NBA Illustrated: Kung Fu

Author: Xiao Zuo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-14
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, arching the back, lowering the shoulders and elbows, concentrating the mind and gathering the Qi, maintaining a floating and flexible top spirit. When using it, one must achieve the balance of firmness and gentleness, leading the hands with the body, guiding the Qi with intention, and using the Qi to move the body. 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, art, 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 fit of rage, demanding his players defend Jordan, making sure he didn't get a shot, especially when the game was nearing its 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 decisive role in the final kill. 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 to create 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, scoring a shot that narrowed the score to one point. Next, after Malone's shot missed, he grabbed the rebound, saving the Bulls' last glimmer 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. When the Air Jordan's proud arm was raised high, Russell's face showed disbelief. Jordan completed the perfect final stroke for the Bulls' dynasty, and NBA history forever preserved this historically significant backward jump shot. This book introduces the unique skills of NBA players.