Basketball Tactics: Lonestar

The Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki has been a force in the playoffs, knocking down perimeter shots and scoring in the low post. Against the Miami Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals, look for Dallas to create opportunities for Nowitzki in a one-on-one setting and off screens. With his height, he can shoot over almost anyone assigned to defend him.

Devin Harris (34) begins this quick hitter for the Mavericks by dribbling to the right wing to initiate the two-man game with Dirk Nowitzki (41). Josh Howard (5) clears the right side of the floor. Nowitzki (41) now steps out to set a ball-screen for Harris (34).

Devin Harris (34) attempts to utilize the ball-screen. The defender on Dirk Nowitzki (41) jumps out to hedge the ball screen, so Nowitzki (41) quickly slips toward the basket. Jason Terry (31) and Erick Dampier (25) have moved into position to set a double-staggered screen for Nowitzki (41), who cuts off the pick while his defender trails.

Devin Harris (34) reverses the ball to Josh Howard (5). Dirk Nowitzki (41) has an advantage on the left side of the floor since Erick Dampier’s (25) defender, a post player, has switched onto Nowitzki (41) and is trying to cover him on the perimeter. Howard (5) passes to Dirk Nowitzki (41), who has the ability to take this defender off the bounce but instead knocks down the jump shot.

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