Top 10 Kill moves in NBA
10. Ray Allen Corner Jump Shot
Not the most physically imposing “kill move,” but technically the most
deadly (worth three points). When Allen spots up in the corner, sets his
feet and readies his hands, you might as well just put it in the book.
The Boston sharpshooter needs little to no room to get off his jumper.
But he’s not one dimensional – possessing the ability to hit shots on
the move as well as fading away. Allen is a sniper and prefers to do
most of his work from the corner. Take your eyes off him for just a
second and it’s three points on the board.
9. Kevin Durant Rip Through
Definitely the most inventive and creative of the “kill moves.” Durant
uses the defenders on-ball pressure to his advantage, ripping the rock
up through the defenders out-stretched hands as he attempts to shoot the
ball. This action automatically creates a shooting foul and the
possibility for a three-to-four point play. Not only does this move
consistently send Durant to the line, it gets defenders in foul trouble
thus alleviating the pressure applied on him. Kevin – you’re so clever.
8. Derrick Rose Floater
Tony Parker’s move, but a Derrick Rose modification.
Once Rose gets into the lane – no matter which direction he’s facing –
his quick trigger allows him to get off the floater whenever he wants.
Because he’s rarely squared up on his drives, defender have trouble
anticipating when the floater is coming. And with Rose’s elite
athleticism and superior leaping ability, the shot is almost impossible
to block.
7. Zach Randolph Baby Hook
If you watched any of the Memphis vs. San Antonio series, you were
involuntarily spoon-feed a healthy dose of Randolph-baby-hook. Randolph
dominated the Spurs frontline with his customized baby hook. But just
when you thought you had figured it out, he’d turn over his right
shoulder and hit you with an up-and-under. Randolph’s baby hook isn’t
flashy, but it’s effective. It’s one of the last fundamental “kill
moves” in the league, a page out of the Duncan School of Post Moves.
6. Dwyane Wade Euro-Step
Though Dwyane Wade put the move on a national stage, Sarunas Marciulionis
– a Lithuanian player – is credited with bringing the step to the NBA.
Marciulionis played with four teams in the NBA before international
players like Manu Ginobili started perfecting the step.
Regardless, Wade is unstoppable when using this move. As he attacks the
basket, he takes a wide step with his right foot, then jumps over to
this left, a zig-zag type contortion. Once on his left, he explodes to
the basket, usually resulting in two points.
5. Paul Pierce Step Back
It’s nothing special, but it’s effective. Pierce uses his size and frame
to create separation from his defender when performing this move. Once
at his spot – most often the elbow – Pierce uses a number of hesitation
dribbles to get his defender off balance, then steps back for his
jumper. It’s almost impossible to block and quite useful when an crucial
bucket is needed.
4. Dwight Howard Put-Back Slam
I’m not sure if it’s really a “kill-move,” but when he does it, players
scatter. Because of his size and strength, Superman is nearly impossible
to block out. Once his position is established, the ball is almost
always his. And once it is, the following occurs: Dwight comes down with
the rebound, gathers his feet, spreads his elbows, and explodes to the
rim. Once in the air, Howard – as vicious as possible – throws the ball
through the cylinder, equally two points and an ear-piercing roar.
3. LeBron James Drive
This one’s pretty simple. LeBron gets the ball on the perimeter. LeBron
throws out a couple jabs. LeBron choses an avenue. Then LeBron zooms
down the lane. Because of his size and quickness, he doesn’t have much
trouble after that. The result is either a hellacious dunk or free
throws for the King (cue every stale LeBron joke there is).
2. Kobe Bryant Fadeaway
Kobe’s fadeaway is difficult to describe because there’s so many variations. Whether or not he copied MJ,
the move is unguardable. We’ve been watching this mosaic for the last
13 years, and at the grizzled age of 32 (soon-to-be 33), Kobe gets it
off whenever he pleases.
1. Dirk Nowitzki Fadeaway
The single most unguardable-unfair-video-game-esque-stop-it-or-I-quit
shot in the entire NBA. Dirk put on a show in the playoffs, proving why
he’s not only one of the best players in the game today, but one of the
best players of all-time. His one-foot fallaway has been researched,
documented, calculated, and examined. Hell, I think even Doctor Oz took a
crack at it. Regardless, this shot is the single best “kill move” in
the NBA today.
...mada, naj kill move je lockout