Excellent Article on Grantland: Breaking Down San Antonio's Go-Ahead 3

[Amuseddaysleeper]

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-tr...99s-go-ahead-3


After getting walloped by the Miami Heat in the second half earlier this week, Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs found themselves in a much tighter endgame Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic. The game was tied at 81 with about 40 seconds left in overtime. Popovich called for one of the most imaginative plays I’ve seen in this short season, and the Spurs’ perfect execution helped them beat the Magic 85-83 on the road. Let’s take a look.



Tony Parker dribbles the ball up the left sideline to initiate the offense, and Tim Duncan trails the play down the center of the court. Gary Neal sets up in the strongside corner, Richard Jefferson waits on the strongside block, and Danny Green positions himself on the opposite wing. Once Duncan crosses half court, Parker swings the ball to him. Duncan dribbles toward Green, who meets Duncan halfway for a dribble handoff.



At the same time as Duncan and Neal are executing the handoff, Jefferson cuts to the other side of the lane. Neal leaves his spot in the corner and runs crosscourt to screen for Jefferson, who uses the cross screen and returns to his original position on the left block.



Read More

[Seventyniner]

I love it. Straight Xs and Os, and Pruiti knows what he's talking about when he says that Pop is probably the best in the league at drawing up plays. For all Pop's rotation/minutes head-scratchers, he's one of a strategist.

[spurs10]

Hey thanks for posting this. Keep it coming! This was a great play and, as most plays, happened so fast I didn't get all the nuances. I'll be sure to keep my eye out for Pruiti and Grantland...

[jason1301]

thanks for sharing!

[TDomination]

Very cool seeing how this play developed. thanks!

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Wish I could post the whole thing, but didn't want to get the FBI on my ass

[rmt]

Who in their right minds would think that anyone is going to draw up a play for RJ for a game winner? I guess the players just react to what's going on in the moment.

[smrattler]

One word: Strategery.

[manufan10]

This play should bump timvp's grade for Pop to at least a C-.