Basketball Tactics: Ball Wizardry

The Play

The Washington Wizards have lifted their game following the early season loss of Gilbert Arenas to a knee injury. Led by Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler and a system that emphasizes ball movement, passing and screening, the Wizards are functioning well as a team. With additional fine tuning of their offense and the probable return of Arenas, the Wizards are capable of playing with anyone in the Eastern Conference.

A primary reason for the Washington Wizards success has been their ball movement, screening and cutting action on the offensive end of the floor. Antonio Daniels (6) begins the offense for the Wizards by reversing the ball to DeShawn Stevenson (2) and then making a basket cut. Stevenson (2) enters the ball to Antawn Jamison (4) on the left wing and then makes the same basket cut. Andray Blatche (32) flashes to the high post.

Antawn Jamison (4) passes the ball to Andray Blatche (32) who is at the high post. Caron Butler (3) and Jamison (4) move into position to screen for Antonio Daniels (6) and DeShawn Stevenson (2). The Wizards are now set to execute their screen and hand-off series.

Antonio Daniels (6) and DeShawn Stevenson (2) cut out of the lane and Daniels (6) utilizes a down screen from Caron Butler (3). Andray Blatche (32) takes three dribbles to the right side of the floor and gives Antonio Daniels (6) a hand-off after he cuts off the Butler (3) screen. The defender on Daniels (6) runs into Blatche (32) and Antonio Daniels (6) knocks down the open jump shot.

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