Basketball Tactics: Bring their "A" game

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference playoffs after surging in the second half of the season. Point guard Andre Miller and small forward Andre Iguodala have energized their improved play. Look for the offense to run through Miller and for the 76ers to use ball screens, motion and the athleticism of their two stars to compete against the favored Detroit Pistons.

Andre Miller (7) runs the offense for the Philadelphia 76ers. In this quick hitter, the play begins just as Miller (7) approaches the top of the key. Thaddeus Young (21) and Samuel Dalembert (1) get into position to set a double screen on the right side of the floor. Andre Iguodala (9) sets a down screen for Willie Green (33) on the left side. Green (33) executes a curl cut towards the basket.

The curl cut was not open, so the 76ers continue with this set. Andre Miller (7) now has two options. He can utilize a ball screen from Andre Iguodala (9) or pass to Willie Green (33) who is cutting off a double screen on the right side of the court. Miller (7) chooses to play the two-man game and dribbles off the Iguodala (9) ball screen.

The defense takes away the penetration of Andre Miller (7) after he comes off the ball screen. However, they leave Andre Iguodala (9) wide open. Miller (7) passes to Iguodala (9) who attacks the middle of the lane with the dribble. When the defense collapses, Thaddeus Young (21) breaks off the screen to an open area. Iguodala (9) passes to Young (21) for the jumper.

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