xellos88330
04-25-2011, 11:16 PM
The difference in this series has been the mid-range game. Memphis cannot seem to miss a jumpshot. Then again, it isn't hard when there is noone in front of you. It got me thinking about a defensive adjustment the Spurs should employ. The Spurs have been sagging in deep and the Grizzlies have been taking full advantage. Most notably Sam Young. These guys are in the NBA for a reason.
Start Splitter alongside Duncan. Tell the perimeter players (and whoever Arthur is matched up with) to stay within half an arms reach of their defensive assignment with their body between the basket and the offensive player. Don't worry about where the ball is, it distracts you from keeping an eye on the player you are guarding. Watch those cuts the basket. Force them to penetrate deep into Splitter and Duncan. Stay with your man and be ready for the kickout or rebound. Play Randolph and Gasol 1v1. Eliminate everyone else. And for the love of God control the rebound and protect the ball once you have the ball.
Pressure the PnR by forcing the ball handler backwards, and keep your hands active for the pass, not the steal or the shot.
On offense, the Spurs bigs need to play like it. The Grizz aren't fronting very often and the perimeter defense is running (especially Allen who closes out aggressively almost every time) out to the shooters. Get the ball to the shooter after penetration/post up. Once the ball is in the hands of the shooter, the Spurs bigs need to try to pin the bigs of Memphis behind the backboard limiting their mobility for rebounds/defensive positioning. Quick fake, then make the quick pass into the post, or penetrate and take the shot, don't worry about passing. If it works as planned, the Spurs bigs have a great shot at the rebound and you don't turn the ball over for a Memphis fast break. Keep your passes crisp and on target, and catch the ball with both hands.
Start Splitter alongside Duncan. Tell the perimeter players (and whoever Arthur is matched up with) to stay within half an arms reach of their defensive assignment with their body between the basket and the offensive player. Don't worry about where the ball is, it distracts you from keeping an eye on the player you are guarding. Watch those cuts the basket. Force them to penetrate deep into Splitter and Duncan. Stay with your man and be ready for the kickout or rebound. Play Randolph and Gasol 1v1. Eliminate everyone else. And for the love of God control the rebound and protect the ball once you have the ball.
Pressure the PnR by forcing the ball handler backwards, and keep your hands active for the pass, not the steal or the shot.
On offense, the Spurs bigs need to play like it. The Grizz aren't fronting very often and the perimeter defense is running (especially Allen who closes out aggressively almost every time) out to the shooters. Get the ball to the shooter after penetration/post up. Once the ball is in the hands of the shooter, the Spurs bigs need to try to pin the bigs of Memphis behind the backboard limiting their mobility for rebounds/defensive positioning. Quick fake, then make the quick pass into the post, or penetrate and take the shot, don't worry about passing. If it works as planned, the Spurs bigs have a great shot at the rebound and you don't turn the ball over for a Memphis fast break. Keep your passes crisp and on target, and catch the ball with both hands.