In the N.B.A., the small details make a difference in whether a play is successful or not.
Offensive Rebounding
Amar’e Stoudamire gets to the weak-side of the rim and grabs the offensive rebound in traffic. He chins the ball, takes a front pivot and goes up for the putback.
Post Defense
Tyson Chandler uses his size to move the offensive player away from the hoop and towards the hash mark on the baseline. He remains balanced and uses his hands on contest the shot.
Pick & Roll Defense
Kevin Garnett hedges the screen and roll and recovers to his man. He keeps his hands up and steals the pass to the screener.
Re-Penetration
Tim Duncan and Stephen Jackson attack the defense by getting the ball inside. Finally the ball is moved to Tony Parker who drives down the middle of the defense (which has shifted) and finishes.
Make the Extra Pass
In the 2011 N.B.A. Finals, the Dallas Mavericks use movement (passing and cutting) to escape Miami’s double-team and find the open man. The end result is a high percentage shot.
Push the Ball
As Steve Nash runs the Phoenix Suns fast break, he scans the court and determines:
- if he can get to the rim
- whether there are any open teammates who can receive an early entry pass (Jared Dudley)
- what early offense and half-court to run.
In transition, point guards watch for opportunities in transition and what will ensue.
Weak-Side Action
As Manu Ginóbili and Boris Diaw work a high screen and roll, Tim Duncan comes high and receives a pass for an open jumpshot when Pau Gasol doubles the ball. The Phoenix Suns call this play “Short” in order to create open shots for wings like Jared Dudley. As the ball penetrates the middle of the key, Duncan “lifts” and comes high for an easy pass and shot.
Pick & Roll Defense
Norris Cole fights over the screen and uses active hands to steal the ball from Jeremy Lin. As Lin remained in the N.B.A., teams were able to disrupt his offense by pressuring him as he used the high ball screen.