Best NBA Duos Per Season In The Last 20 Years

• A superstar duo normally leads a team to deep playoff runs

• Some of the greatest duos of all time have played in the last two decades

• We are in an era of superteams with multiple All-Stars wanting to play with each other

Over the last two decades, the league has been graced by an array of dynamic duos whose combined talents have left an indelible mark on the annals of basketball history. Now, it is time to make the best duos over the last 20 seasons.

From the indomitable forces of All-Star teammates over the past two decades, these duos have embodied the very essence of greatness. Their exceptional on-court chemistry and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most have captivated fans and inspired the next generation of players.

But it’s not just championship rings that define the success of these duos. They’ve brought innovation to the game as well. Without further ado, here are the best duos over the last 20 seasons in the league.

2003-04 NBA Season

Shaquille O’Neal & Kobe Bryant

The 2003-04 NBA season witnessed one of the most iconic and tumultuous duos in league history, as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant continued their high-flying partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite their undeniable on-court success, tensions behind the scenes threatened to unravel the team.

O’Neal, a dominant force in the paint, and Bryant, a dynamic scoring guard, were a formidable combination that had propelled the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. However, during the 2003-04 season, their relationship soured due to a variety of factors, including clashes of ego and a growing power struggle. The Lakers’ championship dynasty seemed on the brink of collapse.

The 2003-04 season was still a strong one for the duo on the court. O’Neal averaged 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, while Bryant put up 24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. They led the Lakers to a 56-26 record and an NBA Finals appearance, where they fell to the Detroit Pistons in a stunning upset. 

This loss marked the end of the line for the O’Neal-Bryant partnership in Los Angeles, as O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in the offseason, leaving Kobe Bryant as the face of the Lakers.

2004-05 NBA Season

Dwyane Wade & Shaquille O’Neal

The 2004-05 NBA season marked the beginning of a new and successful partnership between Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, who teamed up with the Miami Heat. This duo would go on to have a significant impact on the league during their time together.

Dwyane Wade, a young and dynamic shooting guard, and Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant big men in the history of the NBA, combined their talents to lead the Miami Heat to new heights. O’Neal, although no longer in his prime, remained a formidable force in the paint, while Wade emerged as a rising star, showcasing his scoring ability, athleticism, and clutch performances.

During the 2004-05 season, Shaquille O’Neal averaged 22.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, providing the Heat with a strong inside presence. Dwyane Wade had an outstanding season, with averages of 24.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Their complementary playing styles and leadership on the court propelled the Miami Heat to a 59-23 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

In the playoffs, this dynamic duo continued to shine. Wade’s electrifying performances in the postseason were instrumental in Miami’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Detroit Pistons in seven games. Still, the future was bright with Wade and O’Neal supporting each other.

2005-06 NBA Season

Dwyane Wade & Shaquille O’Neal

The 2005-06 NBA season continued to showcase the formidable partnership of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal with the Miami Heat. Building on their success from the previous season, this dynamic duo reached even greater heights and left an indelible mark on the league.

Dwyane Wade, coming off an impressive sophomore season, continued to establish himself as one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA. He averaged 27.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility. Shaquille O’Neal remained a dominant force in the paint, contributing 20.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

The Miami Heat, under the leadership of Wade and O’Neal, had a stellar regular season, finishing with a 52-30 record and securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Their strong performances and chemistry on the court made them a formidable team, and they were considered one of the top contenders for the NBA championship.

In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, Dwyane Wade’s star shone even brighter. He delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances in NBA history, especially during the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Wade’s heroics, including several 40-point games and clutch moments, led the Heat to a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to win the championship in six games. Wade was named the NBA Finals MVP, capping off a remarkable season for the duo.

2006-07 NBA Season

Tim Duncan & Tony Parker

The 2006-07 NBA season marked another successful chapter in the partnership of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker with the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan, the Hall of Fame power forward, and Parker, the quick and crafty point guard, were the cornerstones of the Spurs’ franchise. Duncan’s steady presence in the frontcourt and Parker’s ability to control the game with his speed and playmaking made them a formidable combination.

