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The Jazz are so focused and well-coached, that they relentlessly took advantage of every possible small weakness in the Bucks' defense last night.
In the first matchup, they took advantage of small/small PnR to carve up the Bucks' defense. This time, things were different.
In the first matchup, they took advantage of small/small PnR to carve up the Bucks' defense. This time, things were different.
First point of interest: The Bucks like to jump ball screens in PnR, where the defender preemptively tries to go over before the pick is even set, to keep up with the attacker.
The Jazz were prepared, denying these screens and creating open shots and driving lanes.
The Jazz were prepared, denying these screens and creating open shots and driving lanes.
DiVincenzo is really prone to doing so. Mitchell and Clarkson took advantage of it over and over.
This time it's on the wing and the Bucks' preference is even more pronounced in these possessions, as they're always top-locking (meaning denying them a path to exit the corner) players who might curl and shoot or drive.
Easy way to get good looks against a team with set tendencies, like the Bucks.
Second point of interest: Tying with the first one, since this one also features a screen denial, but it also shows another problem that the Bucks are known to have.
They are really bad at defending double or staggered screen actions.
They are really bad at defending double or staggered screen actions.
Defending this type of double screen requires great coordination and is primarily easier done by switching consecutively, but the Bucks try to keep up with the ball and lose Clarkson for a wide open shot.
This is an even more complex action, as the Jazz use the first screen to avoid having Craig defend Mitchell on ball and the possibility of a straight up switch with Portis.
Portis has to step up to cover Mitchell, and now there's an easy roll for Favors.
Portis has to step up to cover Mitchell, and now there's an easy roll for Favors.
Third point of interest: The Bucks were hedging most Mitchell and Clarkson PnR in this game, and that should be a very nostalgic time for fans who miss Jason Kidd.
Simple lift by Niang and he's wide open at the top.
Simple lift by Niang and he's wide open at the top.
This possessions is even more frustrating, as the original switches are actually very well done. No need to be so aggressive.
The Jazz were the primary team to take advantage of the weaknesses such a tactic gives up, and they definitely didn't forget how to do it.
The Jazz were the primary team to take advantage of the weaknesses such a tactic gives up, and they definitely didn't forget how to do it.
Giannis comes up to the level of the screen, and Mitchell is good enough to make this pass.
It's very interesting to see how the Jazz players pull the ball up further out, creating more space between the handler and the screener's defender, leaving the big man on an island.
Portis commits a bit too much at the nail, and the rotation just isn't good enough.
Portis commits a bit too much at the nail, and the rotation just isn't good enough.
Fourth point of interest: The Jazz took advantage of Giannis's difficulty in going over screens.
They involved him in off-ball actions whenever he was guarding Ingles, generating open shots.
Holiday being out really didn't help with having defenders for wings.
They involved him in off-ball actions whenever he was guarding Ingles, generating open shots.
Holiday being out really didn't help with having defenders for wings.
Same exact concept.
The possession is not available before that, but it starts with Lopez hedging, and Favors leaving to screen Giannis off-ball.
The possession is not available before that, but it starts with Lopez hedging, and Favors leaving to screen Giannis off-ball.
A few quick hitters, and these are really minute things, but it's worth noting them.
The Bucks tend to give a bit too much space to shooters who might isolate and pull-up for 3s.
The Bucks tend to give a bit too much space to shooters who might isolate and pull-up for 3s.
Same as the previous possession.
A few possessions where their resistance to switching off-ball or some small/big actions is just unfortunate.
There's an obvious moving screen situation, but a switch by Connaughton averts the immediate danger of the wide open corner 3.
There's an obvious moving screen situation, but a switch by Connaughton averts the immediate danger of the wide open corner 3.
Not switching and Mitchell has a headstart, with Giannis not being near the rim to deter the drive.
Seems that teams are catching on more to the fact that the Bucks' transition defense, while excellent at preventing opportunities, is also very rigid in terms of trying to set the correct matchups.
The Jazz are able to get this look out of a dead-ball turnover.
The Jazz are able to get this look out of a dead-ball turnover.
Everyone points to someone else to pick up Ingles, because he's not their man.
Just a bad possession.
Just a bad possession.
