Best NBA Duos: Pop Culture Edition
Now that college basketball and the Masters have passed, the NBA is back to fans' focus, especially as the playoffs are approaching this Saturday. The first round of the NBA playoffs starts on April 19th and will continue until June. There are so many iconic duos in the NBA. It truly is the most “Bromantic” sport, and we have to talk about it. We added a twist and compared some of our favorite NBA duos to a few fan-favorite pop culture duos.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as Lightning Mcqueen and Mater
When Damian Lillard joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the fall of 2023, we knew that he and Giannis would be an unstoppable duo. As the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers this Saturday, we’re excited to see more of this dynamic pair on the court. Unfortunately, Giannis will not have his sidekick for the start of the playoffs due to a health concern Damian is facing. He is making progress, and we hope to see him back in his jersey soon.
Although they won’t be playing together this week, we’ve seen plenty of fun moments from this duo throughout this season. From smiling on the sidelines in front of the camera to Giannis chanting and singing songs in the back of Damian’s interviews, we like to think of them as the Lightning McQueen and Mater of the iconic Disney movie Cars.
Both are amazing athletes, and Damian takes after Lightning Mcqueen. He’s more serious but still has that light-hearted humor, and he understands the value of friendships like no other on and off the court. He’s also an incredible basketball player with countless achievements from his time with the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Giannis, on the other hand, is more like Mater in the relationship. Loyal to his team and always cheerful, he keeps the energy up with his skills and jokes. He’s the teammate ready to help whoever, whenever.
Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown as Captain America and Black Panther
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics have been playing together for the last seven years and are headed to the playoffs, with their first game set for April 20th. Both Tatum and Brown are quiet, hardworking players who like to see success. Their relationship is built off of mutual respect for one another and the overall goal of achieving greatness. Like these two, Captain America and Black Panther from the Marvel Universe share the same dynamic. Focused, reserved, and powerful.
Tatum gives off Captain America vibes with his leadership. He is very focused, very talented, and very confident in his skills. He and Captain America like to do their own thing and like to own it, always humbly.
“When I need to, I make sure my voice is heard, and I do it in my own way.”
Jaylen represents Black Panther. Jaylen is a very thoughtful player who is sweet and reserved but knows when and how to speak up. Jaylen is also known for his brains, making him an intelligent player and a wise human being. Much like Jaylen, Black Panther is a powerful and intelligent superhero committed to his people of Wakanda. Both love the communities around them and use their knowledge to be the best versions of themselves.
Nikola Jokić & Jamal Murray as Sully and Mike Wazowski
Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray have become besties after spending countless hours together with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets will face the Clippers this Saturday, and we are eager to see the 6 '11 center, Jokić, and 6' 4 point guard, Murray. These two make up an unmatched duo on the court, effortlessly creating plays and making baskets.
Their height difference and personalities almost perfectly match Sully and Mike Wazowski from the Pixar movie Monsters, Inc.
Jokić, being so tall, not only embodies Sully’s height– he also represents his personality. Sully is a gentle giant who is humble and incredibly caring for those around him. Jokić is a family man. He loves his family back home in Serbia and also values the family he has found within his team. His head coach has said that Jokić hasn’t let the NBA change him–he is still the humble and selfless guy he has always been. He’s even received the nickname “Joker” while with the Nuggets, capturing his goofy personality.
Murray may seem short compared to Jokić, which makes him the perfect Mike Wazowski to Jokić’s Sully. Murray is a competitor–a calculated player on the court who knows how to keep cool during tense moments. Mike Wazowski is much like Murray in the way that they are both strategic thinkers. They plan how to win competitions and use their ability to focus. Both are brave in different situations and love having their best friend by their side.
Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler as Harvey Specter and Mike Ross
This is a new duo we’ve seen this season. Jimmy Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors from the Miami Heat on February 5th. He and Steph are incredible players, and we believe this new partnership will impress fans throughout this year’s NBA season.
This duo works hand in hand, just like the infamous duo Harvey Specter and Mike Ross from the show Suits.
Steph “The Chef” Curry mirrors Harvey. While one is one of the best lawyers, the other is one of the best players in the NBA. Curry and Harvey are hardworking and serious regarding their work, but they also know how to have fun with it. They share a competitive drive and flawless work ethic.
Jimmy “Buckets” is right up there with Mike. Since Jimmy joined Curry on the court, the two have been a force of nature. Jimmy and Mike are fierce competitors who know how to do the job. Just as Mike is Harvey's right-hand man, Jimmy is right there helping Curry when he’s guarded. In an interview after one of Jimmy’s first games with the Warriors, he stated, “ I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa.” This duo is built on determination, and we love this new addition to the NBA.