Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 5 | The Tracy McGrady enigma & Playoff Luka
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Aug 25, 2025 The discussion kicks off with the intriguing question of whether Shaq's Lakers would have won three titles with Tracy McGrady instead of Kobe. They dive deep into McGrady's remarkable scoring peaks and unforgettable moments, like the stunning 13-point performance in just 35 seconds. The spotlight then shifts to Luka Doncic, exploring his playoff growth and his unique, hard-to-defend style. Comparisons between McGrady and Doncic add depth to their debate on talent, durability, and what it takes to be considered an NBA great.
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TMAC's Narrow, Complicated Peak
- Tracy McGrady's true peak is concentrated around 2003 and is hard to evaluate because he improved across 2001–2003 then declined after 2004 due to injuries.
- That single-year peak stands out because he produced MVP-level scoring on a very poor supporting team, making context crucial to judging his value.
Size Plus Tough-Shot Craft
- McGrady combined elite size with tough-shot creation, producing pull-ups and contested jumpers defenders struggled to contest.
- His three-point volume and efficiency in 2003 are unusual for him and complicate separating hot shooting from sustainable skill.
The 13-Point Flurry Vs. Spurs
- Cody recounts McGrady's December 9, 2004 game where he hit 13 points in 35 seconds, all threes, including impossible contested attempts.
- The clip illustrates McGrady's capacity to make ridiculous contested shots even as form and body issues later affected his consistency.