NBA Playoffs: Stars Master The Art of Slowing Down to Score

In the NBA, speed kills, but the best scorers in the league are showing that slowing down can be just as lethal. The “decel” maneuver, which is a deceptive slowing on drives, is a move that stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic are increasingly adopting to freeze defenses and create easy scoring opportunities.

Doncic’s Deceitful Reduce Speed

Luka Doncic outran his defender in a pivotal first-half victory, leaving Keldon Johnson in his wake. Doncic applied the brakes hard as center Zach Collins retreated and waited for Johnson to blast by before slyly banked in an and-1 layup.

“You want me to tell all my secrets?” Later, Doncic grinned. “I just realized he was approaching at full speed, so I decelerated to throw him off-balance. I’d think that’s quite smart.”

Leading scorer in the NBA Doncic is a master of touch and creating space. He accomplishes both with the decel, gliding to the rim and rendering opponents immobile.

The Toolbox for Decel

This is a move that other celebrities are adding to their repertoire. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards create shooting lanes with lightning-fast drives followed by brake application. Jokic, on the other hand, lowers his speed to let opponents pass him easily and finish with uncontested baskets.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd describes opponents as “looking for that fastball,” adding that “if you throw a changeup, they’re way out in front.”

Edwards Acquires Knowledge from an Unexpected Source

Anthony Edwards acknowledges that he learned the move from his former colleague Luka Garza and did not create it. “In workouts, he did it, and I was like, OK, I’m going to try that,” recalled Edwards. It soon became an indispensable part of his repertoire.

It’s interesting that Edwards hasn’t learned the move from Kyle “Slo-Mo” Anderson, who is well-known for his slow pace. He’s impressed, though: “Guys like me, I’m not using force to move downward. Guys like Ant, who can brake quickly after traveling at such a high speed, are truly exceptional.”

Edwards’ restricted area field goal percentage has increased as a result of the decel, which has helped him become a better finisher.

The Art of Ceasing

Doncic is more than simply a talented decelerator. He has exceptional “brakes,” according to biomechanical testing, which enable him to stop and change direction at any time. Despite not being the most explosive athlete, this enables him to dominate.

Edwards’s remarkable biomechanics enable him to abruptly transition from a fast speed to a complete stop. Because of this uncommon combination, he is quite difficult to guard.

The Greatest Lie

While some players, like Jalen Williams of Oklahoma City, have practiced the decel, stars like Doncic use it instinctively. This requires you to read the defense and have good footwork. The maneuver works especially well against shot blockers who are overly eager. According to Williams, “offenders feel like they’re beaten.” “You get them rushing, out of pace, and then stopping gives you a lot of time to make your next move.”

Easy layups, floaters, ingenious passes, or drawn fouls are all possible outcomes of this play, as Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander regularly show.

The Next Degree of Ability

While there are many amazing athletes in the NBA, players like Doncic and Jokic show that composure and slowing down can be just as vital. The game will become an exciting fast-paced, deceptive chess battle as defenders will have to adjust as the decel gets more common.