Sixers EOG vs Pistons (OT!)

Sixers vs Pistons on 10-23-18 was a lot of fun to watch! Griffin went of for 50. Drummond was ejected in the 4th. Overtime! Clutch shooting from Redick followed by a strong play from Griffin and tough FTs to help get the W! Great game.

I want to look at 3 plays from the Sixers. The first comes at the end of regulation followed by their last two plays of OT. Here are all three:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvV4pir0MXE

In the first clip, we see Joel Embiid get a downscreen in the paint so he can cut to the three point for the shot. Before that, notice that Saric and Covington start at the top of the key and then 'X' past each other to get to the baseline. This is to create some confusion. Because they cross paths, this could confuse the defense in thinking that they might be screening for each other but it is really more of a distraction. This distraction allows Redick to screen for Embiid. Once Embiid is at the top of the key, he has a clean look at the rim with no defenders nor teammates around. This is what Sixers are trying to accomplish with the previous mentioned distraction.

In the second clip, there seems to be a little uncertainty from Saric in what the Sixers are trying to run. Embiid is desperately calling for the ball. I'm not 100% sure why, maybe to turn and attack or to hit Redick on his cut to the basket (which might have worked if Embiid was in better passing position but it is tough to say. Pistons were in ok help position on the weak side). Regardless, once Embiid doesn't get the pass to Redick, he returns the ball to Saric and goes to set a downscreen for Redick (who is sitting there waiting). The Pistons defended this screen poorly. It looked as though they were trying to prevent Redick from going over the screen but then he decided to cut inside. Zaza then opens up and allows Redick through. At that point, it is clear he is going to get the ball for a three. Redick being Redick gets a clean look and let's it fly. The shot goes in and he is fouled. The rare 4pt play! The entire outcome of this possession could have been different if the Pistons guarded Embiid's screen different.

The third and final clip is the Sixers last chance to win the game. Similar to the first clip, Covington and (this time) McConnell are more distractions to keep their defenders away from the real action. It looks like this play is designed for Embiid and Redick as the second option. The initial action is to have Redick flip his screen for Embiid in the hopes to confuse the defense. I think the Sixers were hoping for a switch but they don't switch (also not the greatest screen from Redick). Saric passed to Embiid but he is guarded well and misses. Redick being the second option, was in a good position to get the pass and turn and shoot. Had the Pistons switched, Redick would have been in a better, more wide open position based off where he defender was. His defender almost looked like he was going to switch onto Embiid but his teammate was able to beat Redick on the screen. Better screen and a switch could have changed the entire outcome of this position. A couple of different options between the quick, flip-screen action.

Again, this game was fun to watch!