Winning multiple championships and creating a dynasty in the NBA often requires having three superstars on one roster. This winning formula dates back to the 1980s when archrival teams, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, had their version of a big three, where their NBA championship odds were back-and-forth and have tied the record for most championships that an NBA team won.
The trend has surpassed in the succeeding decades, and we have seen a few trios that dominated the league during their time together in one team and became regular names in NBA betting. But who among the list of trios are part of the elite company which delivered titles to various franchises? Let’s find out the top five here.
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman – Chicago Bulls
When Micheal Jordan returned to the NBA in 1996 after a two-year hiatus, the Chicago Bulls fortified their lineup by signing Dennis Rodman to reclaim their lost glory. This team-up of Rodman with Jordan Pippen has produced three straight championships from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, they claimed the best record in the league in those three years, including a 72-win season in 1996. Overall, they racked up 203 wins against 43 losses in the regular season.
Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili – San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio’s three-headed monster of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili made the team relevant for fourteen straight seasons. Along the way, they punched five NBA Finals berths and won four in the process. The trio’s chemistry was undeniable on the court as they won 50 games or more in every season that they played together in San Antonio. They collected 868 wins in the regular season and lost 346 in 14 seasons.
Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish – Boston Celtics
Boston’s 1980s big three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish played for 12 seasons together from 1980 to 1992. The trio added three NBA Championships (in four tries) to the franchise and cultivated the rivalry with the Lakers. The frontcourt force of the three resulted in 12 straight postseason appearances, and they amassed an impressive record of 690 wins and 294 losses in the regular season.
LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh – Miami Heat
LeBron James’ 2010 decision to join his friends Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami has raised some eyebrows because of how dominant that team would be. Well, the presumptions were confirmed as the ‘’Heatles’’ have barged in four straight NBA Finals appearances and won back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. They were also dominant in the regular season, having won 46 games or more in that span and recorded 224 wins and only 88 losses.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant – Golden State Warriors
Six years after LeBron James’ bold move to Miami, Kevin Durant topped the criticisms that James received after he signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2016, who already have the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. This team-up of the three stars has resulted in three dominating seasons. They won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018 before the Toronto Raptors foiled their three-peat bid in 2019. The team also collected 57 wins and more in three straight regular seasons. Altogether, the Warriors piled up 182 wins and only received 64 defeats.
Basketball Odds at BetMGM
BetMGM is the premier online sportsbook for updated basketball odds.
Available for thousands of college basketball, NBA, and international games each year, basketball betting allows you to get closer to the action and take your entertainment to the next level.
Visit the sportsbook to build an NBA parlay, browse college basketball moneylines, and/or use a sports betting promotion.
Sign in to your account today — or, if you don’t have an account, sign up today with a sportsbook welcome offer — to start betting. And always check your new account for updated sportsbook promos and bonuses.
