Before the Mavericks-Blazers series started I thought that we wouldn’t see much zone in this match-up considering the fact that these two teams play the most zone in the NBA (Dallas plays the most, Portland plays second most). My guess was that both teams have seen the zone so much in practice that it wouldn’t be a surprise to either team’s offense.
So far, that has held true as there was zero zone possessions in game 1, and just one zone possession in game two (run by Portland). With the way that the Mavericks’ ran their zone offense on that possession, you can pretty much guarantee that the Blazers won’t be running anymore zone the rest of the series:
The Mavericks don’t have a “set” zone offense, rather it is just a concept that they execute very well. They like to stick their big, in this case Tyson Chandler, at the top of the key in the middle of the zone and then just pass the ball around the perimeter and cut off of him in a wheel action. Here, Jason Kidd passes the basketball to Shawn Marion on the wing and then cuts through with Dirk replacing him at the top of the key to get the basketball.
Chandler continues to shadow the basketball, always remaining a threat to get the basketball in the underbelly of the zone. Here, as Kidd completes his cut the basketball goes to Nowitzki at the top of the key.
Nowitzki gets the basketball to Jason Terry, who quickly gets it to Kidd on the wing as he completes his cut. Then we really get to see the wheel action in motion. Shawn Marion cuts to the opposite corner, with Nowitzki replacing him, Terry replacing Nowitzki, and Jason Kidd dribbling the basketball back to Jason Terry’s spot.
With the Blazers playing a match-up zone, all of this rotation leads to a match-up problem with Andre Miller defending Dirk Nowitzki. Now this is what I mean when I call the Mavericks’ zone offense a concept rather than a “set.” The Mavericks continue this wheeling motion until they find a situation they like, and they take advantage. Here, everyone spots the mismatch (you see Jason Terry pointing it out). To take advantage, Chandler goes to the lowpost, freeing up the high post for Nowitzki to flash into.
Nowitzki makes the flash and gets the basketball from Jason Kidd in the pinch post area with Andre Miller on his back.
Kidd is able to easily take advantage and make a quick move to the rim. Miller’s only option is to take the foul and send Nowitzki to the line. Here is the play in real time:
The key to this is Dallas being so comfortable when being faced with the zone. They quickly recognize it and quickly get into their offense. Dallas was able to get themselves in a position to score so easily, I will be shocked to see Portland bring out the zone again this series.