During the 2006-07 season, Tim Duncan averaged 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around skills and defensive prowess. Tony Parker had a great season, averaging 18.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while directing the Spurs’ offense. The San Antonio Spurs had a strong regular season, finishing with a 58-24 record, earning the top seed in the Western Conference.

Duncan and Parker’s leadership and consistency were critical in achieving this success. They emphasized teamwork, execution, and a focus on both ends of the floor, epitomizing the “Spurs way” of basketball. In the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker continued to excel. 

They led the Spurs to a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, securing their fourth championship in the Duncan-Parker era. Parker was named the NBA Finals MVP for his exceptional performance in the series.

2007-08 NBA Season

Tracy McGrady & Yao Ming

We got an indication of how great Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming could have been over the long term in the 2007-08 campaign. McGrady, one of the most talented scoring guards of his era, and Yao Ming, a dominant center with exceptional skills, were the focal points of the Rockets’ offense. McGrady’s ability to create his own shot and Yao Ming’s imposing presence in the post made them a dynamic inside-outside combination.

During the 2007-08 season, Tracy McGrady averaged 21.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. Yao Ming, despite battling injuries and only playing 55 games, contributed 22.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, displaying his dominance in the paint when healthy.

The Houston Rockets had a strong regular season, finishing with a 55-27 record and earning the fifth seed in the Western Conference. McGrady and Yao Ming’s performances, when they were on the court together, made the Rockets a formidable team, and they were considered contenders for a deep playoff run. 

In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, however, the Rockets made it to the first round, and McGrady and Yao Ming played crucial roles in the team’s success. However, injuries continued to hamper Yao Ming, and the Rockets were eventually eliminated by the Utah Jazz in a tightly contested series.

The 2007-08 season, while marked by potential and flashes of brilliance, also underscored the challenges posed by injuries to key players. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, though individually exceptional, struggled to maintain consistent health, which limited their ability to fully showcase their partnership’s potential. Despite this, their time together in Houston remains a memorable era for Rockets fans and a reminder of the electrifying moments they created on the court.

2008-09 NBA Season

Kobe Bryant & Pau Gasol

The 2008-09 NBA season witnessed the emergence of a potent new duo in Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their partnership brought a return to championship glory for the Lakers and demonstrated the power of skill and chemistry in the pursuit of greatness.

Kobe Bryant, a perennial NBA superstar, and Pau Gasol, a highly skilled and versatile big man, brought their unique talents to the Lakers. Bryant was a scoring machine, averaging 26.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, while Gasol provided a crucial inside presence with 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies midseason.

The Lakers, under the leadership of Bryant and the addition of Gasol, had a remarkable regular season, finishing with a 65-17 record and earning the top seed in the Western Conference. Their partnership brought a perfect blend of Kobe’s scoring prowess and Gasol’s post-skills and basketball IQ.

In the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol continued to shine. They led the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Orlando Magic. Their teamwork and the versatility of Gasol proved to be the difference-maker as the Lakers secured the championship in a five-game series, with Kobe Bryant being named the NBA Finals MVP.

2009-10 NBA Season

Kobe Bryant & Pau Gasol

The 2009-10 NBA season saw the continued excellence of the partnership between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, which had brought championship success to the Los Angeles Lakers the previous year. Their remarkable synergy, talent, and leadership remained instrumental in the Lakers’ pursuit of back-to-back titles.

Kobe Bryant, the Lakers’ iconic shooting guard, continued to be a scoring dynamo during the 2009-10 season, averaging 27.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Pau Gasol, the skilled big man, maintained his valuable contributions with 18.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

The Lakers enjoyed another strong regular season, finishing with a 57-25 record and earning the top seed in the Western Conference. Bryant and Gasol’s seamless teamwork, with Gasol’s ability to stretch the floor and Bryant’s scoring prowess, made the Lakers a formidable team.

In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol once again led the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated championship series. Their resilience and teamwork proved crucial, and the Lakers avenged their 2008 Finals loss to the Celtics, winning the championship in a thrilling seven-game series. Kobe Bryant earned his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.

