Quin Snyder explained the importance of pick-and-roll defense in a Coaching U Live video, a matter of keeping your job.
Pick and whatever. In the above video, the Celtics set up a high ball screen. Pick-and-roll is just one option of a myriad. First, note the spacing, even "Stache Gordon" going to fill the corner. Daniel Theis slips the ball screen and gets the feed from Kemba Walker.
Finish with versatility. Teach players to finish explosively with either hand off either foot. Gordon Haywood gets a flat ball screen from Theis and gets downhill for the layup.
Butter with that roll. VanVleet hits Gasol on the short roll, who finds Siakam for a corner 3 as Brown comes over to help. The short roll PnR protection proves costly.
"Don't play in the traffic" and "don't get split." Kyle Lowry violates the traffic admonition and Celtics charitably allow him safe passage to the rim.
"Slip-sliding away." Hayward and Rob Williams stack screens (twisted Horns) and Smart finds Williams on the slip.
"Shoulders game." Jayson Tatum attacks the basket and gets his shoulder past the defender. He doesn't settle for an in-between shot.
"Now you see me, now you don't." Smart gets a ball screen and the defender suspects a rescreen. Rob Williams has a different idea with a release to the basket when the defender turns his head.
"Drop Zone." Toronto varies their PnR coverage, using "drop coverage" against Brad Wanamaker and Williams. That allows a midrange shot and two points.
"Draw 2." Good players "draw 2" defenders. Hayward stumbles but gets the ball to Theis, who drives, draws, and dishes to Wanamaker for 3. Some teams coach defenders NOT to help off the corner 3.
"Set up your cut and cut hard." VanVleet fakes a flare screen and cuts hard to score off the pass from Gasol. Beautiful.
Lagniappe: if you got nothing from this, here's payback.
Want to experience pure, unfiltered joy? Watch my Dad try to hold back the tears when he is surprised by his friends and cast mates in this little tribute video for his Lifetime Achievement Achievement Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Love you, Dad! You deserve it all. https://t.co/DdGLjlmHs5— dan levy (@danjlevy) August 11, 2020