Basketball Tactics: Little Big Men

The Play

In the Dallas Mavericks four-game sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, Dirk Nowitzki was nearly unstoppable. Throughout the playoffs, look for Dallas to use screens to create mismatches for Nowitzki, who can fill it up against shorter defenders. If the Mavericks and Nowitzki continue playing at a high level, they will contend for the championship.

Immediately following transition, DeSagana Diop (7) sets a high screen for point guard Jason Terry (31). Terry (31) drives hard to the right and attempts to utilize the screen, but his defender slides under the screen to stop dribble penetration. Terry (31) passes to Adrian Griffin (44) on the wing.

Jason Terry (31) continues the set by quickly moving to the left block to set a “Little-Big” screen for power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41). The defense can’t switch because the offense will have a size advantage if a guard tries to cover a forward down low. Nowitzki (41) cuts low off of the Terry (31) screen and moves to the right block.

The defense guards Dirk Nowitzki (41) effectively, so the Mavericks continue with their next option. Jason Terry (31), whose defender gave temporary help on Nowitzki (41), quickly cuts off a “Big-Little” down screen from DeSagana Diop (7). Adrian Griffin (44) passes to Terry (31) for the short jump shot.

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