Many of us have watched basketball and highlights for more than fifty years. But young players have neither that experience nor advantage.
This article references 'Non-Conscious Behavior Mimicry'. You could rephrase that as "seeing is becoming."
We can study individual or team play and focus on detailed individual or big picture actions. When we focus on the individual, examine the details...spacing, footwork, ability to separate with or without the dribble. And of course, study finishing. Evaluate decision-making, shot selection, passing timing and targeting, ability to change speeds and impact game tempo.
Assess defensive positioning, effort, and play within the scheme (switching, communication).
For example, at 0:16, Russell Westbrook separates with elite speed, crosses over to protect the ball, and finishes with an unorthodox right foot, right-handed layup. Studying Russell Westbrook won't make players run faster or jump higher, but it could inspire them to train harder or work their craft of finishing with either hand off either foot or both feet.
"Great defense requires multiple efforts." The Celtics have the NBA's highest efficiency defense; ask why?
At 0:06, the OKC Thunder set up a high wing ball screen. Jayson Tatum is defending, and the Celtics use "Ice", with the goal of forcing the driver left, with Al Horford (42) helping low. Markus Morris (13), lower right, sags to the lane, but is in position to closeout on the corner 3. Terry Rozier (12), defends below the level of the ball and Aron Baynes is in proximity to Steven Adams. Horford switches the screen and alters the shot.
At 0:26, Rozier forces the dribbler weak and Horford sees Adams ready to overpower Tatum in the lane. Horford reacts and creates a deflection leading to a turnover.
At 0:44, Tatum sees the Adams screen and Baynes is directing traffic. The communication is evident. He stays low and ushers Tatum "through" choosing not to 'jam' the screen. Adams rolls high to set the ball screen for 'Melo and the Celtics switch it to take away the open 3. Baynes has enough quickness and stays vertical to contest the drive.
At 1:09, Paul George has a major mismatch on Shane Larkin. Ojeleye comes from the 'nail' to stunt at George (Greg Monroe helps low), who gives up the ball. OKC swings the ball, but Tatum's length creates the block.
At 1:20 Tatum has enough quickness and size to force George low where he turns the ball over.
At 1:35 Westbrook comes off the screen and Ojeleye reacts quickly to Ice the ball screen. Westbrook's entry pass is deflected and the Celtics are off to the races.
At 2:40 OKC gets into horns late and Larkin pressures the ball enough to prevent ball screens from either side. Eventually, Ojeleye defends well enough to force a runner late in the shot clock.
Studying what works and what doesn't helps players 'see the game' to react and execute quicker and execute.
