Ranking The 10 Best NBA Backcourts Including Luka Doncic And Austin Reaves

In today’s NBA, elite backcourts often dictate the game. It is no surprise that the best teams in the league are often powered by their backcourt. The 2024-25 season has only intensified this arms race, with many elite duos capable of handling the ball and scoring at a high level. 

Take Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves—on paper, they seemed like an unconventional fit when the Lakers pulled off their shocking trade for Luka. But their chemistry has been undeniable, with Luka’s generational offensive skillset and Reaves’ ability to thrive as both a secondary ball-handler and efficient shot-maker. 

They aren’t alone, though. With backcourt pairs featuring superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell, among others, we are in the era of exciting backcourt. We break down the 10 best backcourts in the league, factoring in talent, chemistry, two-way impact, and overall dominance in 2024-25. 

1. Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA this season. Luka is Luka, posting 26.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season, but he is getting plenty of help from his backcourt partner who isn’t even LeBron James.

Reaves has thrived as the perfect complement, putting up 19.1 points and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 36.2% from three. His off-ball movement and defensive tenacity allow him to seamlessly fit alongside Luka’s ball-dominant style.

The chemistry between the two has elevated the Lakers’ offense to elite levels, turning them into legitimate title contenders literally overnight from the trade deadline. If they can continue at this pace, the Lakers’ backcourt could go down as one of the most complete in franchise history.

2. Donovan Mitchell & Darius Garland

Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland form a lethal scoring duo for the Cavaliers, combining for over 45 points per game this season. Mitchell’s explosiveness and ability to get buckets at all three levels (24.3 PPG) make him the go-to option, while Garland’s playmaking brilliance (21.3 PPG, 6.7 APG) ensures the offense flows smoothly.

Their ability to alternate playmaking duties makes Cleveland’s offense one of the most unpredictable in the league. The real question is whether they can translate this regular-season dominance into postseason success. With both guards capable of taking over games, the Cavs’ backcourt is one of the most well-rounded in the NBA and that is reflected in their 49-10 record.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Luguentz Dort

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making a major MVP case this season as we know, averaging 32.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while leading the Thunder to the top seed in the West. Any duo featuring him will rank highly, and that is what OKC has right now.

Paired with Luguentz Dort’s elite on-ball defense and timely three-point shooting (40.0% from deep), this duo has become the engine for OKC’s success. Dort’s role as a defensive stopper allows Shai to conserve energy for his offensive brilliance, making them a perfect balance of attack and defense.

This backcourt might not get the media attention of others because of Dort’s playing style, but their two-way impact is undeniable. If Dort’s shooting continues to improve, they could be the perennial threat in the West for years to come.

4. Ja Morant & Desmond Bane

Ja Morant’s high-flying explosiveness paired with Desmond Bane’s sharpshooting has created one of the most feared offensive backcourts in the NBA. Morant’s averaging 20.9 points and 7.4 assists per game while Bane’s 37.8% clip from beyond the arc stretches the floor perfectly.

Their contrasting styles force defenses into impossible choices—collapse on Morant’s drives or stay home on Bane’s shooting. Memphis’ playoff success will hinge on this duo’s ability to execute in half-court sets, but right now, they look like a nightmare matchup for any team when it comes to offense and athleticism.

5. Jalen Brunson & OG Anunoby

Jalen Brunson’s presence will always make the Knicks’ backcourt into a two-way force. Averaging 26.1 points and 7.4 assists, Brunson’s ability to score efficiently from mid-range and his clutch play has been pivotal. OG Anunoby, meanwhile, has provided elite perimeter defense and a reliable scoring punch (16.1 PPG) to balance things out.

OG’s ability to guard multiple positions and hit threes has given New York a new defensive identity. The real strength of this duo lies in their versatility—Brunson can break down defenses and create for others, while Anunoby’s off-ball movement and defensive prowess make him an invaluable asset. This duo could be the foundation for a serious playoff run this season, especially when Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges are bolstering them.

6. Jrue Holiday & Derrick White

The Boston Celtics might have the best defensive backcourt in the league. Both Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are elite on-ball defenders, capable of locking down the league’s best guards. Holiday is posting 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while White is chipping in 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Their defensive tenacity sets the tone for Boston, allowing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to thrive offensively. In a league where perimeter defense is at a premium, having two elite guard-stoppers makes the Celtics a nightmare matchup for any contender and that is why they rank just outside the top-five.

7. Cade Cunningham & Jaden Ivey

The Pistons’ record might not reflect it yet (although they have played much better compared to last year), but Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are laying the groundwork for a dominant backcourt. Cunningham’s vision and ability to control the game have been evident, with the guard averaging 25.4 points and 9.4 assists. Ivey, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and athleticism, contributing 17.6 points per game.

If Ivey can continue to develop as a shooter, this duo could become one of the most unstoppable young backcourts in the NBA. Their size and versatility give Detroit a lot to build around, and with the right pieces, they could lead a playoff charge sooner than expected.

8. Stephen Curry & Brandin Podziemski

Even at 36, Stephen Curry is still an offensive juggernaut, averaging 24.0 points per game with his usual efficiency and gravity that bends defenses. His shooting range and off-ball movement remain unmatched, and any backcourt featuring him should be in the top 10 regardless of team record.

Despite being criticized at times, Brandin Podziemski has emerged as a reliable secondary playmaker and shooter. Averaging 10.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, Podziemski’s high basketball IQ and ability to knock down open looks have seamlessly fit into Golden State’s system. The Warriors will need more from Podziemski moving forward, but this duo has been a tough one to handle this season.

8. Jalen Green & Fred VanVleet

They might not have the biggest names together, but Jalen Green’s elite scoring potential paired with Fred VanVleet’s championship experience gives the Rockets a backcourt with a high ceiling. As a team that is only 1.5 games behind the second seed, they have to be rewarded for their strong play all season long.

Green’s 21.6 points per game highlight his ability to take over offensively, while VanVleet’s leadership and playmaking (14.6 PPG, 5.8 APG) provide much-needed stability. The key for Houston will be Green’s efficiency and VanVleet’s ability to keep the offense organized. If they can strike that balance, the Rockets might be hoping for more than a single playoff appearance this year.

10. De’Aaron Fox & Devin Vassell

De’Aaron Fox has not yet found his pace offensively with the Spurs yet, posting 19.6 points per game, but he is posting 24.0 points overall for the season. Devin Vassell, meanwhile, has proven to be a solid off-ball complement, posting 15.3 points per game and playing solid perimeter defense.

The speed and shooting combination of Fox and Vassell will make the Spurs a tough out every night. If they can shore up the defensive side of things, this duo has the potential to take the Spurs deep into the playoffs once Victor Wembanyama returns next season.

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