Playing Style
Small ball or die. In today’s day and age, teams are playing at an incredible pace. Houston is shooting 40 three’s a game at a 37 percent clip. Cleveland is shooting 33 three’s a game at a 39 percent clip. Golden State is shooting 31 three’s a game at around a 38 percent clip.
There is a direct correlation between these numbers and their team’s success. These are the top 3 teams in our league. Whether its Kevin Love, Ryan Anderson, or Draymond Green, all three of these teams have power forwards that can stretch the floor and are huge perimeter shooting threats.
With these three teams in mind, I’m going to get a little nerdy on you. Spacing is key to a well ran offense when looking to get open three-point shots. All three of these teams use pick & roll as their number one offensive scheme. James Harden, Steph Curry, LeBron James/Kyrie Irving all are fantastic pick & roll ball handlers that can make great decisions coming off of ball screens.
Great spacing means four guys on the perimeter with no one clogging the lane. This is why having four shooters on the court at one time is so important. Watch Aaron Gordon on his helpside defense above. If he goes down and helps on the Montrezl Harrell Roll, he leaves Ryan Anderson wide open on the wing. James Harden is basically running a triple option watching that helpside defender make a decision.
This Mike D’Antoni offense leaves you feeling helpless. It’s no secret to teams around the league who now are running 4-out with their center setting the ball screen. This is a perfect example of how playing styles and personnel is changing the way the game is played. Points are fun. The more teams score the more entertaining it is to watch.