Boston vs. the blitz – CelticsBlog

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 typically miraculous, occurrences. The impact is so robust that the sufferer’s absence is usually regarded as the very reason for the epic occasions.” Nonetheless, right this moment we gained’t be speaking concerning the iconic episode “Blitzgiving”—we’re going to speak concerning the Celtics’ offense.

After two video games in opposition to Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, we now have a very good pattern measurement of actions the place the Celtics ran pick-and-rolls in opposition to the 2023 champions. Why is that this attention-grabbing? Properly, final yr, the Celtics weren’t an enormous pick-and-roll group, largely as a result of Kristaps Porzingis isn’t usually utilized in a majority of these actions. Nonetheless, with Luke Kornet beginning up to now this season, the Celtics have been operating extra ball screens in comparison with final yr’s matchups with Denver. And extra ball screens in opposition to Denver means extra blitzes.

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 a substitute of a blitz, they merely “present”—that means Jokic doesn’t assault the ball-handler aggressively, however as a substitute blocks the driving lane whereas the opposite defender fights over the display screen.

So right this moment, what we can 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 superb short-roll participant. He strikes properly, reads the protection, and is aware of the place to cross the ball. That is essential in opposition to blitz protection since Kornet usually receives the ball in a 4-vs-3 scenario. Right here a few examples with primary handoff actions:

Quick Motion

The primary tactic is utilizing the Quick Motion. Quick Motion is a three-man play the place, as a substitute 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 aspect 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. Under 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, usually utilized by the Dallas Mavericks. On this motion, you can even see an incredible minimize by Jaylen Brown, who creates confusion within the protection.

Empty Facet Motion

As a two-man recreation, you possibly can clear a nook and run a aspect pick-and-roll—that is additionally referred to as Empty Facet because the aspect you’re beginning the play on is empty. This works properly 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 ready in the course of the courtroom. On this play, the confusion permits Pritchard to drive, kick, relocate, and get open photographs.

On The Run

One play that stood out to me was the one under as a result of it’s just like two earlier Celtics clutch photographs. It’s referred to as On The Run and may work very properly 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 Invoice offers all the small print you want in an incredible article already accessible 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.