Are Kyrie and Luka a Better Duo Than Magic Johnson and Byron Scott? Comparing the Mavs Backcourt With the NBA’s Greatest Ever

There were doubts from many regarding the partnership of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the Dallas Mavericks. Yet they have proved the doubters wrong, establishing an emotional bond off the court as well. The hug after the game against the Rockets told the story. “At the end of the game, Luka was like ‘I’m tired man,’” Irving recalled. “And that’s why I just hugged him… because he left it all out there, he did all that he could.” The game was in April, and since then, both have dominated in every series, instilling a belief in spectators, including Magic Johnson.

“…the Dallas Mavericks, coached under HOF Jason Kidd, are a different team… Watch out for them in the playoffs!” the 5X NBA champion had written. Even with impactful new additions, the performances from the Mavs duo have lit up the NBA world. Kyrie Irving has averaged 25.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 67 games for the Mavericks with Luka Doncic in his career. While the Slovenian reads 32.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in 67 games with Kyrie Irving. But let’s compare how they fare against previous powerful duos.

Magic Johnson and the Golden Lakers period

Byron Scott joined the Lakers in 1983 by then Magic Johnson had won two Championship alongside Norm Nixon. Replacing Nixon was a tough ask but it seemed Scott was the missing puzzle. Thanks to his flair and natural scoring abilities, he filled the wings and received nifty passes from Magic. Even though Scott never made an All-Star team, he complimented Johnson perfectly.

They played together from 1983-84 to 1990-91 and won the 3 championships. Byron Scott averaged 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 627 games between the 1983-84 and 1990-91 seasons. Stats according to Stats Muse. Johnson was a three-time MVP (all while playing with Scott). Magic Johnson averaged 20.4 points, 12.4 assists, and 6.7 rebounds in 603 games between the 1983-84 and 1990-91 seasons. In terms of success, there was another Lakers duo that had more championships than Magic and Scott.

12 years together and 12 playoff appearances. 5 titles in 7 final appearances that’s how strong the Lakers were. No doubt Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were at the forefront because of the points they scored. However, one guy who allowed Kobe to be Kobe was point guard Derek Fisher. Black Mamba averaged 23.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 847 games with Derek Fisher in his career, which includes a whopping 847 games.

The new Lakers took the baton from Magic Johnson and Co. and made their own history. Bryant could take over a game at will with his elite offensive skills, while Fisher was a solid floor manager who set up the offense and rarely turned the ball over (1.1 per game for his career). Derek Fisher averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 847 games with Kobe Bryant in his career. From 1996-97 to 2003-04 and then 2007-08 to 2010-11 Bryant and Fisher were unstoppable. And they were another duo who has picked up the mantle ever since.

Magic from the Golden State

In modern-day basketball, a lot of things have changed. The pace, the physicality even the style of play. The Golden State Warriors duo have played together since the 2011-12 season. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have won 4 championships in 6 final appearances. The Splash Brothers are widely known as the “best shooting backcourt” in NBA history — originally proclaimed by former Warriors coach Mark Jackson.

Curry can play with or without the ball, and Thompson primarily thrived as a catch-and-shoot option. Both have produced astronomical scoring performances. They’ve combined to set several NBA records for 3-point field goals by a pair of teammates. Each of them has a 3-point contest title on their resume. Curry and Thompson’s long tenure together is also impressive, even though Thompson missed the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to injury. (Curry played just five games in the 2019-20 season due to injury). The pairing is in jeopardy with Thompson set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.)

Stephen Curry has averaged 25.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 666 games with Klay Thompson in his career. While, Klay Thompson has averaged 19.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 666 games with Stephen Curry in his career. And with only a second season together Luka Doncic and Irving have established themselves in the majority of people’s top backcourt list.