Are Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving the greatest offensive backcourt?

Dallas Mavericks guards Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

During Wednesday night's telecast of Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy said that Mavericks duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were arguably the greatest offensive backcourt in NBA history.

OK, we won't "argue," but let's discuss.

Doncic and Irving, who have been together for less than two seasons, are certainly in the running, especially if Dallas goes on to win the NBA championship.

Here are six other guard combinations over the years that would also be in the discussion. The eras listed are an attempted combination of the time the pairs played together and the players' individual peak years.

• Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors: early 2010s-2020s
• Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs: mid-2000s to early 2010s
• Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumas, Detroit Pistons: mid-1980s to early 1990s
• Magic Johnson and Byron Scott, Los Angeles Lakers: mid-1980s to late 1980s
• Jerry West and Gail Goodrich, Los Angeles Lakers: late 1960s to early 1970s
• Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman, Boston Celtics: early to late 1950s

Now, as far as numbers are concerned, Van Gundy seems to have a good case. During the 2023-24 regular season — Doncic's and Irving's lone complete season together — Doncic averaged 33.9 points per game and Irving 25.6.

The only other season in which both guards averaged at least 25 points was 1971-72, when Goodrich averaged 25.9 PPG and West 25.8. Now, you also have to take into account that the current era is far more high scoring than the 1970s were.

There are also more than points to consider.

However many points Cousy, Johnson and Thomas scored, it was only about half — sometimes less — of their offensive output when you also consider their assist totals.

Doncic and Irving also do quite well when it comes to assists. Doncic averaged 9.8 assists to go with 33.9 points per game this season, while Irving dished out 5.2 helpers per contest in addition to 25.6 points per game.

Beyond the numbers, there was the flash and excitement of Magic's Showtime Lakers era, the incredible three-point shooting of Curry and Thompson as "The Splash Brothers" and the dynamic way that Ginobili and Parker continually attacked the rim.

If Doncic and Irving play another season or two together, there will likely be no argument nor discussion.

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