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 leads to the sufferer lacking epic, and typically miraculous, occurrences. The impact is so robust that the sufferer’s absence is typically regarded as the very explanation for the epic occasions.” Nevertheless, immediately we received’t be speaking in regards to the iconic episode “Blitzgiving”—we’re going to discuss in regards to the Celtics’ offense.
After two video games towards Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, we have now an excellent pattern dimension of actions the place the Celtics ran pick-and-rolls towards the 2023 champions. Why is that this attention-grabbing? Effectively, final yr, the Celtics weren’t an enormous pick-and-roll staff, principally as a result of Kristaps Porzingis isn’t usually utilized in most of these actions. Nevertheless, 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 towards Denver means extra blitzes.
The Nuggets have been utilizing this pick-and-roll protection for the previous couple of years. Basically, proper after the display, they ship two defenders (Jokic and the participant guarding the ball-handler) to entice the ball-handler and disrupt the offense. In the meantime, the three remaining defenders rotate to decelerate the offense whereas Jokic recovers. Typically, 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.
So immediately, 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 effectively, reads the protection, and is aware of the place to go the ball. That is essential towards 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 facet of the court docket. 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 entice by involving a 3rd participant.
A number of Screens (Spain/Stagger)
Talking of a 3rd participant, you may as well 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, usually utilized by the Dallas Mavericks. On this motion, you may as well see an important minimize by Jaylen Brown, who creates confusion within the protection.
Empty Aspect Motion
As a two-man recreation, you possibly can 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 effectively towards 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 is about in the midst of the court docket. 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 might work very effectively towards 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 important 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.
