championship, an NBA Finals comeback that will be remembered for generations.
To witness these incredible trios in action is one of my favorite aspects of the NBA Finals. The blend of talent, strategy, and individual brilliance makes for unforgettable moments. And when the titans of modern basketball clash in these epic matchups, one can scarcely predict the outcome but can be sure it's going to be a spectacle worth watching. For the avid basketball lovers, tuning in to such highlights feels almost therapeutic.
In today's digital era, platforms like Arena Plus make reliving these moments easier than ever. Their easy accessibility and detailed archives ensure that fans don't miss any significant event from the NBA Finals history. Watching past performances by these scoring trios fills me with admiration for their skill and the many hours of practice they must have put in to achieve such levels of greatness.