NBA Jam Chronicles: Blocked Shots

Blocked Shots

Never mind the fact that Greg Oden spends this entire clip in the paint. The important thing to focus on is his ability to block a shot, control it, and then start a fast break. That is why NBA general managers dreamed about him anchoring a defense for years to come, while others dropped the Bill Russell comparison (watch at least the first 14 seconds). And blocked shots are an integral part of NBA Jam. There are several ways it can go down:  

a. One Handed Rejection - Sometimes a defender will knock a jump shot out of the air with one hand.  This is not ideal as the ball bounces away, is up for grabs and the offensive team has two players on the floor capable of grabbing it, to the defensive team's one. I have a completely unscientific theory that the weaker defenders are more likely to use this move.  

b. The catch - Catching an opponent's shot is one of the most demoralizing moves in the game of basketball. I would even argue that it is the defensive equivalent of dunking on someone. It is rare in the real world because not many people can do it, Darryl Dawkins aside, and there are goaltending concerns.  However, the caught shot is a big part of NBA Jam. It happens on lay-ups and jump shots and is preferred, as it guarantees a change of possession.  

c. Overpowering a dunker. Games between elite competitors come down to dunking because good players eliminate lay ups and jump shots from an opponent's arsenal.  To truly make the leap one must block dunks. Much like the catch it is a guaranteed change of possession. Needless to say I am a huge fan.  Interestingly this is the first thing to go after one stops playing competitively for a long stretch of time. Once you lose your timing...

Check out egos, the manual and playing on fire if you have some extra time.