When you think about the best rebounding trios in NBA history, it's impossible not to mention the dominance of Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Rodman, known for his incredible rebounding prowess, averaged an astonishing 16.7 rebounds per game during the 1996-97 season. Pair that with Pippen's versatility and Jordan's incomparable athleticism, and you've got a trio that controlled the boards like no other. Their combined effort led the Bulls to multiple championships, solidifying their legacy.
Another unforgettable trio has to be Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, and Sam Jones from the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1960s. During the 1963-64 season, Russell alone snagged 24.7 rebounds per game, a statistic that's mind-blowing even by today's standards. Heinsohn added to this with his hustle, and Jones capitalized with his speed and agility. Together, they changed the way the game was played and contributed to the Celtics' incredible run of eight consecutive NBA Championships from 1959 to 1966.
Fast forward to more recent years, the trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins for the Boston Celtics in 2008 also deserves mention. Garnett, renowned for his defensive intensity, averaged 9.2 rebounds per game during their championship season. Pierce, though primarily known for his scoring, pitched in with crucial boards, and Perkins provided the muscle inside. This trio was pivotal in helping the Celtics secure their 17th NBA Championship.
If we talk about numbers, consider the case of Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Dennis Rodman with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1994-95 season. Duncan averaged 11.9 rebounds per game while Robinson contributed 10.8 boards, and Rodman, even though he played just one season, added an incredible 17.1 rebounds per game. Their combined effort resulted in a defensive efficiency rate that the league hadn't seen in years.
How about that time Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Karl Malone teamed up for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003-04? Shaq, the dominant force in the paint, pulled down 11.5 rebounds per game that season. Malone, even in the twilight of his career, added 8.7 boards, and Kobe, with his relentless drive, chipped in with 5.5 rebounds per game. Despite their individual greatness, this trio couldn’t secure a championship but will always be remembered for their star power.
We can't forget about the legendary trio of Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West with the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1960s and early 70s. Chamberlain was a rebounding machine, grabbing 21.1 rebounds per game during the 1968-69 season. Baylor, despite being primarily a forward, snagged 10.5 boards per game. West, known as "Mr. Clutch," added 4.5 rebounds per game to the mix. Their incredible stats led the Lakers to multiple NBA Finals appearances.
The Detroit Pistons’ "Bad Boys" era also had its share of rebounding stars. Think of Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and John Salley during their championship seasons in 1989 and 1990. Laimbeer averaged around 9.6 rebounds during the 1988-89 season, while Rodman continued his dominance with 9.4 rebounds per game. Salley, though not the primary rebounder, contributed crucial boards that helped the Pistons achieve their back-to-back titles.
Moving to the modern era, the Cleveland Cavaliers' trio of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson during their 2016 championship run was formidable. LeBron, in his prime, averaged 9.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs, while Love added 9.1, and Thompson contributed 9.0 rebounds per game. Their effort on the boards played a critical role in overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals and delivering Cleveland its first NBA title.
The Miami Heat's trio of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade from their 2012-2013 dynasty also needs recognition. LeBron, showcasing his versatility, averaged 8.0 rebounds per game, while Bosh chipped in with 6.8. Wade, though known for his scoring, added 4.6 rebounds per game. This trio’s chemistry translated into back-to-back championships for the Heat.
Lastly, let’s not overlook the Dallas Mavericks’ trio of Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler, and Shawn Marion during their 2011 championship run. Nowitzki, the Finals MVP, averaged 7.1 rebounds per game, Chandler added a significant 9.4 boards, and Marion contributed 6.9 rebounds per game. Their collective rebounding effort was instrumental in their upset victory over the Miami Heat in the Finals.
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