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NBA: Who is the best duo from each franchise’s history

By Christopher Jeter

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 6: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is seen talking to Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on May 6, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) /

Best duo from Indiana Pacers history: Reggie Miller and Dale Davis

In a way, the 1990s Indiana Pacers symbolized the unpleasant, sluggish pace of that era of NBA basketball while giving glimpses of what the sport would become in about 20 years. In that decade — in which Indiana made the playoffs nine times, reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times and the NBA Finals once — the Pacers ranked near the bottom of the league in pace in all but two seasons.

Like their rivals, the New York Knicks, those Indiana teams embraced the rugged style that makes the old-timers swoon, and for the Pacers, Dale Davis was the guy who administered most of the punishment.

Davis basically served as the Mr. Pibb to Charles Oakley’s Dr. Pepper. He wasn’t a scorer by any means — though he did post double-digit scoring averages in half of his 10 seasons in Indiana — but his rebounding and willingness to terrorize anyone who even thought about driving to the rim played a big role in making the Pacers one of the league’s best defensive teams during their run.

Oh, and he set plenty of brick wall-like screens to get Miller open.

While Davis handled the dirty work inside, Miller — one of the greatest 3-point shooters in history — led some tremendous offenses that flew under the radar thanks to its languid tempo. Through the 99-00 season, the Pacers ranked no worse than 11th in offensive rating despite Miller often being the only player on the team who could create his own shot.

For any hot take gasbag or oblivious youngster who doubts Miller’s shot-creating ability, he was a master at using a defender’s momentum against him to drive and either shoot over them with his lanky wingspan or draw contact and get to the free-throw line. He wasn’t some glorified Kyle Korver. I’m sure Spike Lee or any Knicks player from that time will say the same.

With Davis and Miller anchoring the defense and offense, respectively, they finished with .164 WS/48 together and gave Pacers fans plenty of fond memories, even if they didn’t win a championship.