Behind Alexander s "MVP" controversy: Simplified genius and misread basketball wisdom

. When the defender retreats, make sure that the pushing moves are not excessive and then retreat calmly. ”

The ductility of the lower body allows Alexander to draw curved tracks like a skater. At the same height, his ability to keep dribbling at nearly parallel angles with the floor is unprecedented. Basketball is the art of space, and it is also the science of angle application. Alexander's body can reach angles that other players of the same size cannot do, and when he wanders on this extreme edge, he often places himself in a dangerous position that is greatly affected by the collision. Stability Sex and maneuverability are like both ends of the spectrum. To enhance one must sacrifice the other part. This rule applies to cars and aircraft, and to athletes. "Alexander draws on the mechanics of tennis slipping to slow down. By adjusting the angle of the tibia and ankle joint, the side of the foot becomes a braking system," I wrote last year, "but tennis players have plenty of buffer space, and Alexander can accurately control the timing of slipping in physical contact and space constraints so that it can seamlessly connect back to the shooting posture. "This is the master key to Alexander's entire game system.

This is not a ironclad evidence for the accusation of "begging MVP". Alexander does amplify physical contact. His playing style of wandering on the edge of imbalance is prone to collisions. Compared with players with conventional movement methods, physical contact is naturally more likely to change their movement trajectory. But it is undeniable that some of his abnormal movements (especially in air confrontation) have the intention to take the initiative, and often predict the contact points in the offensive round. Although this deliberate nature is clumsy and damages reputation, I want to emphasize that behind Alexander's ability to create fouls contains more exquisite technology and athletic talent than what you see on the surface. Faced with the terrifying defense of the Timberwolves, which uses body shape and confrontation as weapons, Alexander can make himself the most defensive in the playoffs. The successful McDaniels was exhausted until he left the court, which was an integral part of the tactical game.

NBA's judgment is essentially the art of interpretation (regardless of the advantages and disadvantages). There are always some forces that will break through the limits of the referee's vision and judgment. Vinban Yama's absurd wingspan and agility are an example. Alexander's unique kinematics combined with his instant braking ability will form a strange sight trajectory and even produce visual illusion. But isn't this the commonality of great athletes? Extraordinary sports performance always makes people look back and blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Just because Alexander's sports aesthetics does not fit Michael Jordan's classic paradigm like Edwards does not mean that his value should be degraded in this ever-evolving game.

I once proposed: If Edward This is Jordan's latest disciple, so Alexander's best player analogy is Novak Djokovic. This is another genius who is hated for his strange flexibility. The psychological torture brought to his opponent by his game style is equally suffocating.

If you want to choose a iconic picture from the Western Conference Final G1, it happens with 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter: Randall forced Dortmund's wall into the penalty area, but was suddenly deflated by Dortmund. When Randall staggered, the basketball was quickly transferred to Alexander who was in the conversion offense. Alexander made a sharp turn to McDaniels, who tried his best to avoid being thrown behind. Alexander's right leg touched the ground at a strange 40-degree angle, and then twisted his body into a concave arc and continued to push forward. McDaniels only has a slight body Contact, that is, one hand is placed on Alexander's back, and his lower limbs are slightly entangled. Before Alexander fell to the floor, he actually completed a real backward move instantly when he slipped out of the baseline. The ball went in, the penalty was added, the incredible shot, and the even more incredible physical balance.

Just like Alexander showed in this unstoppable MVP season, whether there was a foul, the foul in the eyes of the referee was established, and no one could deny Alexander's efforts for this moment.

Alexander pushed his body flexibility to the limit just to create a unique style of game. As for how players, referees and even the league should adapt to him? That was not his subject. "This is Alexander's ability," Nash said, "he manipulated the defender, seduced you to bite the hook, and then gave a fatal blow. ”

Original text: DannyChau

Compiled by: Li Taibai