Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 13 | The mind-blowing value of gravity
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Oct 7, 2025 Explore the fascinating concept of 'gravity' in basketball, examining how players like Shaquille O'Neal and Steph Curry shape the game. Discover Shaq's interior dominance, his unique impact on defenders, and how he transformed the Lakers' offense. On the flip side, delve into Curry's unprecedented off-ball gravity, enhancing teammates' scoring efficiency and creating a historic team dynamic. The analysis compares their playoff performances and the evolution of their gravitational effects, shedding light on their unparalleled legacies.
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Shaq's Unique Off‑Ball Gravity
- Shaquille O'Neal created extreme off-ball gravity by occupying low-post real estate and forcing defenses to collapse.
- That gravity reduced help on perimeter slashers and opened efficient inside scoring for teammates like Kobe Bryant.
Shaq's Rim Dominance And Team Lift
- Shaq dominated finishing and free-throw volume, leading playoffs in free throw attempts per 100 possessions.
- His presence alone lifted teams from bottom to top in rim scoring, creating massive offensive shifts.
Shaq's Passing Amplified His Gravity
- Shaq paired passing, offensive rebounding, and finishing to both score and create for cutters.
- That combo made him synergistic with slashers and shooters, increasing teammates' rim and three‑point opportunities.
