NBA’s Best All-Time Stealing Trios: Arena Plus Guide

Every basketball fan knows that defense wins championships, and when it comes to stealing the ball, some trios have made their mark on NBA history. Let’s dig into some of the best trios to ever play the game, evaluating their skills and numbers on the defensive end. What makes a great trio in terms of steals? Consistency, chemistry, and the sheer ability to read the opponent’s play. Over the decades, the NBA has seen incredible athletes showcase their defensive prowess.

Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, and Richard Jefferson from the early 2000s New Jersey Nets are one of those unforgettable trios. Kidd, with over 2,500 career steals, was a master at intercepting passes. Martin’s defensive intensity, paired with Jefferson’s quick hands, made the Nets a formidable defensive unit. During the 2002-2003 season, the Nets averaged around 8.7 steals per game, with this trio contributing significantly to that number. You can’t forget those epic games where their defense turned the tide.

Another iconic trio? Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls. Everyone knows MJ for his scoring, but he also tallied 2,514 steals over his career. Pippen was no slouch either, with 2,307 steals, and Rodman’s aggressive defensive play helped create plenty of fast-break opportunities. In the 1995-96 season, the Bulls not only boasted a 72-10 record but also averaged 9.1 steals per game. Jordan and Pippen’s synergy was something every coach dreamed of.

Then there are Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Nate McMillan from the Seattle SuperSonics. Payton, aptly nicknamed “The Glove,” had a career total of 2,445 steals. Kemp’s athletic ability allowed him to disrupt passing lanes, while McMillan, who once recorded 169 steals in a single season, completed this defensive juggernaut. The 1995-96 Sonics team averaged around 10 steals per game. Their defensive plays were often featured in sports news highlights, showcasing their collective effort.

How can we talk about steals without mentioning Alvin Robertson, who led the league in steals per game for three consecutive seasons during the late ’80s? Pair him with Sydney Moncrief and Terry Cummings on the Milwaukee Bucks, and you get another stellar trio. Robertson averaged an astounding 3.7 steals per game in the 1985-86 season. This trio’s ability to read the game and disrupt plays was instrumental in Milwaukee’s defensive strategy. In the 1985-86 season, the Bucks averaged 10.4 steals per game, making life difficult for their opponents.

Chris Paul, known as the “Point God,” has continued to steal the show, both literally and figuratively. In his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul, along with defensive stalwarts DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, created a powerful defensive unit. Paul’s 2,544 career steals and Jordan’s shot-blocking ability paired perfectly with Griffin’s versatility. During the 2013-14 season, the Clippers averaged about 8.6 steals per game. Often, these defensive plays led to exciting fast breaks and lob city moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Golden State Warriors’ trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green also deserves mention. Curry, a two-time MVP, is not just about shooting; he has accumulated 1,326 steals so far. Thompson’s defensive skills are often overshadowed by his shooting, but he’s a crucial component of their defense with 724 steals. Green, the backbone of the Warriors’ defense, has recorded 964 steals to date. In their 2015-16 season, the Warriors averaged 8.4 steals per game. Their defensive plays often turned into three-point opportunities, making them a nightmare for opponents.

Take a look at John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Jeff Hornacek from the Utah Jazz. Stockton holds the record for the most career steals with 3,265. Malone, often known for his scoring, contributed significantly on the defensive end, and Hornacek’s quick hands made them a formidable trio. In the 1991-92 season, the Jazz averaged 9.0 steals per game, with this trio leading the charge. Their on-court chemistry was undeniably a result of countless hours of practice, as well as their mutual understanding of each other’s defensive tendencies.

Lastly, the trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh during the Miami Heat’s Big Three era can’t be overlooked. Wade, known for his explosiveness, also has 1,620 steals. James, a defensive powerhouse, has racked up 2,032 steals, and Bosh’s defensive versatility was invaluable. In the 2012-13 season, the Heat averaged 8.7 steals per game, often leading to fast-break points and momentum-shifting plays. Their synergy was palpable, and their defensive efforts were often decisive in clutch situations.

These trios exemplified what it means to play cohesive, aggressive defense. Their ability to predict opponents’ moves and execute timely steals not only showcased their individual talents but also their collective understanding of the game. For more on extraordinary players and teams in basketball, check out arena plus.

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