San Antonio Spurs star Victor “Wemby” Wembanyama is making an impact in the NBA playoffs. His combination of height, agility and all-around basketball prowess has led some fans to call him “the Alien”.
Wembanyama’s three-point shooting has been evident in the playoffs. In the first game of the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama hit a three against the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) to tie the game with less than a minute remaining in overtime. The Spurs won the game in double overtime.
The Science Behind Wemby’s Shots
Ahead of the Spurs and OKC’s Game 6 match on Thursday—which the Spurs won—experts in physics and biomechanics discussed the science of Wemby’s shots. They looked at how the tallest player in the NBA keeps hitting those three-pointers.
Larry Silverberg, an emeritus professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University, notes the uniqueness of Wembanyama’s deep shots. “He’s just launching that thing,” says Silverberg.
Height as an Advantage
Height is often considered an advantage because taller players are closer to the basket, which stands at 10 feet above the ground. They are also harder for smaller players to block.
Silverberg and a co-author suggested in a 2008 study that free-throw shooters who are taller have an advantage.
Factors Influencing the Shot
Many elements contribute to a successful three-point shot. These include the player’s height, hand and arm size, and movement mechanics. The aim of the ball, backspin, speed, and angle of release also play a part, according to Silverberg.
If Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, one of the best three-point shooters, was seven feet, four inches instead of six feet, two inches, he’d likely have an even greater shooting advantage.
In the ongoing playoffs, Wembanyama’s three-point shooting has been on full display.