In Game 3, the Dallas Mavericks used the 2-3 zone against the Spurs, and they really struggled with it.  The Spurs didn’t get a lot of good looks when the Mavs used the zone, however they were still able to pull out the win.  In Game 4, Dallas saved the zone for the 4th quarter hoping the Spurs would struggle with it yet again so they can get back in the game.  Coach Popovich had his guys ready to attack the zone properly, and they were able to do it three different ways.

1) Crash The Boards

When teams play zone, you always hear about the defense really needing to concentrate on crashing the boards.  This is because instead of covering a man, you are covering an area and it is harder to get a body on someone because of it.  Playing zone also tends to lead to funny matchups when the ball is in the air.

The Mavs first show the zone down 7, and the Spurs recognize it and start sending the ball around the perimeter.  Quick ball movement is another key to beating the zone.  You get guys moving around, the zone starts to lose it’s shape.

Read more…

A lot of people are talking about Dwyane Wade’s 4th quarter (as they should), but in my opinion the biggest play of the game wasn’t made by Wade, but by the much maligned Michael Beasley.  The Heat’s offense really became stagnant in the final minutes of the 4th quarter as the Celtics tried to make their comeback.  The Heat didn’t score a point for a good minute and a half of game time as the Celtics cut the lead to 4 points.  With about 1:45 left, the Heat had the basketball, and again forced up another shot.  However, the Celtics didn’t box out, and it allowed Beasley to make a fantastic play:

As the ball lands in Dorell Wright’s hands, take a look at the shot clock.  There is only 7 seconds for him to work with, and the Heat’s offense is once again struggling.  Udonis Haslem tries to salvage the possession by setting a screen for Wright and seeing if he can get to the lane.

Read more…