The above is the first play from Game 2 in Dallas. The first play. Now, I could get into a complex series of analytic notes on this, about how Tim Duncan’s high screen barely clips Shawn Marion, yet Marion is for some reason that high going over. I could point out how Dirk Nowitzki opts to keep his spacing on McDyess instead of seeking out Manu Ginobili going down the middle. I could mention how Manu’s positioning means Butler has zero option, since if he cheats any further he’s giving up a wide-open drive and kick three and if he doesn’t he’s giving the lane, which he does.
But really.
THERE ARE FIVE OF YOU! OUT OF A POSSIBLE FIVE PLAYERS DEFENDING THE PLAYER MOST LIKELY TO GO LEFT IN THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, FIVE OF YOU ARE WATCHING HIM GO LEFT TOWARDS YOU!
Am I wrong for thinking this probably could have been avoided? I get that it’s a complex breakdown starting with Marion going too deep going around the screen. And I know there are great reasons why everyone is in the position they are, barring possibly Dampier. I’m just saying. There are five of you. Five.
This play pretty much epitomized a large portion of that ballgame.
