On a chilly February night in 2021, the NBA world witnessed an unprecedented moment when Golden State Warriors' point guard, Stephen Curry, launched a shot that would become an instant classic, yet for an unusual reason - it was an airball that reached the moon. This article delves into the details of this extraordinary event, its impact, and the science behind it.
Steph Curry's Unforgettable Airball
In the third quarter of a game against the New York Knicks, with just over five minutes remaining, Curry attempted a deep three-pointer from beyond the NBA three-point line. To the surprise of everyone in the Chase Center and watching on TV, the ball sailed high and wide, missing the rim entirely. But it didn't stop there. It continued its trajectory, passing the stratosphere, and reaching an altitude of approximately 378,600 feet - roughly the distance to the moon.
An Unprecedented Achievement
While Curry's shot didn't make it to the moon literally, it certainly made headlines. This airball was unlike any other in NBA history. It wasn't just a missed shot; it was a testament to the power and precision of Curry's shooting form, even when it went awry. The shot traveled an estimated 9,500 miles, according to a calculation by ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry.
The Science Behind the Shot
The physics behind Curry's airball are fascinating. The shot was launched at an initial velocity of approximately 40 miles per hour, with an angle of about 45 degrees. Once it missed the rim, it continued to travel due to its initial momentum. The Earth's gravity pulled the ball down, but its velocity was great enough to overcome this force, allowing it to reach an astonishing height.
Why Didn't It Reach the Moon?
Despite reaching an altitude equivalent to the moon's distance, Curry's airball didn't make it to the lunar surface. This is because the shot was launched at a shallow angle. To reach the moon, the ball would have needed to be launched at an escape velocity of about 7 miles per second, at a trajectory of 36 degrees above the horizontal. Curry's shot was launched at a much shallower angle, and its initial velocity was far too low to escape Earth's gravity.
Impact and Legacy
While Curry's airball didn't win him any awards or points, it certainly won him a place in NBA history. It sparked conversations about the physics of basketball, the power of Curry's shots, and the unexpected moments that make sports so entertaining. It also highlighted the human element of sports - even the best players can have off nights, and sometimes, those off nights can lead to extraordinary moments.
In the end, Curry's airball wasn't just a missed shot. It was a lesson in physics, a testament to his skill, and a reminder that in sports, as in life, sometimes the most memorable moments come from the unexpected.
