The Breakdown - February 6
Magic Post Set, Cavs Spain & Pelicans Horns Specials.
Today’s breakdown looks at some of the best X’s & O’s from the previous night’s games from the Magic, Cavs, Pelicans & Knicks. I typically study 2-3 games live per night and watch the others on replay/possessions, but if you see something interesting when watching and want it included - let me know! Let’s dive in.
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Orlando Magic Up Punch Boston
The Magic created 3 scores off the same action against the Hornets who are unsurprisingly a mess defensively, starting off with a hand off and the ball being reversed. On the reversal the guard opposite sets an “Upscreen” (Could also be considered Wedge) for Banchero to get the ball in the post.
Although they opened up the game with this set, Banchero got a quick attack layup off this basic action in the 3rd as well.
Once the ball gets entered into the post, the guard who screened initially then screens away for Wendell Carter on the opposite wing to curl into the lane.
Not only did they score off this action to open up the game, but also the 3rd quarter for a layup as well.
The final option for this play is a downscreen for the guard to come off of, but I have only seen them run this action one other time - against the Hornets again.
Although the play gets blown up to put the ball in the post the same action for the guard to come off and look for a shot, not exactly the same play but the same action with a different entry.
Cleveland Cavaliers SOB Dribble Spain
Against the Pacers the Cavs ran a counter to their normal “SOB Dribble” option that is normally a hand back into a ballscreen for the inbounder.
In this set they have Garland fill from the opposite corner and look to set the backscreen option, but here he recognizes the backscreen option would be too late and just cuts through allowing Rubio to get downhill for a layup.
NY Knicks Flip
The Knicks ran a good ballscreen set against the 76ers by having their forward - either Randle or Toppin - come off a basic downscreen and then flip or touch it back to Brunson and then go off a flare screen after.
In true Knicks fashion the execution and discipline to run this set it not great, Hartenstein doesn’t even attempt a screen, but in the end goes into a ballscreen for Brunson.
Another example of not great execution with Randle just opening up and then running to the opposite corner, but still ending in a Brunson ballscreen.
New Orleans Pelicans Horns Out Miami Back
To open the game against the Kings the Pelicans ran a good Horns counter in their DEEP Horns playbook for CJ McCollum.
After coming off basic screening action to free up the pass CJ hands it off to the wing and into a ballscreen.
As the ball comes off the ballscreen Nance then screens away for CJ to come off looking for a shot. Here we see the problem with Herb Jones as the passer with Davion Mitchell stunting int he gap to stop a CJ attack off the catch.
The play ends in a bad 3, but the rescreen creates a good corner look in their flow offense.
New Orleans Pelicans Horns Out Turn Chicago
Another creative Horns set from the Pelicans with the same entry, screening for CJ to cut to the wing and then entering the ball at the elbow.
They use their best shooter, Trey Murphy III who was having an incredible game, to become the player turning to screen for CJ into Chicago action so when his man slightly helps on the roll it leaves the 3 open.
🏀Resources:
Basketball Playbooks | Coaching Clinics | Coaching Membership | Newsletter
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I hope you enjoy this new format and trying out some new things for breakdowns - any feedback is appreciated. Thank you again for all of your support and for sharing my work.
Outwork Yesterday
Coach Pyper
Same as last time, is there a way to get the YouTube videos of each play like in the other breakdowns? 4 gifs to make a play are much harder to make the play out