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Sunday, May 22, 2022

Basketball: Box Sets (Mixed Feelings) and Possession Enders

How many points do you look to score off sets? I don't know the right answer. Geno Auriemma's UCONN Huskies look for a third of their points from sets. Let's examine a few box sets. 

Stuff doesn't have to be complex to work. 


Clear one block and bring the other around, analogous to LOOP action looking to get a layup. 


This box set begins with a similar clearing action followed by a basket cut, again looking for a layup. Confuse the defense which expects the backscreen. 


If not crazy about the box spacing (I'm not), then use it to set up a horns analog with a ram screen if you have strong pick-and-roll players. 


Multiple actions with cross screens and a back screen has a strong chance of getting a mismatch on a switch. 

Of course, we most commonly see box sets out of SLOBs and BOBs. 


This SLOB could be run as a half court set or ATO. After a slight delay, it creates options for the 5, a three point shot, or a drive for 1. 


The Spurs have something similar in their toolbox. 


SUNY Geneseo ran this STS (screen-the-screener) action against Tufts in the D3 tournament a few years ago to get an open three. 

Box sets have a double-edged sword of spacing issues but can cause defenders to get caught in traffic. 

Lagniappe (something extra). Imagine the possibilities. 


Lagniappe 2. Spoelstra observations, "It's more about the approach, the professionalism, the work ethic and then having the grit and perseverance and mental stability to do that consistently during a long NBA season."

Lagniappe 3. Maybe we don't discuss "possession enders" enough, guys that can end possessions with a score or stop. The analysis for the Celtics last night isn't overly complex... their "possession enders" were a disheartening 23-8 turnover imbalance. It's the Roddy McDowell five second clip (below)...