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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Although the Philadelphia 76ers crashed out of the title race this year, Joel Embiid made history. The 29-year-old bagged his first NBA MVP award owing to his brilliant season performance. Embiid has been a contender for the coveted award for years but was missing out by a margin each time. However, even during his MVP run in the season, another star managed to one-up the 76ers center.

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Every season brings an exceptional range of highlights, and this one was no different. Seeing a 23-year-old blocking a shot by this year’s league MVP was one such moment from this season. Recently, the youngster revealed an unusual practice that he undertakes to master the skill of blocking.

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An NBA All-Star shocked the world with a brilliant block on Joel Embiid

Shot blocking is as important to basketball as it is still underrated. However, there have always been those athletes who have compelled people to focus on this aspect and spark a discussion. This year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., is surely among those players for this generation.

The 23-year-old has the ability to predict the ball’s position, time his jump and execute his plan perfectly. The Memphis Grizzlies star made a brilliant showcase of this during a game against the 76ers a few months ago. Back in February, during a home game for the Grizzlies, Jackson Jr. turned heads with his block on Embiid.

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USA Today via Reuters

The play shocked the NBA world as fans rushed to give their take on it. Surprised by what they just saw, fans wrote, “Now thats what I call a “NOT IN MY HOUSE!” moment right there.” Another comment under the video reads, “That’s one of the best blocks you’ll ever see sheesh.”

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The Grizzlies center, aptly named “Block Panther”, recently revealed how he became so good at this aspect of the game. During his recent interaction with Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George on his Podcast P With Paul George, Jackson Jr. revealed his big secret.

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A highly unusual routine as compared to what you’d hear from another athlete, Jackson Jr.’s practice routine is not what you’d have in mind.

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JJJ said, “I feel like I get my timing from 2k, and I’m being serious,” shocking the entire podcast panel with his answer referring to the NBA game. The NBA All-Star added that he also gives a lot of value to his instincts. He also said that with improved timing and experience by his side, he now picks his spots better than before.

To think that this year’s MVP had his poster dunk attempt blocked by Jackson Jr., which he practiced through NBA 2k is mind-blowing.

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What are your thoughts on JJJ’s unconventional training? Share with us in the comments below!

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Prateek Singh

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Prateek Singh is a senior NBA writer for EssentiallySports, known for his insightful coverage of the league. With a deep passion for basketball fueled by the late Kobe Bryant's championship runs, Prateek has built his writing career on astute analysis and a firm understanding of the game. His area of expertise lies in breaking down trade reports and their implications for fans. His heartwarming coverage of tributes to NBA legend Magic Johnson’s father after his passing saw very high ratios of fan engagement. While this serves as a step closer to him writing a biography on his idol Kobe Bryant, for now, his focus is on delivering trustworthy coverage of the league he loves.

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Aayush Kapoor

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