The 2 teams in the NBA finals are there because of how complete they are as a team. Both of these teams read the defensive coverage at an elite level, leading to open shots and some pretty cool plays. In the Learning Video above we see Shai and Isaiah Hartenstein (IH) run a Rub - Crack and Roll and then teaming up with Chet for an Alley-oop dunk play. We also see the Top Play being a “Twist”. Something I mention at the beginning of this article.
What more can be said about the Thunder’s defense? Anthony Edwards may have said it best, “15 puppets, 1 string” when describing how connected and elite this defense is. This leads to Chet sliding over to be the MIG defender, erasing a lay-up opportunity by Toppin.
And ultimately, both these teams have developed a “competitive advantage” playing most of their bench throughout the season. Listen to how Memphis Grizzlies Interim coach describes this when asked about playing his starters more:
“Can we play with more intensity? Can we play with more pace? Can that be a competitive advantage if somebody else is not doing it? Because if you’re trying to do the same exact thing that everybody else, I’m not sure you should be expecting different type of results than the other teams.”
And ultimately this strategy (from both teams) throughout the season has led to the 2 deepest benches facing against each other in the Finals. And also led to a high level step back 3 from Wiggins.
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