Reggie Miller and Draymond Green got into it during the Inside The NBA preview of Game 2. Green brought up Miller’s broadcast colleague Stan Van Gundy calling Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving the greatest backcourt in NBA history and then responded that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson actually held that position.
“Speaking of Golden State. Stan (Van Gundy), your partner. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson is the best backcourt ever. I love Luka and Kyrie. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are the best backcourt ever.”
Miller responded to Green by clarifying what Van Gundy said exactly. He noted that Van Gundy said he hadn’t seen a backcourt that could go and get a bucket at such a high level, and he agreed with him, much to Green and Charles Barkley’s chagrin.
“He didn’t say best (backcourt) ever… He said two guards that can go and get it on their own. Could you name another two guards? Yes Steph, are you saying Klay that you just throw the ball (and he scores)? On the level of Kyrie and on the level of Luka?”
Both Green and Miller are making valid points, although it should be noted that they are not saying contradictory things. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson can be considered the greatest backcourt of all time, while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can be respected for being two guards who can score individually at a high level.
Obviously, Luka and Kyrie have a long way to go when it comes to competing with Curry and Thompson. The Warriors duo won four NBA championships together during their careers and did so while putting on some of the best three-point shooting performances in history.
Whereas Luka and Kyrie are aiming to win their first championship together this season. So any discussions of Doncic and Irving being the greatest backcourt ever are premature at best.
Are Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving The Best Scoring Duo In History?
Stan Van Gundy was far from the only one to praise the pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Paul Pierce recently called Doncic and Irving the greatest offensive duo in the history of the league. He explained that Luka and Kyrie individually are two of the best scorers in the league, and a pairing like theirs has never been seen before.
“I said this a month ago on this show, this is the best offensive duo–not backcourt–offensive duo in NBA history. When we talk about the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set of Kyrie, we already know. I’ve heard a number of NBA players say he’s the most s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed player we’ve ever seen. Luka, he just led the league in scoring. You’ve got two guys capable of really going off for 60 points… I truly believe this is the best scoring duo that’s ever been assembled.”
Doncic and Irving have been a great duo for the Mavericks, especially in the playoffs. During the playoffs, Luka has averaged 27.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. Whereas, Kyrie Irving has averaged 21.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. They have shown how good they can be as the leaders of the Mavericks.
Doncic and Irving have also built up a solid connection as teammates over the last year. After Game 1, Luka showed Kyrie some love for his first-half performance and how motivated and inspired the rest of the team to step up.
Doncic and Irving could help bring a championship to Dallas for the first time since 2011. It goes without saying that their performances will be crucial when it comes to the Mavericks’ championship aspirations.
