You know what’s always been a game-changer in the NBA Playoffs? Blocks! I’m talking about those jaw-dropping rejections that make you jump out of your seat. The greatest trios in this regard? Let’s dive in. First off, let’s look at the legendary group comprising Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Robert Horry. These guys from the San Antonio Spurs defined rim protection. Duncan alone averaged around 2.3 blocks per game in the playoffs throughout his career. Combine that with the Admiral’s ferocious 3.2 blocks per game in the 1995 playoffs, and you see why opponents struggled to score in the paint against the Spurs. Horry added those clutch moments, not just offensively, but defensively too, particularly in key Finals games.
Moving on, how can we not mention the Los Angeles Lakers? Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Anthony Davis. Shaq, with a career playoff average of 2.1 blocks per game, was more than just a scoring and rebounding beast. His sheer size and power made the paint a no-entry zone. Kareem revolutionized the center position, towering over others with his skyhook shot, but also his 2.5 blocks per game in the 1974 playoffs were equally awe-inspiring. Add to this mix Anthony Davis, who, as of the 2020 playoffs, averaged an impressive 2.1 blocks per game, and it’s clear why the Lakers’ defense cemented their legacy.
Talking about big men’s dominance, we have to bring up Boston Celtics’ trio of Bill Russell, Kevin Garnett, and Robert Parish. Russell, the center who defined defense in the 60s, averaged over 8.1 blocks per game in certain stretches, although official stats were not tracked until later. Garnett brought intensity and versatility, averaging a solid 1.3 blocks per game in the 2008 playoffs. Parish, another defensive stalwart, consistently shut down the key with his long arms and quick reflexes, averaging about 2.0 blocks in the playoffs during the 80s.
And let’s not forget about Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, and Dikembe Mutombo from the Houston Rockets. Hakeem’s playoff average soared at 3.3 blocks per game, and that Dream Shake wasn’t the only thing haunting defenders. Ralph Sampson, despite his shorter playoff runs, still managed to rack up around 2.0 blocks per game in 1986. Mutombo’s famous finger wag combined with his 3.2 blocks per game in the 2001 playoffs gave the Rockets that fierce defensive reputation when he joined them later in his career.
The Golden State Warriors, known primarily for their scoring, also had quite a defensive trio in Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut, and Kevin Durant. Green, versatile and vocal, averaged 1.5 blocks per game during the 2016-2017 playoffs. Bogut’s rim protection skills, with an average of about 1.6 blocks per game in the 2016 playoffs, cannot be overlooked. Durant, while celebrated mainly for his scoring, brought valuable shot-blocking, with an average of around 1.8 blocks per game in the 2018 playoffs. These contributions were critical in their Finals runs.
Finally, let’s talk about the Miami Heat’s trio of Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James. Mourning, a Hall of Famer, averaged 3.6 blocks per game during the 1999 playoffs, intimidating anyone who dared enter the paint. Bosh, whose defensive prowess is often underrated, contributed significantly with averages around 1.6 blocks per game in the 2012 playoffs. And then there’s LeBron. His chasedown block in the 2016 Finals is iconic, epitomizing his 1.9 blocks per game in that playoff run.
So many epic moments, so many great blocks! Defense truly wins championships and these trios are testimony to that. Want more basketball insights like these? Check out arena plus for more thrilling highlights and in-depth analysis.