When it comes to NBA performances, blocking duos stand out as some of the most electrifying and game-changing. Watching two players sync up to deny opponent after opponent is something special. I remember the 2003-2004 season with Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace in Detroit. These two were absolute beasts. They practically made the lane a no-go zone for opponents. That year, Ben Wallace averaged 3.0 blocks per game, paired with Rasheed’s solid 2.1. This tandem was key in leading the Pistons to an NBA Championship.
Take it from me, another duo, Tim Duncan and David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, was a sight to behold. Back in the 1998-1999 season, these two giants owned the paint like no one else. Duncan averaged 2.5 blocks per game, while Robinson contributed with 2.4. I can still remember their chemistry on the court and how their performances resulted in a lockout-shortened season title for the Spurs.
Moving to more recent times, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, while they had a short run together in New Orleans, created an impact that's hard to forget. In the 2017-2018 season, Davis was averaging a whopping 2.6 blocks per game with Boogie chipping in with 1.6. These two could turn defense into offense in the blink of an eye, which is why it's a pity Cousins' injury cut their time short. Imagine what they could've achieved with a full season together!
Now, I can't talk about great blocking duos without mentioning Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. These two were ahead of their time playing for the Houston Rockets in the mid-1980s. In the 1985-1986 season, Hakeem averaged an incredible 3.4 blocks per game, while Sampson had a respectable 1.6. Their combined effort pushed the Rockets to the NBA Finals, showcasing how valuable a shot-blocking duo can be. I've always felt like if they had more time together, they'd have stacked up more titles.
One duo that sometimes flies under the radar is Dikembe Mutombo and Theo Ratliff from the 2000-2001 Philadelphia 76ers. Mutombo, freshly acquired that season, went on to average 2.5 blocks per game after joining Philly, combining forces with Ratliff, who was putting up 3.7 blocks per game before his trade to Atlanta. Even though they didn’t get to share the court for long, the short time they did was formidable enough to note. That year, the Sixers made it to the Finals, primarily on the back of their defensive prowess.
When talking about young talents, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard during their tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-2020 season deserve a mention. JaVale averaged 1.4 blocks per game, with Dwight contributing 1.1. Many might brush this aside, but their combined defense was instrumental in the Lakers securing the championship that season. I always admire veteran players like Dwight who can still bring such impact to the game.
Another guard-center combo that made waves includes Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2018-2019 season, Joel was a monster with 1.9 blocks per game. Surprisingly, Ben chipped in with an impressive 0.8, considering he's a guard. This unconventional duo added a fresh dynamic to Philly's defense strategy. Watching them was always a treat, especially when Ben’s speed and Joel’s dominance in the paint came into play.
I still recall the buzz when Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant played together in Oklahoma City. In the 2011-2012 season, Ibaka led the league with 3.7 blocks per game, and KD wasn’t far behind with 1.2. These two talented players got the Thunder to the Finals, demonstrating just how powerful an elite blocking combo can be. It's one of those great "what if" scenarios I love pondering about— what if they had stayed together?
A surprising pair, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, have made waves with the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 2019-2020 season, Giannis averaged 1.0 blocks per game while Lopez put up a staggering 2.4. It’s not every day you see a team’s anchoring defense coming from such versatile positions. I’ve always appreciated how these two don't just block shots but turn those stops into fast-break opportunities instantly. Their synergy played a huge part in Milwaukee's rise to championship contenders.
Lastly, let's not forget the Twin Tower duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, recently formed in Minnesota. Last season, Rudy led the league with a massive 2.3 blocks per game, while Towns chipped in with 1.1. Although they’re still developing their chemistry, the potential is undeniably high. I’m excited to see how these two shape the Timberwolves' defense in the seasons to come. Imagine the shots that are going to be turned away with those two patrolling the paint!
Ranking these duos is no easy feat, but the moments they create are unforgettable. Whether it's a jaw-dropping block or the tension felt when they contest every shot, these performances etch into the lore of basketball history. It's performances like these that make you appreciate the defensive side of the game. And if you’re a fan of such thrilling performances, you might want to check out what Arena Plus has to offer in terms of sports excitement and more.
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