The slower the pace, the more accurate they are, the five strongest players in the NBA s active position battle

NBA game pace is getting faster and faster, and running, converting, and fast break have become the main themes of the league. But when the game enters a critical moment, the pace is slowed down, and the space is compressed, it is the time to truly test the star's skills. Some people rely on speed to make a living, and they will be abandoned when they are slow; while some people fight harder and more slowly in positional battles, the more accurate they are. Their rhythm, footsteps, decision-making and execution are the real playoff-level aces. The following five are typical "position war terminators".

Fifth place: Paul George

Regional season data: Average 20.8 points/6.3 rebounds/3.7 assists/44.1% from the field/38.5% of three-pointers

Comprehensive technology and delicate rhythm, it is George's most core label in positional battles. He is not the kind of explosive front line that breaks to the end, but more like a technical flow of relying on fine rhythm and mid-range shots to hit the opponent. His steps back, mid-range shots and misaligned shots are extremely lethal in positional confrontation. Especially when pick-and-roll is small, he can use his height and shooting feel to create low-risk and high-shot shots. Although the playoffs are ups and downs, as long as the pace slows down, his singles and footsteps will become the most reliable scoring method in the system.

4th place: Devin Booker

Regular season data: Average 24.3 points / 4.0 rebounds / 5.0 assists / 46.3% from the field / 35.6% from three points

Booker can run in a fast pace, but he is really his home court in a slow pace. He is one of the few defender killers who can still find gaps and complete the pull-out under high-intensity defense. His mid-range, rhythm changes, back-to-back singles, and turn shots near the free throw line are more deadly than three-pointers in positional battles. In the 2021 playoffs, Booker led the offense through the position and led the attack many times in the fourth quarter, completing the attack moments of 8 points and 10 points in a row. He won by not speed, but by action selection and reading defense.

Third place: Jamal Murray

Playoff data: Average 25.0 points / 6.3 assists / shooting percentage 47.5% / 3-pointers 40.6%

Under the Jokic system, Murray is the best goal guard who knows how to "how to play positional battles". He is good at playing slow-paced pick-and-roll, and can dismantle the defense line step by step without rushing to speed up. His high-level shooting, misaligned back-attack, emergency mid-shots, and unstoppable covers to catch the ball and pull out, are all carefully calculated styles. In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, he made consecutive mid-range shots + three-pointers in positional battles, controlling the rhythm by one person + ending the game. He does not rely on his body to make a living, but relies entirely on details and toughness to support his scoring efficiency at slow pace.

Second place: Carmelo Anthony

Regional season data: Average 22.5 points / 6.2 rebounds / 2.7 assists / shooting percentage 44.7% / 35.5%

If the league has a "positional battle hall of fame", Anthony will definitely be on the list. He is one of the most stable and most tempo forwards in NBA history. The middle distance in the penalty area, turning around and jumping shots, turning over and leaning back, and pulling against someone, are all his most familiar moves. The defender knew he was going to shoot, but he just couldn't block it. During the Knicks period, he was almost a representative figure of the "one-on-one position genre". The pace of the playoffs slowed down, but he was like a fish in water, which was most suitable for a hard-working attack environment.

No.1: Nikola Jokic

Regular season data: 20.9 points per game / 10.7 rebounds / 6.9 assists / 55.5% from the field / 34.8% from three points

No one is more suitable for slow pace than Jokic. He is almost the embodiment of "position warfare" himself. He advances slowly and moves slowly, but every step is calculated accurately. In positional battles, he can play low and back-to-back, and can also play high and support, and can also make a shot by himself if he can see the demolition. He hits defensive loopholes with rhythm and beat. Once he enters the half-time attack, all tactics can revolve around him. In the 2023 playoffs, he relied on step by step to break down the league's top defenses one by one, and finally won the championship and became the gods.