Some of the best trios of all-time: Kareem, Magic, Worthy (Lakers, 1982-89); Russell, Jones, Havlicek (Celtics, 1962-69); Chamberlain, West, Baylor (Lakers, 1968-73); Bird, McHale, Parish (Celtics, 1980-92); Pierce, Allen, Garnett (Celtics, 2007-present)NBA.Com also features one Eastern Conference scout's take on the Celtics' defense:
No, that last one wasn't thrown in there by accident. And no, no other current trios deserve to be mentioned ahead of the Celtics’ Big Three, not even Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili of the defending-champion Spurs. The trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett will be among the greatest in NBA history and is the best in the NBA right now.
Although Pierce, Garnett and Allen haven’t won a title together, or as individuals for that matter, they have already shown the attitude, chemistry and commitment to be legit title contenders in just their first season together. How many times have you seen three players with so much individual talent –- 22 combined All-Star appearances -- click as quickly in the NBA as Pierce, Garnett and Allen have? The Big Three has Boston off to an 11-2 start and all three have put their superstar status aside for team success.
NBA.com: So with the philosophy of packing it in the paint, does that mean that they're most susceptible to teams that can put three or four shooters on the floor?
ECS: Yes, but the one thing they also do is they contest shots without fly-bys, so to speak. They just close out and want you to shoot the contested jump shot. You're absolutely right, though. Teams that make outside shots or teams that can push the ball and get easy buckets before the defense is set up are the teams they will have trouble with.
That's why they had trouble with a team like Charlotte. Athletic teams that can push the ball and teams that can shoot it are the teams that can hurt them, absolutely.
NBA.com: How much of a factor is Rajon Rondo's ability to pressure the ball?
ECS: It's a huge factor, because he is pretty quick. And the other philosophy they have is to turn you one or two times in the backcourt. They're not really necessarily trying to steal the ball, but they're trying to take time off the shot clock. Now, instead of teams staring their offense at the 18 or 20 second mark, they want them to start at 16.
The other thing they do is that they don't crash. Garnett will go to the offensive glass, but everybody else gets back. So, that also limits your fast-break opportunities, which cuts down on possessions per game, which cuts down on opportunities for you to score.
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