Bad Habits on Defense

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

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The Toronto Raptors have some bad habits which have really hurt their performance this year. A lack of ball pressure is allowing penetration into the paint (drive and pass) and demanding help. These shots close to the basket and open looks become high performance scoring chances for the opportunity. On the ball, players could improve their quickness (footwork and hands).  Away from the ball, team members could be in better position, be more aware of the opponents around them and rotate in anticipation, not reaction.

Screen and roll defense is very passive. A ballscreen can be an opportunity for the offense or the defense. Unfortunately, Toronto has been unable to pressure the ball handler or deal efficiently with the roller.

Down the stretch in a close game vs. Sacramento, the Raptors seemed not to have an offensive plan. The ball went to DeRozan for contested drives and Bargnani for unsuccessful threes (Lowry did draw fouls twice in crunch time). The Kings got points inside from their forwards and open threes from Tyreke Evans, on the exact same play (side pick and roll, spread the floor). Toronto was unable to rotate and force a dribble or an extra pass to a weaker shooter.