Mastering Kyrie Irving's Unguardable Scoring Techniques

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 7 min

Kyrie Irving is a wizard with the ball, leaving defenders in the dust with his incredible scoring abilities. How exactly do his tactics stand out in effectiveness? As a kid with big basketball dreams, Kyrie’s incredible skills always left me spellbound. I spent hours studying his highlights, trying to figure out how he created space, and finished at the rim with such ease.


After a deep dive into his playing style, I've unlocked what makes Kyrie's scoring moves practically impossible to defend against. And now, I want to share those secrets with you. Get ready to take your scoring to the next level and leave your defenders wondering what just happened.

Table of Contents:



Mastering Isolation Scoring with Kyrie Irving


When it comes to isolation scoring, few players in the NBA can match the sheer brilliance of Kyrie Irving. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself, even when faced with the toughest defenders, is a testament to his skill and creativity on the court. In this article, we'll dive deep into the art of isolation scoring, a technique where Irving truly shines. We'll explore how he exploits defenders and creates scoring opportunities single-handedly, making him one of the most feared offensive players in the league.


Utilizing Momentum to Create Opportunities


One of the key aspects of Irving's isolation scoring is his ability to use momentum to his advantage. He has a unique way of leveraging his speed and agility to deceive defenders and open up scoring lanes. Irving's mastery of momentum is evident in the way he changes direction on a dime, leaving defenders grasping at air. With his rapid first step followed by quick acceleration, he effortlessly leaves defenders behind. This creates just enough gap for him to launch a smooth shot or charge straight to the basket.


The Art of Start and Stop Footwork


Another crucial element of Irving's isolation scoring is his footwork. With a mix of quick snatches, smooth underdrags, and sharp punches in his playbook, guarding him feels like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. Irving's start-and-stop footwork is particularly impressive. He has the ability to come to a complete stop on a dime, leaving his defender off balance, before exploding in a different direction. This sudden change of pace and direction makes him virtually unguardable in one-on-one situations.



Irving's ability to score in isolation situations is a standout aspect of his game. According to NBA.com, Irving ranked in the 96th percentile in isolation scoring during the 2020-21 season, averaging 1.18 points per possession on those plays. His efficiency and effectiveness in isolation sets him apart from his peers and make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.


The Science Behind Kyrie Irving's Ball Handling


Kyrie Irving's way with a basketball is pure magic. His ability to manipulate the ball and keep it under control at high speeds is a fundamental part of his scoring arsenal. But it's not just for show - Irving's dribbling skills are a science, honed through countless hours of practice and repetition.


Manipulating the Ball at High Speeds


One of the most impressive aspects of Irving's ball handling is his ability to maintain control of the ball while moving at high speeds. He can change direction, weave through traffic, and split double teams, all while keeping the ball on a string. Irving's mastery of ball handling allows him to create space for himself and keep defenders off balance. He dances around defenses using every trick in the book – think fast-paced crossovers mixed with unpredictable behind-the-back plays and timely pauses. It's how he crafts those moments where scores seem inevitable. According to Basketball Reference, Irving averaged 4.8 dribbles per touch during the 2020-21 season, highlighting his ability to manipulate the ball and create his own shot. Because he can handle the ball so well, scoring becomes second nature to him, especially when there’s no one else around to pass it off to.


The Finishing Touches of Kyrie Irving's Game


While Irving's isolation scoring and ball-handling skills are certainly impressive, his ability to finish at the rim is what sets him apart from other guards in the league. Watching Irving maneuver his way through tight spots and come out scoring is like seeing creativity at play – he truly shines among basketball's elite finishers.


Mastering Curved Angle Drives


One of Irving's signature moves is the curved angle drive. He has an uncanny ability to navigate through defenses using angles and curves, rather than just trying to overpower defenders with speed or strength. Irving's mastery of angles allows him to create space and finish at the rim, even against much bigger defenders. He uses his body control and touch to finish with either hand, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the court.


Elite Change of Pace and Delayed Moves


Another aspect of Irving's finishing ability is his use of change of pace and delayed moves. He has a way of lulling defenders to sleep with his dribble, before exploding past them with a sudden burst of speed. Irving also uses delayed moves to create space and keep defenders off balance. He'll often take an extra dribble or two, waiting for the defender to commit, before making his move to the basket. This patience and poise under pressure is what makes him such a difficult player to guard. According to NBA.com, Irving shot 58.3% on drives to the basket during the 2020-21 season, highlighting his ability to finish at the rim. His combination of creativity, body control, and touch make him one of the best finishers in the league.


Scoring Efficiency from Triple Threat and Closeouts


Kyrie Irving is not just a threat to score in isolation situations - he's also incredibly efficient when scoring out of triple-threat positions or when closing out on defenders. His ability to make quick decisions and create his own shot makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. When Irving catches the ball in a triple-threat position, he's a threat to shoot, drive, or pass. His quick release and ability to create space with his dribble make him a difficult player to defend in these situations. According to NBA.com, Irving shot 47.4% on catch-and-shoot opportunities during the 2020-21 season, highlighting his efficiency when scoring off the catch. Irving is also incredibly effective when closing out on defenders. His quick first step and ability to change direction make him a threat to blow by defenders and get to the rim. According to NBA.com, Irving shot 56.3% on drives to the basket during the 2020-21 season, showcasing his ability to score efficiently when attacking closeouts. Irving's scoring efficiency from triple-threat positions and closeouts is a testament to his skill and basketball IQ. He has a great understanding of how to create space and make quick decisions with the ball, which allows him to score efficiently in a variety of situations.

Key Takeaway: 


Master Kyrie Irving's unguardable scoring by leveraging momentum, mastering footwork, and honing ball handling skills. His ability to finish at the rim with unique curved drives and delayed moves sets him apart. Learn from his efficient scoring out of triple threat positions and against closeouts to elevate your game.

FAQs in Relation to Kyrie Irving Scoring Techniques


How does Kyrie Irving shoot?

Kyrie's shots are all about finesse and control. He reads the defense, then uses quick footwork to create space.

How is Kyrie Irving so good at ball handling?

Irving practices relentless drills, focusing on speed and agility. This makes his dribble deadly unpredictable.

What is Kyrie Irving good at in basketball?

Irving excels in scoring under pressure, masterful ball handling, and creating shots from thin air.

How do you ball handle like Kyrie Irving?

Mimic his moves by practicing tight crossovers, behind-the-back dribbles, and rapid direction changes with a low stance.

Conclusion

Kyrie Irving Scoring

Kyrie Irving's scoring techniques are a thing of beauty. By mastering the art of creating space, utilizing a change of pace, and having a versatile finishing package, Kyrie consistently leaves defenders in the dust.


Incorporating these elements into your own game will elevate your scoring ability to new heights. Remember, it's not about having the flashiest moves, but rather understanding how to create advantages and capitalize on them.


Keep working on your craft, and soon enough, you'll be scoring like Kyrie Irving. Stay focused, stay hungry, and keep putting in the work. The results will speak for themselves on the court.

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