Keys for the Phoenix Suns: Run the pick-and-roll with CP3
In Game 1 of the ECF, Trae Young exposed the Bucks defensively as they had no answer to stop the pick and roll. The Bucks opted to play in drop coverage off the screen which proved to be disastrous as Young torched them for 48 points and 11 assists.
Once again they will be facing a point guard who thrives and has all but perfected playing out of the pick and roll his entire career in Paul. Even though Young and Paul have proven that they can get to the basket around screens, they have also shown that they are even deadlier in space shooting from midrange.
With the Bucks playing in drop coverage, those shots often go uncontested as the big man drops too deep in the paint allowing an easy floater or shot from 8-feet away. Even stepping up and attempting to trap Paul wouldn’t be wise due to him being such an astute passer that he would just find an open teammate for lobs at the rim or an open shot. If the primary defender goes under the screen, then it will result in an open jump shot for Paul.
If the primary defender goes over the top, it gives Paul the option of shooting the midrange or dishing off to the roller if the defense over commits. If the Bucks coaching staff can’t adjust or fails to figure this out, then Paul could very well be the Finals MVP en route to his first championship in 16 years. Paul excels at being patient while plays develop but also knows when to be aggressive in attack mode whenever the situation calls for it.