HoopDirt.com’s Starting Five Presented by FastModel Sports
By: Greg Youncofski / HoopDirt.com Contributor
My five favorite sets from the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Detroit Pistons – Post Hammer
The Pistons ran this set out of a timeout. This set is effective for many reasons. First, they get the ball into the post which means everyone on the defense has to be ready to rotate to help prevent an easy basket. Next, the split screen up top on the strong side grabs X2’s attention because he has to be ready to stunt at 1 if X1 is late on the recovery/X1 and X4 do not switch. All of this action (the post up/split screen) sets the defense up for what Detroit really wants to get here—the hammer screen. Well-designed play with many options, including 5 on a slip.
Los Angeles Clippers – Post Stagger
Another set play that gets the ball in the post first. The Clippers do a great job setting this up. When Redick first comes off of Jordan’s screen he acts as if he is going to screen for Paul, but cuts at the last second. This misdirection sets it up for him to come right back around off of the stagger screens.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Zipper Empty
Great set to get the ball inside. This play completely clears out the weak side and the fade screen up top occupies potential weak side help. This is great action if the defense is fronting the post, as it gives a clear opportunity to throw the ball over the top of the post defender.
Houston Rockets – Elbow Curl Lob
This play also takes advantage of a team that is going to front the post. The Suns ran this play the past few seasons. Houston runs it here and gets exactly what they want. The curl helps occupy the defense’s attention, giving enough time for 5 to spin and catch the lob before his defender can recover.
Dallas Mavericks – Option
This action is great for teams with a scorer. Most teams are familiar enough with scouting reports to know where each player (especially the better players) is going to be coming off of screens. However, this action will force the defense to have to worry about going two different directions. By faking one way and going another, this can throw the defense off just enough to get your best player a clean look at the basket.
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