Thunder Trickery
- David Robertson
- Nov 2, 2018
- 2 min read
Thunder pulled of a close win last night (11/1/18) vs the Hornets. Even though this play didn't end in a made basket, I enjoyed this play. It has a little misdirection that I like to see.
Did you see it?
Several options for the Thunder out of this. First, Adams set the down screen to allow Abrines to go set a screen for Westbrook but quickly slips it to get on the other side. Right behind him was Adams to set the real screen for Westbrook. I am not 100% certain what the first look is. I believe it is for Westbrook to attack the paint but Zeller has the space covered and Westbrook can't penetrate. Other options include a pass to Schroder in the corner but again the Hornets defense is in good position to deter that pass. Adams would have been an option but Kemba gets around the screen fast and Zeller doesn't ever truly commit to Westbrook. The lane is too clogged for the pass to Adams.
Westbrook decides to pass to Abrines and then returns to the top of the key. Abrines does a good job of anticipating the closeout and makes a quick decision to drive to the basket. If the defense had been more relaxed he would have been open for the shot. Because of his quick decision to drive, it causes the defense to react quickly. Abrines was looking to score but missed Westbrook being open up top since Kemba tried to commit to the drive and Abrines missed Adams when Zeller decided to jump and contest the layup.
Several things to see in this play. The slip screen by Abrines was a good trick by the Thunder. But the Hornets defense was locked-in and didn't fall for the misdirection and didn't switch on any of the screens. The play almost worked and will in the future with all the options being successful.
Drawing of the play:
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