2010-2011 NBA Season

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade

The 2010-2011 NBA season featured the dynamic partnership of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. This union, along with Chris Bosh, formed the “Big Three” and created a significant buzz in the basketball world as they aimed to bring an NBA championship to Miami.

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the best players in the league, if not the best, was known for his scoring, playmaking, and versatility. He averaged 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game during the season. Dwyane Wade, another superstar in his own right, contributed 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The Miami Heat finished the regular season with a 58-24 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron and Wade’s leadership and on-court chemistry, along with the addition of Chris Bosh, made the Heat an instant title contender. In the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the “Big Three” powered the Heat to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite high expectations, the Heat fell short, losing to the Mavericks in a six-game series. LeBron and Wade’s performances throughout the season and the playoffs showcased their individual greatness but also highlighted the challenges of forming a superteam and managing sky-high expectations.

2011-2012 NBA Season

Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook

The 2011-2012 NBA season featured the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant and Westbrook were a high-scoring and exciting combination, and their partnership was a key factor in the Thunder’s success during this season.

Kevin Durant, a scoring machine and one of the most prolific shooters in the league, led the team with 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Russell Westbrook, a highly athletic and explosive point guard, contributed 23.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Their contrasting playing styles created a dynamic backcourt pairing that posed a significant challenge for opponents.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a strong regular season, finishing with a 47-19 record and securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Durant and Westbrook’s scoring ability, along with the defensive presence of Serge Ibaka, made the Thunder one of the most exciting and competitive teams in the league.

In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Miami Heat. Durant and Westbrook’s performances were instrumental in the team’s journey to the Finals. Although they ultimately lost to the Heat, their playoff run showcased their talent, determination, and potential for future success.

The 2011-2012 season was a significant chapter in the development of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as a formidable duo. Their scoring ability and on-court chemistry made them one of the most exciting backcourt combinations in the league, and their success set the stage for further accomplishments in the seasons to come.

2012-2013 NBA Season

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade

The 2012-2013 NBA season marked another compelling chapter in the partnership of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. This dynamic duo, along with Chris Bosh, continued to be a dominant force in the league, aiming for another NBA championship.

The Miami Heat had an outstanding regular season, finishing with a 66-16 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. LeBron, Wade, and Bosh led the team with their leadership and skill, making the Heat one of the most dominant teams in the league. In the 2013 NBA Playoffs, the “Big Three” powered the Heat to the NBA Finals, where they faced the San Antonio Spurs in a highly competitive series.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade played crucial roles, with LeBron earning NBA Finals MVP honors as the Heat clinched the championship in a thrilling seven-game series. Their collective performance underscored their status as one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. 

The 2012-2013 season marked another successful campaign for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Their partnership continued to thrive, and they were key contributors to the Heat’s championship success, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic duos in the modern era of the NBA.

2013-2014 NBA Season

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade

The 2013-2014 NBA season was another exciting chapter in the partnership of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. The duo continued to be a powerhouse in the league, aiming to capture another NBA championship. Miami had another strong regular season, finishing with a 54-28 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. James and Wade were simply too difficult to handle on the fast break and their basketball IQ was off the charts.

In the 2014 NBA Playoffs, the “Big Three” powered the Heat to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance. They faced the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the previous year’s Finals. However, this time the Heat were defeated by the Spurs in five games. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade’s performances throughout the season and the playoffs highlighted their individual greatness and their collective impact as leaders of the Heat.

The 2013-2014 season marked another successful campaign for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Their partnership continued to shine, and they remained key contributors to the Heat’s ongoing championship pursuits, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic duos in recent NBA history.

2014-2015 NBA Season

Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson

The 2014-2015 NBA season marked the rise of the “Splash Brothers,” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as one of the most electrifying and effective backcourt duos in the history of the league. Their remarkable shooting prowess and chemistry revolutionized the game of basketball and led the Golden State Warriors to championship glory.

