All articles tagged with #pick and roll
The Oklahoma City Thunder adjusted their offensive strategy in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals by increasing the distance of their screens and improving ball movement, which helped them dominate the Indiana Pacers and secure a win, though the Pacers remain a formidable opponent.
Kentucky Wildcats' head coach John Calipari credits the team's defensive improvements in their win over Mississippi State to a tweak in pick-and-roll defense, emphasizing the need for consistent defensive efforts and warning that players not defending will see their minutes cut. Despite a strong offensive performance, Calipari stresses the importance of improved defense for the team to reach its potential in college basketball.
The Wisconsin Badgers suffered a 98-73 loss to the Arizona Wildcats, highlighting three key takeaways. Firstly, Arizona dominated the pick-and-roll game, scoring efficiently and countering defensively. Secondly, the Wildcats' physicality outmatched the Badgers, evident in rebounding and finishing at the rim. Lastly, Arizona's fast-paced style overwhelmed Wisconsin, leading to points in transition. The loss serves as a learning experience for the Badgers, who will regroup for their non-conference schedule.
The Warriors' infrequent use of pick and rolls last season is a perfect fit for Chris Paul, who ran over 1,100 pick and rolls, the most in the league. This move is primarily a business decision, but it could help lighten Steph Curry's workload in the playoffs and keep him at his ceiling longer. The trade sent Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and future draft picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the future Hall of Fame point guard.
Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler needs to return to his "Playoff Jimmy" form to help his team flip the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Butler needs to be more aggressive and play downhill consistently, putting pressure on the defense when it gives him space. He has to start putting his head down and forcing Nikola Jokić to commit on defense rather than just allowing him to defend an area. The Heat need Butler to bring a different level of determination and physicality when he has the ball to make a statement on the road.
The Philadelphia 76ers won Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics by unlocking their pick-and-rolls with Joel Embiid. By placing two players on the weak side and telling them to move, the Sixers were able to open up the pocket for Embiid and James Harden. Additionally, Embiid's post-up game and the team's ability to switch on the fly helped secure the win. The Sixers are now up 3-2 in the series and will need to sustain their momentum to win Game 6 against a desperate Celtics team.
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have been successful in the playoffs due to their efficient pick-and-roll plays, with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic leading the way for Denver, and Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton for Phoenix. Devin Booker acknowledges that there is no way to completely stop Denver's pick-and-roll game, but the Suns will focus on making it difficult for them. With Paul out due to injury, Cameron Payne will have to step up and work with Ayton. Payne describes himself as faster than Paul, but not as good at hitting the middle.