Paul to Chandler, Pick and Roll Alley-oop

I watched almost the entire second half of the Hornets game in Chicago and I was looking for clips showing the league's most dynamic duo, Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler. It came with only a few minutes left in the game but it happened at a crucial time as the Hornets pulled away for the win after the Chandler dunk.

I think teams know that Paul looks for the alley-oop to Chandler off the PNR so they are much better defended now that the jig is up. But it's still a dynamic play because of Paul's ability to penetrate the lane and Chandler's ability to get above the rim. Here is what it looked like live,



Let's face it, the guy who really makes the play work is Chris Paul. Tyson Chandler is athletic and all, but if it was Andre Iguodala or Carmelo Anthony at the other end, it would still be as effective.

As you can see, it's Paul's ability to penetrate the lane and get Ben Wallace to commit to stop Paul that allows Chandler to spring free,


After the Bulls collapse to stop Paul, Chandler heads straight for the rim elevating above everyone. Paul just lobs it up there,


After this alley-oop dunk, the Bulls just fell apart. Paul picked the pocket of Kurt Heinrich and gave it to David West for the flush. That was game, set, match, Hornets get the win on the road.

If you're looking for a video from a truly great coach, take a look at Dave Smart's DVD on PNR screening. Most of you probably don't know Coach Smart, he is head coach of the Carleton Ravens here in Canada and his team has won an unprecedented 5 straight National Championships. To discuss this and many more of your favorite basketball topics, head over to the X's and O's of Basketball Forum to talk with other coaches from around the world.