Stephen Curry, known for his incredible ball-handling, three-point shooting, and playmaking, had a breakout season, averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Klay Thompson, an exceptional sharpshooter and lockdown defender, contributed 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Their ability to stretch the floor and hit long-range shots made them a dynamic and nearly unstoppable scoring duo.

The Golden State Warriors had an outstanding regular season, finishing with a league-best 67-15 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Under the leadership of Curry and Thompson, along with the defensive prowess of Draymond Green, the Warriors became known for their “small ball” style of play, emphasizing three-point shooting and fast-paced offense.

In the 2015 NBA Playoffs, the “Splash Brothers” led the Warriors to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. They captured the championship in six games, with Stephen Curry earning the NBA Most Valuable Player award for the regular season and Andre Iguodala earning the NBA Finals MVP award. The Warriors’ small-ball style and the extraordinary shooting of Curry and Thompson changed the game and marked a turning point in the league’s approach to offense.

2015-2016 NBA Season

LeBron James & Kyrie Irving

The 2015-2016 NBA season was marked by the dynamic partnership of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season would ultimately culminate in a historic achievement for the franchise and the city of Cleveland. LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, continued to dominate the league, averaging 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game and probably would have won the MVP award if not for Stephen Curry’s iconic season.

Kyrie Irving, the young and incredibly skilled point guard, contributed 19.6 points and 4.7 assists per game. Their combination of experience, leadership, and scoring ability made them a potent duo. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s leadership and performances, along with the presence of Kevin Love, made the Cavaliers a championship contender.

In the 2016 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Golden State Warriors. Down 3-1 in the series, the Cavaliers made a historic comeback to win the championship in seven games. LeBron James was named the NBA Finals MVP, and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer in Game 7 secured the title. The victory had special significance for the city of Cleveland, as it ended a 52-year championship drought in major professional sports.

2016-2017 NBA Season

Kevin Durant & Stephen Curry

The 2016-2017 NBA season featured the blockbuster partnership of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, creating one of the most dynamic and prolific scoring duos in the history of the league. Durant joined the Warriors in free agency and completely broke the NBA landscape in terms of competitive nature, to Golden State’s favor of course.

Stephen Curry, renowned for his extraordinary three-point shooting and ball-handling skills, had another remarkable season, averaging 25.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Kevin Durant, an elite scorer and versatile forward, contributed 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while seamlessly fitting into the team’s system tremendously well. The Golden State Warriors had an outstanding regular season, finishing with a league-best 67-15 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.

The addition of Kevin Durant to the already potent lineup that included Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green created a “super team” that was widely expected to win the championship. In the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in a rematch of the previous year’s Finals.

The Warriors captured the championship in five games, with Kevin Durant earning NBA Finals MVP honors. The partnership of Durant and Curry, along with the team’s strong supporting cast, showcased the power of elite talent coming together to achieve championship success.

2017-2018 NBA Season

Kevin Durant & Stephen Curry

The 2017-2018 NBA season continued to witness the impressive partnership of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, as the dynamic duo aimed for further championship success.

There was simply no answer for the duo of Durant and Curry because they fed off each other and shared the ball to the defense’s disadvantage every night. It certainly helped to have Klay Thompson spotting up from three as well which meant Golden State’s offense was incredibly efficient. No surprise, in the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers once again.

The Warriors captured the championship in a four-game sweep, with Kevin Durant earning NBA Finals MVP honors for the second consecutive season. Durant and Curry’s collective excellence was a significant factor in the Warriors’ championship run, solidifying their status as one of the most dominant duos in the league.

The 2017-2018 season was another memorable campaign for Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors. Their partnership, alongside the exceptional talent on the team, emphasized the importance of teamwork and showcased the transformative power of elite players working together to achieve championship success.

2018-2019 NBA Season

Kevin Durant & Stephen Curry

Another year with Durant meant another season of dominance. The Golden State Warriors had a strong regular season, finishing with a 57-25 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Durant and Curry’s leadership, along with the exceptional supporting cast, made the Warriors a formidable championship contender. In the 2019 NBA Playoffs, the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals for the fifth consecutive season, where they faced the Toronto Raptors.

