Dorian Finney-Smith's Salute: A Gesture of Respect and Resilience

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In the high-octane world of the NBA, where every move is magnified and every gesture dissected, players often display signature behaviors that carry deeper meanings. One of the most intriguing among them is Dorian Finney-Smith's salute after taking a charge. To some, it's just a reaction. To others, it’s a message. But to those who know the heart of the game, it’s a story waiting to be told. This article explores whether Finney-Smith’s now-famous salute is simply a celebratory habit, a tribute to someone meaningful, or a personal ritual fueled by his unique journey in the NBA. The Salute: A Symbolic Gesture What Fans Are Seeing When Dorian Finney-Smith plants himself in the paint, absorbs a hit, and falls to the hardwood, fans have come to expect what happens next—he gets up, taps his chest, and offers a quick salute. It’s not showboating. It’s not defiance. It’s something more grounded, personal, and consistent. Meaning Beyond the Moment The salute gesture is classicall...

Top NBA moves that changed the game πŸŽ―πŸ€

 



The NBA has witnessed countless legendary moments, but some game-changing moves have reshaped the league forever. From signature crossovers to iconic dunks, these moves have influenced generations of players and redefined basketball. Let’s break down the most impactful moves in NBA history!

πŸ”₯ 1. Michael Jordan’s Fadeaway Jumper 🐐

MJ’s signature move was nearly unstoppable. His fadeaway jumper, perfected with precision footwork and elevation, became the go-to move for many superstars like Kobe Bryant and DeMar DeRozan.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Gave players an effective mid-range scoring weapon
✔️ Increased focus on footwork fundamentals
✔️ Created an era of isolation scorers

πŸ’¨ 2. Allen Iverson’s Killer Crossover πŸ”₯

AI’s lightning-quick crossover left defenders stumbling and became one of the most influential moves in NBA history. His ankle-breaking handles changed how guards approached ball-handling.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Inspired future ball-handling magicians like Kyrie Irving
✔️ Forced defenders to improve lateral movement
✔️ Made dribbling creativity a key part of modern basketball

πŸ€ 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Skyhook 🌌

The Skyhook was the most unblockable shot in basketball. Kareem’s dominance with this move made him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (until LeBron James broke the record in 2023).

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Revolutionized post-scoring
✔️ Encouraged big men to develop soft touch
✔️ Remains a lost art in today’s game

πŸ”„ 4. Dirk Nowitzki’s One-Legged Fadeaway 🎯

Dirk’s one-legged fadeaway was a nightmare for defenders. His high release and balance made it one of the toughest shots to contest.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Helped stretch big men expand their shooting range
✔️ Led to the rise of modern stretch-fours
✔️ Inspired players like Kevin Durant and Luka DončiΔ‡

πŸš€ 5. Stephen Curry’s Deep Three-Point Shot 🎯

Steph changed the NBA with his limitless range and quick release. His ability to shoot from anywhere beyond the arc forced defenses to guard further out, opening up the floor for teammates.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Revolutionized NBA offenses
✔️ Increased three-point attempts league-wide
✔️ Forced defenses to adapt to high-tempo play

⚡ 6. Shaquille O’Neal’s Power Dunk πŸ’ͺ

Shaq’s sheer dominance in the paint led to rule changes, including wider lane enforcement and stronger backboards (because he shattered so many!).

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Forced teams to find stronger defensive centers
✔️ Led to the development of Hack-a-Shaq strategy
✔️ Changed how big men played offensively

🀯 7. Magic Johnson’s No-Look Passes πŸ‘€

Magic’s flashy, no-look assists revolutionized the point guard role. His ability to create shots for teammates made showtime basketball a phenomenon.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Made playmaking a key part of NBA success
✔️ Influenced modern point guards like LeBron James & Luka DončiΔ‡
✔️ Enhanced the entertainment value of the NBA

πŸš€ 8. James Harden’s Stepback Three πŸ’¨

Harden’s stepback three-pointer became a signature move that defenders struggled to guard without fouling.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Led to an increase in isolation scoring
✔️ Inspired young players to develop stepback jumpers
✔️ Forced defenders to improve closeout techniques

πŸ›‘️ 9. Tim Duncan’s Bank Shot 🏦

The Big Fundamental’s signature bank shot made him one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Reinforced fundamentals over flash
✔️ Encouraged smart shot selection
✔️ Helped Duncan win five NBA championships

πŸ”₯ 10. LeBron James’ Chase-Down Block 🚫

LeBron’s chase-down blocks became legendary, especially in the 2016 NBA Finals when he denied Andre Iguodala in Game 7.

🎯 Impact:
✔️ Changed how players approach fast-break defense
✔️ Increased the importance of athletic rim protection
✔️ Inspired wings to prioritize defensive hustle

πŸ”‘ Conclusion

These game-changing moves have left a permanent mark on the NBA’s history. Whether it’s Jordan’s fadeaway, Curry’s deep threes, or Magic’s no-look passes, these innovations have redefined basketball.

As the game evolves, new moves will emerge, shaping the next generation of superstars! Who do you think will revolutionize the NBA next? πŸ€”