The primary time I ever heard of the Blitz was in November 2010 on How I Met Your Mom. Within the TV present, the Blitz is “a curse that ends in the sufferer lacking epic, and generally miraculous, occurrences. The impact is so robust that the sufferer’s absence is usually considered the very explanation for the epic occasions.” Nonetheless, as we speak we gained’t be speaking in regards to the iconic episode “Blitzgiving”—we’re going to speak in regards to the Celtics’ offense.
After two video games in opposition to Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, we now have a great pattern dimension of actions the place the Celtics ran pick-and-rolls in opposition to the 2023 champions. Why is that this fascinating? Properly, final 12 months, the Celtics weren’t a giant pick-and-roll workforce, principally as a result of Kristaps Porzingis isn’t typically utilized in most of these actions. Nonetheless, with Luke Kornet beginning thus far this season, the Celtics have been operating extra ball screens in comparison with final 12 months’s matchups with Denver. And extra ball screens in opposition to Denver means extra blitzes.
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The Nuggets have been utilizing this pick-and-roll protection for the previous couple of years. Primarily, proper after the display screen, they ship two defenders (Jokic and the participant guarding the ball-handler) to lure the ball-handler and disrupt the offense. In the meantime, the three remaining defenders rotate to decelerate the offense whereas Jokic recovers. Generally, as an alternative of a blitz, they merely “present”—which means Jokic doesn’t assault the ball-handler aggressively, however as an alternative blocks the driving lane whereas the opposite defender fights over the display screen.
So as we speak, what we will probably be taking a look at is how the Celtics attacked the Denver Nuggets’ defensive protection with Kornet because the roll man. From all these actions, I seen one factor: Luke Kornet is a good short-roll participant. He strikes nicely, reads the protection, and is aware of the place to go the ball. That is essential in opposition to blitz protection since Kornet typically receives the ball in a 4-vs-3 scenario. Right here a few examples with fundamental handoff actions:
Quick Motion
The primary tactic is utilizing the Quick Motion. Quick Motion is a three-man play the place, as an alternative of passing the ball to the roll man in a pick-and-roll, the ball-handler passes it to a 3rd participant on the robust facet of the courtroom. This third participant then acts as an middleman, transferring the ball to the roll man. It’s a great way to beat the Blitz or the Present since you’re avoiding the lure by involving a 3rd participant.
A number of Screens (Spain/Stagger)
Talking of a 3rd participant, you can even use two screeners. Beneath are two examples. The primary is a Spain pick-and-roll with Sam Hauser screening the defender assigned to the roll man. The second is a Double Drag, or 77, typically utilized by the Dallas Mavericks. On this motion, you can even see an incredible lower by Jaylen Brown, who creates confusion within the protection.
Empty Aspect Motion
As a two-man recreation, you’ll be able to clear a nook and run a facet pick-and-roll—that is additionally referred to as Empty Aspect because the facet you’re beginning the play on is empty. This works nicely in opposition to the Blitz as a result of it complicates defensive rotations behind the 2 defenders pressuring the ball. With an empty nook, the defensive rotation turns into much less pure in comparison with when the display screen is about in the midst of the courtroom. On this play, the confusion permits Pritchard to drive, kick, relocate, and get open pictures.
On The Run
One play that stood out to me was the one beneath as a result of it’s just like two earlier Celtics clutch pictures. It’s referred to as On The Run and might work very nicely in opposition to an aggressive defensive protection just like the Blitz.
Flex Intestine Exit:
Final however not least, Invoice Sy seen the Celtics ran the identical play for Jaylen Brown on two consecutive possessions. It’s referred to as Flex Intestine Exit, and Bill provides all the details you need in a great article already available on CelticsBlog.
If I missed a play or made any errors within the play naming, please drop a remark and share your knowledge with us.
