Late Game Offense

[LB3533]

I think a key point for late game offense is that we can't afford to run screens for Ray.

The Lakers are going to key in on this and we will use up too much of our shot clock trying to get Ray free.

If Ray doesn't have the hot hand going, it is almost useless or pointless to work that hard and use up the shot clock to get Ray an attempt.

If you ISO KG in the post and he has the hot hand...it makes much more sense. It's easier to set that up and its easier to find another option if they double. And if you can't make the entry pass you can always call for the pick and roll as plan B.

If you can't get Ray open then it's a long range shot by Rondo as the shot clock is winding down...even if some of these go in...it's still a horrible offensive possession.

I think in the 4th quarter, during crunch time we either have to go ISO Paul (doesn't matter if Paul is cold or hot, he has the best chance for a foul call and can make the pass if he is doubled) or ISO KG in the post (if he is "on").

3rd we can run pick and roll with Pierce and KG or Pierce and Wallace. (Need to draw out either Bynum or Gasol, at least one of them if they are both on the court).

But the thing is...these are all half court set offensive strategies.

For us as a team, if we are d-ing up and grabbing boards...our #1 offensive strategy is to push the tempo.

Rondo can even just push the tempo into the paint or under the basket and run back out just for the sake of pushing the Laker bigs out of position.

Can't let those Laker tree stumps set up or else it will easy for Kobe, Fisher and Artest to apply ball or man pressure.

[Who]

I'd like to see the Celtics use those 1-3 pick and rolls with Rondo and Pierce. Try to get Artest to switch onto Rondo and let Rondo take him off the bounce.

I also like running pick and rolls with either Ray (versus Fisher) or Pierce (versus Artest) and Kevin Garnett. And I like the idea of going to KG down in the low post and having him attack Gasol.

----------------------------------------

I don't like the idea of trying to isolate Paul against Artest. That is a tough matchup for Pierce. Paul has a much better chance at scoring against Artest when moving him around the court and through screens rather than in direct one-on-one sequences.

I would only go to Paul in this setup late in game if he's been having success with earlier on in the night and playing well. Otherwise, I'd avoid it.

[LB3533]

I'd like to see the Celtics use those 1-3 pick and rolls with Rondo and Pierce. Try to get Artest to switch onto Rondo and let Rondo take him off the bounce.

I also like running pick and rolls with either Ray (versus Fisher) or Pierce (versus Artest) and Kevin Garnett. And I like the idea of going to KG down in the low post and having him attack Gasol.

----------------------------------------

I don't like the idea of trying to isolate Paul against Artest. That is a tough matchup for Pierce. Paul has a much better chance at scoring against Artest when moving him around the court and through screens rather than in direct one-on-one sequences.

I would only go to Paul in this setup late in game if he's been having success with earlier on in the night and playing well. Otherwise, I'd avoid it.

Actually, now that I think about it....pick and rolls should be what we run every time in the half court.

We need to have the Lakers defenders keep switching and moving their feet.

They can't get a set defense this way.

In essence it is almost like transition opportunities without the fast breaking part.

KG seems to have his jumper back and the pick and roll encourages more tempo rather than waiting or consuming up the shot clock with various misdirection and screens.

[wdleehi]

Last night was KG's night.


They should have been pounding it in to him every time down the court in the 4th quarter. 

[Bankshot]

Last night was KG's night.


They should have been pounding it in to him every time down the court in the 4th quarter. 

I agree.  Even Baby was taking Odom to the hole.  And Pierce was finally hot down the stretch.  Get the ball to anyone but Ray at that point.  I felt Rondo was trying to hard to get the ball to Ray.