Dwight Howard recalls trying Tim Duncan’s bank shot against him

NBA legend Dwight Howard recently shared a hilarious and humbling story from his early career involving the Great Fundamental himself, Tim Duncan. During an appearance on the Above The Rim podcast, Howard reminisced about his deep admiration for Duncan and his ill-fated attempt to use Duncan's own signature move—the mid-post bank shot—against him in a live game. The result was a classic "student vs. master" moment that left Howard embarrassed and the San Antonio Spurs icon with a silent, knowing grin. This anecdote highlights the gap between raw athleticism and the refined skill that defined Duncan’s Hall of Fame career.

Dwight Howard recalls trying Tim Duncan’s bank shot against him during an NBA game, only for the ball to hit the top of the backboard and roll all the way down, missing the rim entirely. Howard, who wore the number 12 as a tribute to both Duncan and Kevin Garnett, spent hours studying Duncan’s footwork and bank shot. However, when he attempted to replicate it against the Spurs legend, the attempt failed spectacularly, serving as a reminder of the mastery Duncan held over his signature fundamental play.

The Inspiration Behind the Number 12 Jersey

For years, fans wondered why Dwight Howard chose the number 12. In the podcast, Howard revealed that his jersey choice was a direct tribute to two of the most influential big men of his era: Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. By combining elements of their game, Howard hoped to forge his own path toward NBA dominance. Duncan, specifically, represented the "fundamentals" that Howard desperately wanted to incorporate into his high-flying, athletic style of play. This respect for the elders of the game was a cornerstone of Howard's early motivation in Orlando.

Studying the Master of the Bank Shot

Tim Duncan’s bank shot was never the flashiest move in the NBA, but it was arguably the most reliable. Howard admitted to being fixated on the shot, watching endless film of how Duncan positioned his feet and used the glass. "I used to just watch Tim Duncan shoot the bank shot all day," Howard shared. For a young player like Howard, who relied heavily on dunks and put-backs, the bank shot represented a level of offensive sophistication that he aimed to achieve to prolong his career and become a more versatile threat.

The Fateful Moment: Howard vs Duncan

The transition from practice to a game against the person you are imitating is always a daunting task. Howard recalled the specific moment he decided to pull the trigger on the bank shot with Duncan guarding him. Feeling confident in his preparation, Howard caught the ball in the mid-post, squared up, and released the shot just as he had seen Duncan do a thousand times. Instead of the sweet sound of the ball hitting the glass and dropping through the net, the ball struck the very top of the backboard and trickled down uselessly.

Tim Duncan’s Reaction to the Failed Imitation

Perhaps the most "Tim Duncan" part of the story is how the Spurs legend reacted. While most players might have talked trash or laughed out loud at such a poor shot attempt, Duncan remained characteristically quiet. Howard noted that Duncan simply gave him a look—a mixture of amusement and a "not today" sentiment. This psychological edge was part of what made Duncan so difficult to play against; he never gave his opponents the satisfaction of an emotional reaction, even when they were failing to mimic his own moves.

Comparison Factor	Tim Duncan (The Master)
Primary Scoring Weapon	Mid-Post Bank Shot
Response to Opponents	Stoic, Silent Grin
Career Philosophy	The Big Fundamental
Dwight's Success Rate	Hit Top of Backboard

The Learning Curve for Modern Big Men

Howard’s story serves as a broader lesson on the evolution of NBA big men. While Howard was a physical specimen unlike almost anyone else in league history, the technical nuances of the game, like the bank shot, required a different kind of discipline. This moment of embarrassment helped Howard realize that he couldn't just copy Duncan; he had to refine his own unique tools. It underscores the difficulty of mastering the "simple" fundamentals that Duncan made look effortless for two decades.

The Legacy of the San Antonio Spurs Fundamentalism

The Spurs’ success under Gregg Popovich was built on the back of Duncan’s consistency. Howard’s attempt to use a Spurs-staple move against them was a bold but ultimately doomed strategy. The Spurs' system was designed to exploit players who stepped outside their comfort zones. By baiting Howard into taking a jump shot rather than attacking the rim, Duncan was essentially winning the defensive possession before the ball even left Howard's hands.

Dwight Howard’s Career Evolution and Reflective Wisdom

Now that Howard is in the later stages of his career, he can look back at these moments with a sense of humor. He acknowledges that while he never quite mastered the bank shot to Duncan’s level, the attempt to learn it made him a better player. Howard eventually became a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time All-Star, proving that while he couldn't be Tim Duncan, he became the best version of Dwight Howard.

FAQ Section

How did Dwight Howard honor Tim Duncan?

Dwight Howard chose to wear the number 12 jersey as a tribute to Tim Duncan (and Kevin Garnett), reflecting his admiration for Duncan's fundamental game.

What happened when Dwight Howard tried Duncan's bank shot?

According to Howard, the ball hit the very top of the backboard and rolled down, missing the basket completely, leading to an embarrassing moment against his idol.

Which podcast did Dwight Howard share this story on?

Dwight Howard shared this anecdote during his appearance on the "Above The Rim" podcast.

Why was Tim Duncan's bank shot so famous?

It was considered his signature move because of its high efficiency and the "fundamental" way he used the glass to score from the mid-post, a rarity in the modern NBA.

Did Tim Duncan talk trash to Dwight Howard after the miss?

No, Duncan was known for his stoic nature. Howard recalled that Duncan simply offered a silent, knowing reaction rather than verbal trash talk.

Conclusion

Dwight Howard's recollection of his failed bank shot attempt against Tim Duncan is more than just a funny locker-room story; it is a testament to the level of mastery required to excel at the highest level of professional basketball. While Howard’s physical gifts were undeniable, Duncan’s "Big Fundamental" persona proved that technique and experience often trump raw power. Today, this story stands as a favorite among NBA fans, illustrating the mutual respect between two of the greatest frontcourt players to ever step onto the hardwood.

Dwight Howard recalls trying Tim Duncan’s bank shot against him

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