Magic and Cavs Spread Offense Remarkably Similar

Huge game for the Cavs against the Magic tonight. In watching the first four games of this series, I can't help but note the remarkably similar half-court offenses, remarkably similar half-court defenses, between the 2 teams with the difference being that the Magic are hitting more 3-pointers. And despite the apparent equality, the Magic are up 3-1 (and possibly a sweep if not for a last second heroic shot by Lebron).

I took these clips from the second half of Game 4. Both teams employ basically the same half-court offense. The Magic are spread 4-out 1-in, ball goes into Howard, Cavs collapse, ball goes back out for a 3-pointer and they hit. The Cavs spread out sometimes 5-out, Lebron posts up high-post, he drives, Magic collapse, ball goes back out for a 3-pointer and they miss. Take a look,



Here are the Magic in the 4-out set, with Howard, Cavs collapsing,

Note how the Cavs are similarly setup with the difference being Lebron starting at the high-post, driving, Magic collapsing, and the ball goes back out,


Summary:

I mentioned earlier how both teams basically allowing the other teams star player to do what they do -- with the series coming down to which teams supporting cast will make more shots. Now that the Cavs are against the wall, question is will they adjust their offense and/or defense? Or will keep the same hoping that their supporting cast players out shoot the Magic supporting cast? Should be a good one, enjoy it...

For more spread offense info out of a 4-out 1-in set, take a look at Jamie Dixon's Spread 4-out 1-in Offense. Coach Dixon is the head coach of University of Pittsburgh, currently ranked third overall in the nation. 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.