When discussing NBA’s greatest defensive duos, few pairings captivate like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They’ve left an indelible mark with their spectacular ability to swipe the ball. From 1987 to 1998, these two amassed an impressive 4,152 steals combined, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. Jordan, the shooting guard sensation, averaged 2.3 steals per game over his career, while Pippen, the small forward with impeccable defense skills, boasted 2.0. Together, they crafted a defensive legacy that many still consider untouchable.
Think about the 2000s, and Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin come to mind. Kidd, with his laser-focused demeanor and game IQ, notched 2,684 steals in his career. Martin wasn’t just about blocks and rebounds; his 1.2 steals per game from 2000 to 2010 turned heads. Adding these two figures together, they come close to 3,500 steals, showing how formidable they were in stopping opponents’ offenses. When the New Jersey Nets took on major competitors, Kidd and Martin often made the difference in tight games.
The 80s gave us another unforgettable duo: Maurice Cheeks and Julius Erving from the Philadelphia 76ers. Cheeks wasn’t just a floor general; he was a master at intercepting passes with a career average of 2.1 steals per game. Dr. J matched up not just with his legendary dunks, but also his reliable defense, compiling 2.0 steals per game. Combined, they amassed around 3,400 steals over their tenure together. It’s no wonder the Sixers were constantly a playoff threat.
If you think defense doesn’t win games, look at Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp of the Seattle SuperSonics. Payton, nicknamed ‘The Glove’ for his aggressive defense, raked in 2,445 steals, and his partner Kemp wasn’t just about highlights; he averaged 1.2 steals per game. With a combined total nearing close to 3,100 steals, these two had opponents shaking in their sneakers. Payton and Kemp’s defensive prowess was so impactful that the SuperSonics were perpetual playoff contenders during the 90s.
The recent duo worth mentioning is Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors. Both incredible multi-position defenders, with Iguodala racking up 1.6 steals per game and Green at 1.4. Over their years together, they edged close to 2,300 steals. This defensive synergy translated directly to the Warriors’ three NBA championships. Not to mention, Golden State’s management relentlessly holding on to them proved beneficial, investing in contracts worth hundreds of millions combined.
The magic behind these pairings is in their harmonious coordination and sheer will to challenge every possession. Take, for instance, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan when they played for the Los Angeles Clippers. The ‘Lob City’ era wasn’t just high-flying dunks; Paul’s relentless 2.2 steals per game combined with Jordan’s 1.0 meant that they accumulated nearly 2,500 steals together. While their offensive fireworks received most of the attention, their thefts were the stealthy glue holding those explosive plays together.
Another gem from the Philadelphia 76ers is Allen Iverson and Eric Snow. Iverson, with his quick hands, topped 2.2 steals per game, while Snow wasn’t far behind with an average of 1.4. Together, they created a defensive backcourt that posted nearly 2,600 steals, making life miserable for opposing guards. The Iverson-Snow combination became a template for future defensive backcourt setups.
Let’s not forget the times of John Stockton and Karl Malone. Stockton, mastering the art of the pick-and-roll, also topped the all-time steals list with 3,265 steals. Malone, while more famed for his scoring, still contributed significantly with nearly 1,500 steals in his career. Adding these figures gives you roughly 4,765 combined steals, setting a bar almost unattainable to most. The duo turned the Utah Jazz into a regular playoff team, making two trips to the NBA Finals.
Finally, I have to mention Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter from the Portland Trail Blazers. Drexler’s 2.0 steals per game during the late 80s and 90s paired perfectly with Porter’s 1.6. Together, they logged nearly 3,500 steals. This duo’s consistent efforts led Portland to two NBA Finals appearances, etching their names into NBA lore.
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