There are very few players I can’t think of that can get to the basket and finish as effectively as Zion. What is he doing technique-wise that makes it look so easy? The moves leading up to the finish seem different than other players approach to driving, but I can’t put my finger on it. Some of his finishes are spectacular, especially working through double teams, but most are very basic drives that just involve a single fake to get the defender moving one way, then slash to the hole.
The part I think is unique is that he pivots and jumps at the basket in both the vertically and horizontally direction, doing it very far and fast. I think he using every bit of extension coupled with his vertical. And adding to that, he is always looking for the rebound after his shot or a block, plus he has great touch and offensive IQ positioning his body making it all very unguardable.
Besides his physical attribute, he has a signature move that’s incredibly hard to defend. When approaching for a layup, we traditionally take the two steps to take off with the leg opposite to our shooting hand. The best for balance, tried-and-true, we all know it. Zion frequently does the lightning fast one-step takeoff though with the same-side foot that allows him to slash right by the defender. It’s a common move but Zion has mastered it like nobody else because of his insane touch after the explosive jump. Dude takes off like DRose but finishes like George Gervin.