Whilst perusing the Internets, the following video jumped out at me. It promised much. With the title, “Best Blocks in NBA history HD,” frankly I was expecting a lot.
The description went on to tell me, “Mix of the best blocks from college, NBA, olympics, and euroleague. Clocks from all the top players. Watch and enjoy.” So I did.
Well, that video was certainly not a waste of my four minutes and two seconds (plus buffering time). In fact, it delivers almost everything that it proclaims. I will temper that by saying that a few notable exceptions in my memory were missing from the video. Three that immediately sprang to mind were, LaPhonso Ellis’ shock-block against the TWolves (see below), Hakeem’s come-from-behind on Kevin Johnson (see below) and one other that I was lucky enough to be personally present to watch.
Back in the day, in 1996 to be exact, Arizona State’s Isaac Burton came to the Sydney Kings in Australia’s NBL. He paired with Shane Heal to make for a sensationally dominant backcourt. One play early in his Kings career really stood out though. Swingman Tonny Jensen of the North Melbourne Giants was driving down court on a fast break attempting a layup over the smaller Heal. Whilst Heal hindered Jensen’s path to the basket, Burton streaked in from behind and jumped up behind Heal to swat Jensen’s shot out of bounds. A spectacular play that sent the crowd wild. Unfortunately I can’t find footage of this block on YouTube. If anyone can help out with this, I’d be very appreciative.
LaPhonso Ellis grabs the ball in mid-air
Hakeem gets revenge on KJ
But, I’m sure you have some other faves which I have omitted. Hit me up in the comments with them.
