Pick-and-Roll Annotated

Defending the pick-and-roll may be the hardest assignment in basketball. Add in the best players in the world and we can learn a lot. Coach Nick breaks down the Spurs (2013)...

The pick-and-roll creates opportunities for the dribbler (drive, shot, split, pass away to defeat help), the screener (roll, pop, slip), and players found when help gets lost.

Great defense can stop it. The Coach notes the Spurs are limiting both the frequency and success of the Griz inside game. Charles Barkley has always noted that Zack Randolph is limited going right.

Conversely, the Spurs ate the Bears' lunch inside. Note that astronomical points per possession stat (BBallBreakdown via Synergy Sports). These clips illustrate the power of the screener. Screening isn't punishment, it's opportunity.

4:03 Side PnR into High Low action
4:17 High PnR into Diaw pick-and-pop
4:27 Spread PnR into Roll (Hedge/Show/Fake trap poorly done)
4:36 High PnR (Duncan opposite low post - I call this "Black" set) easy roll but also open Corner 3
4:44 High PnR with rescreen
5:24 Horns equivalent with Duncan pop
5:35 Extremely high hedge informs a Duncan drive

Although it has only been two years, we can see how the "Stretch 4" concept is rapidly evolving and changing the game.