Basketball Tactics: Fit '4' a King

Like many playoff teams, the Kings have multiple offensive weapons. Mike Bibby will be the catalyst and push the action. Down the stretch, look for Bibby to involve the inside presence of Chris Webber and the outside precision of Peja Stojakovic.

The Kings have a lot of flexibility on offense because they have big men who can shoot from the outside and can also pass he ball, so they incorporate a lot of movement into many of their sets. You will see lots of splits, cutbacks and backdoor plays.

They start with Bibby finding Webber on the left side of the court in the low post, and Webber is a threat to take the ball to the basket or take a step back for a short jumper. Bibby then sets a split screen for Stojakovic and the Kings then have several options. Stojakovic can come off the split, take the pass and spot up for a three-pointer. A second option is for Peja to fake as if he is going to use the screen and then cut back door.

If Bibby feels that his man is overplaying towards Peja, then Bibby could cut back door himself. If a backdoor play happens, then the man guarding Brad Miller in the high post or Doug Christie cross-court may help out, freeing either player for a jump shot. The final option, as occurs here, is Webber spotting up for the shot himself.

These various options make it difficult for a defense, especially with such a talented offensive team like the Kings. That is why the Kings ranked second in the league in scoring during the regular season with 102.8 points per game.

http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/lamisil040429_kings.html