Mavs Passing to Cutters Out of Double Teams

In between college games I decided to take in some NBA action. The playoff races in the east and the west are going to be really interesting. There are basically 6 teams going for the last 5 spots in the west and they're all bunched up together. Dallas is one of those teams and they're currently in the 8th and final spot. The situation is similar in the east. But the interesting thing is that the Bucks are in 8th and the Bulls are 9th. Bucks coach Scott Skiles was fired from Chicago last year.

Anyways, both teams, Dallas and Milwaukee played tonight. I haven't seen Dallas since way back in November so it was good to see them again. I still think they are playing below their talent, but maybe they're starting to gel together. I liked what they did in the game, going 1v1, spreading the floor, and waiting for the double team to come. Someone would cut to the basket and receive the pass for the layup, take a look,






Read and React to the Double Team:

Very simple. Go iso 1v1 with Dirk, or Howard, spread the floor. Wait for the double team to come,

Now, most teams I watch, the offense is static, and the pass goes to the perimeter. Unless, you plan on just shooting the open shot, the defense will eventually recover, which basically doesn't accomplish anything. So instead, the Mavs send a cutter to the basket and they hit the cutter for the layup. The advantage being, it's extremely difficult to recover against a moving cutter,



Summary:

I have no idea how the playoffs will all shake out. My heart is with Phoenix, but certainly any combination of teams may make it. Dallas is one of those underperforming teams, but if they get it all together, they could be a team that could upset the Lakers, or the Spurs, or the Nuggets. As for the Bucks, it will be really interesting if they get in and the Bulls are out and vice versa (more interesting vice versa).

Some of y'all Varsity coaches are probably already looking forward to next year. In reflection, this is a great video from one of the most storied coaches in the history of basketball, check out Morgan Wootten's DVD on his 20/20 hindsight. 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.