Winning plays don't always show up in the box score. They aren't nothing. Conversely, failure to make "hustle plays" shows up on the other team's score. When about a third of games are decided by two or fewer possessions every possession matters.
Coach Dave Smart says that excellent teams "play harder for longer." That translates into hustle plays and extra possessions. Think about hustle plays as 'extra possessions' or 'better possessions'.
That doesn't lessen the importance of "possession enders," the players whose actions lead to scores and stops. Some get less attention and are undervalued.
Here are some:
- Taking charges
- Setting a great screen (including screen assists)
- Forcing a held ball
- Deflections
- Shot contests
- Tip out rebounds
- Saving a ball going out of bounds
- Winning 50-50 balls
- Chase down defense in transition
- Superior closeouts
- Fighting through screens
The NBA tracks hustle plays. FWIW, the Celtics had few players on the lists in any category.
Several ways to get "hustle plays" include asking players for them and highlighting them on video review.
Lagniappe. The epic LBJ block.
Havlicek stole the ball.
Extra Smart effort.
