The Golden State Warriors’ trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant produced some of the most dominant basketball ever played. Whether it was the greatest Big 3 ever is a matter of debate, but the case is stronger than many realize. Here is the argument, and its weak points.
The Case For
Titles and dominance. After Durant signed as a free agent in 2016, Golden State won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. The 2017 team went 67-15, started the playoffs 15-0, a record, and finished 16-1 with a +16.3 point margin, the largest playoff differential in NBA history up to that point. Durant was Finals MVP both years, and the 2018 Warriors swept the Cavaliers.
Two of the best shooters ever. Curry and Thompson, the Splash Brothers, broke the single-season record for combined three-pointers three years in a row and are generally considered one of the greatest backcourts of all time. Adding Durant, a former MVP, gave the offense an unstoppable scorer at every level.
A run of Finals. The Warriors reached five straight Finals from 2015 to 2019, only the second team to do so after the Celtics’ 10 straight from 1957 to 1966.
The Case Against
It was really a Big Four. Draymond Green was a central part of the group, so some argue the label should include him. The core of Curry, Thompson and Green also won the 2015 and 2022 titles without Durant.
The injuries. Durant tore his Achilles in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals and Thompson tore his ACL in Game 6, as the Warriors lost to Toronto. Many believe a healthy Golden State would have won a three-peat. Still, the trio won two titles, fewer than historic trios such as the 1980s Lakers, who won five titles over eight Finals.
The Verdict
For peak dominance over three seasons, few trios match them. For total accomplishment, other groups have more rings. That makes this a strong argument for the greatest Big 3 ever, though not an undisputed one. See our rankings of the greatest NBA duos of the 21st century for how these players fit into the wider picture.
Sources: Wikipedia (2017 Finals), Wikipedia (2019 Finals), Wikipedia (Thompson), CBS Sports, East Bay Times.