NBA Illustrated: Kung Fu

Author: Xiao Zuo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The backward jump shot belongs to the standard Xingyi boxing technique. In terms of movement principles, the backward jump shot emphasizes sinking the Qi to the Dantian, hunching the chest and straightening the back, lowering the shoulders and dropping the elbows, concentrating the mind and gathering the Qi, maintaining a floating and agile top. When using it, one must achieve the balance of hardness and softness, leading the hands with the body, guiding the Qi with intention, and moving the body with Qi. Only in this way can one act promptly and accurately hit the target. All of these are the essence of Xingyi boxing in the Wudang martial arts. He is a top sports star who embodies elegance, artistry, power, and improvisational ability. He possesses everything a man desires: wealth, glory, power, and fame. Many still remember Jordan's miraculous performance when he helped the Bulls win their sixth championship. At that time, the Jazz coach was almost in a frenzy, urging his players to defend Jordan, making sure he didn't get a shot, especially as the game was nearing the end. But Jordan still shattered the Jazz players' hopes with his miraculous performance, writing the final glory of the Bulls' dynasty. In this battle, Jordan's backward jump shot technique played the crucial role of the final killer shot. In the 1998 Finals, the sixth game between the Bulls and the Jazz had reached a critical moment. Everyone at the Delta Center—both the Jazz coach and players—understood a fact: they had to survive or face death. For the Bulls, they had only one choice: give the ball to Jordan in the final moments—despite the fact that it was the most open secret in the league, Jordan always had a way of creating miracles. The Jazz knew this too, and they also knew that Jordan would have the ball in the final moments, but no one knew how to stop him. In the final stages of the game, Jordan made three legendary moves that would go down in the Hall of Fame history in the last 35 seconds: First, he charged straight to the basket, driving alone into the Jazz's defense, cutting the score to one point. Next, after Malone missed his shot, Jordan grabbed the rebound, saving the Bulls' last sliver of hope. In the final moments, facing Russell's defense, Jordan faked a crossover dribble, tripping Russell to the ground, and then, with just 5.2 seconds left, executed his backward jump shot, calmly sinking the game-winning shot. As the Air Jordan's proud arm soared high, Russell's face showed disbelief. Jordan completed the perfect final flourish of the Bulls' dynasty, and NBA history forever preserved this historically significant backward jump shot. This book introduces the unique skills of NBA players.