Terrance Ross for 3!!!

Dec. 5th saw a close one between the Magic and Nuggets. Magic needed 3 points and good defense to force OT. They did just that. Terrance Ross nailed a wide open 3 and then Magic got the stop on the other end.

Magic ran a nice play with several screens and a few used more as distractions. Here is a video breakdown with the diagram following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZWaPYeDi94

A few takeaways

1. There were several options for the Magic on this one. Ross for 3, DJ could be open in the corner (but Denver switched and denied that option), Fournier at half court as a last resort. If the game clock was lower, there is potential for an option to make a lob to Vucevic.

2. Several screens are used as a distraction to draw away from the main look. I believe the main look is Ross for 3 on the wing. By having him start at the top and set a screen underneath the basket can cause defenses to eliminate him as an option since he went away from the ball. But by having DJ screen for Vucevic who then screens for Ross, the Magic hope to catch the defense sleeping. And in this instance....they did.

3. I'm not sure what type of defense Denver was in. They switched the screen DJ set for Vucevic but then it was unclear what happened. Craig and Beasley obviously were confused. Beasley may not have realized the screen was coming from Vucevic and didn't know to switch up. Craig may not have called anything out. Vucevic also may have just set a solid screen. A lot happens in a short period of time that requires better than average communication for the defense. For the most part, every Denver player is in a quick moment of shock to see how wide open Ross was for the 3.