Despite their impressive run, the Warriors were hindered by injuries to both Durant and Klay Thompson during the Finals, and they were defeated by the Raptors in a six-game series. Durant’s return from injury in Game 5 was memorable but bittersweet as he suffered an Achilles injury.

The 2018-2019 season was a testament to the greatness of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry as a tandem. Their partnership, marked by exceptional scoring and offensive finesse, was instrumental in the Warriors’ sustained success, and they left an indelible mark on the league as one of the most dominant duos of their era.

2019-2020 NBA Season

LeBron James & Anthony Davis

The 2019-2020 NBA season witnessed the formation of a powerful partnership between LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers. This dynamic duo, characterized by their versatility, leadership, and basketball IQ, led the Lakers to an NBA championship.

LeBron James, easily as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, continued to be a dominant force in the league, averaging 25.3 points, a league-leading 10.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. The newly acquired Anthony Davis contributed 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Their combined skills and court vision made them a formidable combination on both ends of the floor.

The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season with a 52-19 record in the Covid-shortened season, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. LeBron James and Anthony Davis’s leadership and performance, alongside a strong supporting cast, rejuvenated the Lakers and made them championship contenders.

In the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Miami Heat led by Jimmy Butler. LeBron James and Anthony Davis played crucial roles, with LeBron earning NBA Finals MVP honors as the Lakers secured their 17th NBA championship. Their partnership, marked by their complementary skills and ability to elevate the team, played a significant role in bringing the championship back to Los Angeles.

2020-21 NBA Season

Giannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton

The 2020-2021 NBA season featured the standout partnership of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton with the Milwaukee Bucks. This dynamic duo, characterized by their versatility, scoring ability, and leadership, had a season to remember as they led the Bucks to an NBA championship.

Even if Khris Middleton was not a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo was, he was the best sidekick in the league because he was an elite perimeter defender and one of the most accurate shooters on the court. Middleton shot 41.4% from three over the season and that meant Giannis always had a reliable teammate to pass to when double-teamed.

In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton played pivotal roles in the series, with Giannis earning NBA Finals MVP honors after a 50-point closeout performance in Game 6. The Bucks secured their first NBA championship in 50 years, marking a historic moment for the franchise and the city of Milwaukee.

2021-22 NBA Season

Kevin Durant & James Harden

The 2021-22 NBA season showcased the potent partnership of Kevin Durant and James Harden with the Brooklyn Nets, even if Harden only appeared in 36 games. This dynamic duo, characterized by their scoring ability, basketball IQ, and versatility, made the Nets one of the most formidable teams in the league and there was enough evidence that nobody was stopping them on defense.

Kevin Durant, widely regarded as one of the premier scorers in the NBA, continued to be a dominant force, averaging 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. James Harden, a prolific scorer and elite playmaker, contributed 22.5 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game. Their unique skills and on-court chemistry made the Nets a potent offensive juggernaut.

The Brooklyn Nets finished the regular season with a 44-38 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite facing injuries and challenges throughout the season, the partnership of Durant and Harden, along with the support of Kyrie Irving, made the Nets a serious championship contender.

However, the team faltered in the playoffs due to chemistry issues as they were swept in the first round. If not for the constant drama surrounding the team due to vaccination policies and off-court situations, Durant and Harden could have done major damage in the postseason.

2022-23 NBA Season

Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray

The 2022-23 NBA season saw the dynamic partnership of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray shine with the Denver Nuggets. We saw glimpses of this in the 2020 Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers, but this was something completely different. Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and one of the most unique centers in the NBA, showcased his extraordinary skills by averaging a double-double with 24.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.

Jamal Murray, a dynamic point guard and scoring machine, contributed 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. Their complementary playing styles and on-court chemistry made them a potent combination. However, their true impact came in the playoffs once the Nuggets captured the best record in the Western Conference at 53-29.

Denver made quick work of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers by only losing three games in all three series combined. In the NBA Finals, the Nuggets faced the underdog Miami Heat and it was the superstar duo of Denver that took the opposition down. Jokic earned Finals MVP honors by averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, but credit should also go to Murray, who added 21.4 points per game.