Stephen A. Smith recently revealed his top five NBA duos on NBA Countdown, sparking debates among basketball fans and analysts alike. His list reflects both star power and current form, emphasizing performances this season while considering playoff pedigree.
1. Jaylen Brown - Jayson Tatum
2. LeBron James.- Luka Doncic
3. Nikola Jokic - Jamal Murray
4. Damian Lillard - Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Jimmy Butler - Stephen Curry
According to Smith, the fifth-best duo is Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Although an unexpected combination, Smith highlighted Butler’s relentless scoring ability, particularly his knack for getting to the free throw line, providing Curry valuable offensive breathing room.
Smith credited Butler’s physical playing style as crucial, explaining how it frees Curry from having to constantly shoulder offensive responsibilities, allowing Steph to average over 30 points per game in recent weeks.
At number four, Smith chose the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This duo was highly touted entering the season, and Smith pointed to their balanced attack. Giannis, an MVP-caliber talent, averages an imposing 30 points and 12 rebounds, while Lillard provides clutch outside shooting and averages over 25 points per game.
Their combined dominance has propelled Milwaukee to an impressive 8-2 record over the last ten games. Smith anticipates "Dame Time" becoming even more evident as playoffs approach, suggesting they are poised to make noise in the postseason.
Smith’s third-ranked duo is Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. His reasoning was straightforward: championship pedigree. Having already secured an NBA title together, Jokic and Murray understand postseason pressure. Jokic’s versatility as a perennial MVP candidate coupled with Murray’s scoring prowess—capable of erupting for 40 points on any night—solidifies them as an elite tandem.
Smith stressed that the respect due to the Nuggets’ stars should not be overlooked because their proven postseason success differentiates them from other talented pairs.
Ranking second were Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Despite personal differences with LeBron in the past, Smith remained objective, acknowledging the overwhelming talent both bring to the Lakers.
The seamless blend of Doncic’s playmaking and scoring with LeBron’s veteran leadership and basketball IQ had the Lakers surging until a recent setback against Boston. Smith pointedly noted that losing to the reigning NBA champion Celtics should not detract from this duo’s potency, clearly establishing them among the league’s most fearsome combinations.
Finally, Smith named Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as the NBA’s top duo. Their status was cemented after convincingly defeating the Lakers in a high-profile matchup. According to Smith, Tatum and Brown exemplify both individual brilliance and unmatched team synergy.
Their combined defensive tenacity, clutch shooting, and chemistry are crucial to Boston’s championship aspirations. Smith emphasized that their superiority lies not just in their statistics or recent championship, but in their collective mentality that they are unquestionably the best duo in basketball right now.
Smith’s rankings underscore current NBA realities, balancing proven postseason credentials, individual talent, and recent form. By placing Tatum and Brown at the pinnacle, he recognizes their relentless pursuit of continued excellence and their successful defense of the NBA crown as pivotal in setting them apart from other outstanding NBA pairings.
## Ranking The Best NBA Duos Featuring LeBron-Luka And Steph-Butler
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