Talking about the best stealing trios in NBA history, you can't overlook the exceptional defensive prowess that these athletes bring to the table. For instance, the legendary combination of Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Nate McMillan from the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1990s set records almost every night. Payton, known as "The Glove," could swipe the ball with an efficiency of 2.9 steals per game during the 1995-96 season. Kemp, aside from his rim-rattling dunks, was also pivotal on the defensive end, often intercepting passes meant for the paint.
In modern NBA discussions, referring to the Miami Heat's trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh from their 2010-2014 run is imperative. Wade, affectionately called "Flash," averaged 1.9 steals per game, while LeBron contributed 1.7 steals and Bosh added a solid 1.0 steals per game during their time together. The trio’s seamless on-court synergy helped the Heat capture two NBA Championships. Their aggressive defense and impeccable timing disrupted opposing offenses, leading to fast-break opportunities and easy points.
Another phenomenal trio includes Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Ron Harper from the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat (1995-1998). These legends weren't just potent scorers but also defensive stalwarts. Jordan led the league in steals during three different seasons, at times recording a staggering average of 3.2 steals per game. Pippen, arguably the best second fiddle in NBA history, wasn't far behind with around 2.0 steals per game, while Harper chipped in with substantial defensive responsibilities averaging about 1.2 steals.
The 1980s Milwaukee Bucks boasted the likes of Sidney Moncrief, Paul Pressey, and Terry Cummings who created havoc on the defensive end. Moncrief, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, consistently averaged over 2.0 steals per game. Pressey, the quintessential point forward, not only facilitated the offense but also excelled in stealing the rock, frequently finishing with an average of 1.5 steals per game. Cummings, a power forward, demonstrated agility rarely seen in players of his size, contributing defensively with his quick hands and court awareness.
Rewinding to the Boston Celtics' Larry Bird, Dennis Johnson, and Robert Parish in the mid-80s, you'll see how they starred not only in offensive statistics but also defensively. Bird, hailed for his anticipation skills, often averaged 1.7 steals a game. Dennis Johnson, known for his suffocating perimeter defense, averaged 1.5 steals. Parish, though known primarily for his shot-blocking, recorded noteworthy steal numbers for a center.
An honorable mention goes to the mid-2000s Detroit Pistons trio of Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, and Ben Wallace. Billups, recognized for his clutch shooting, also put up around 1.5 steals per game. Prince used his lengthy wingspan to disrupt passing lanes, hovering near 1.0 steals per game, while Wallace, a shot-blocking juggernaut, consistently added around 1.5 steals to his defensive repertoire.
Houston Rockets’ recent trio of James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela from the 2017-2019 seasons showcased thrilling defensive sequences as well. Harden, while often critiqued for his defense, averaged 1.8 steals per game. Chris Paul, a master thief with nine All-Defensive team mentions, averaged 2.0 steals. Capela, the defensive anchor, completed the trio, contributing slightly fewer steals but providing intimidating interior defense that forced turnovers.
Regarding the Golden State Warriors, their trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green from their 2015-2019 dynasty is well worth mentioning. Curry, primarily known for his offensive prowess, averaged about 1.8 steals per game, Klay Thompson, one of the league's top two-way guards, added 1.0 steals per game, while Draymond Green, the heartbeat of their defense, averaged a solid 1.5 steals per game with his unparalleled defensive IQ and versatility.
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It's impressive to see these trios and their influence on the game. From the early days to modern basketball, these groups of players epitomize what it means to play consistent, high-level defense, proving that while offense wins games, defense wins championships.