When Orlando realized that the Celtics were going to single-up Dwight Howard at the start of the game, it seemed like they forced it inside almost as if they wanted to try and change the Celtics strategy.  However, this strategy negatively effected the Magic in two ways.  First, Dwight really struggled and it hurt him mentally in the early going.  Second, forcing it inside like that really hurt the Magic’s flow on offense.

Here is what the Magic were facing every single time they entered the ball down low (Dwight missed a hook on this possession).  Single coverage on Dwight with the remaining Celtics in the passing lanes, not allowing for any of the Magic’s three point shooters to make a catch.  As we talked about yesterday, the Celtics really did a good job of limiting the Magic to 9 three point attempts in the first half (when they averaged 27 a game in the regular season), and this is why.

So what can the Magic do to adjust?  Well, they need to create three point looks and easy baskets from the outside instead of inside-out (which is what they normally do).  They did this at the start of the second half when they made their little run.

Pick And Pop

The Magic like to run a quick-hitting pick and pop every once in a while with Rashard Lewis as the screener and either Jameer Nelson or Vince Carter as the ball handler.

Here, the Celtics switch it, and with Kevin Garnett worried about Nelson driving on him he plays back a little.  This gives Jameer room to knock down a three.

This time the pick and pop is run with Vince Carter as the ballhandler. Again, the Celtics switch it and again, KG is worried about the drive, giving up space for the shot. He knocks it down.

Pick And Roll

I know what you are thinking, “the Magic run the pick and roll all the time.”  They do, but usually it is designed to try and hit the roll man (Dwight Howard).  In fact, the first screen shot is off of a pick and roll designed to get Dwight an easy post up.  However, in the second half the Magic started running the pick and roll to free up the shooters.

After Nelson comes off the screen, Dwight doesn’t even roll. Nelson doesn’t look for him and he is able to find the space for his own shot. In the second half, the Magic did a lot of this, using the pick and roll to free up shooters rather than using it to free up Dwight.

The Result

With the Magic using the pick and pop and the screen and roll to free up guys on the outside, the Celtics start focusing their attention on it. This then frees up the lane:

Using Dwight Howard to set the screen pulls Kendrick Perkins out of the lane, which frees up room for a backdoor cut. Look at Ray Allen (the man responsible for Matt Barnes). He gets caught watching the ball, and this is what allows Matt Barnes to become open on the cut.

Another thing I would like to see the Magic do to take advantage of the Magic’s outside game is on the pick and pop. The Magic could run the pick and pop with Jameer Nelson coming off a Rashard Lewis screen. Instead of looking for the outside shot (either from Nelson or Rashard Lewis on the kickout), Dwight can dive in and quickly seal Perkins. The goal is to catch Perkins off-guard and allow Dwight Howard to get really good inside position. Improving Dwight’s position really increases Dwight’s chances against Perkins, and it can be achieved by going outside-in rather than inside-out.