[Video] Kevin Martin - 25 Points Vs Spurs (12.29.11)

25pts in 24min, not a lick of defense except that block on Timmy.
I don't think we have a player on the roster who can do that besides the Ice cream man.

 

I agree it looks easy to block. With the ball coming from the waist at the start of the shot release, it seems like the defender doesn't even have to jump to block it... defender just needs to raise his hands. Plus, the defender have more time to react to his shot attempt since the ball has to travel a longer path.

However, the opposite is true, IMO. He takes shots from a stand-still position with the defender right in front of him and he doesn't even look a bit bothered.

 

His shot looks low and flat, but you have to remember how quick his release is and how he shoots from the hip basically with more wrist than knees. Unlike other players where you can detect shooting movement and move in to defend, his weird form hides it very well and before you can react and get your hands up, it's already left his hands.

Martin does a really good job knowing where to put himself in the best position to score, whether it is with the ball or off the ball. Notice how on the ISO jump shots, he shifts his feet subtly to get into a stable shooting position, but his knees aren't bent like someone right about to shoot. He sees that the defender's hands still aren't up and immediately goes up for the 3 ball and before his opponent can react, he's shot it. As for fast breaks, people accuse him of cherry picking a lot, but he is simply doing what a scorer does; look for opportunities to put up points. Some call that cherry picking, I call it doing his job.

 

1:28 was awesome. Kobeesk ha.