Sports

LeBron James identifies Luka Doncic’s best defense strategy

James said blitzing is the best way to defend Doncic’s pick-and-rolls. JJ Redick later provided the numbers proving James was right.

LeBron James names best way to defend Luka Doncic / News - Basketnews.com

 

The day before the start of the NBA Finals, LeBron James provided his take on how Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic should be defended in the pick-and-rolls.

In the latest episode of the Mind the Game Pod with JJ Redick, James was asked to to provide his thoughts on what should be the best way to play against Doncic defensively.

“I would say blitz. I would say blitz because I look at the other two and… It’s not switching,” LeBron laughed. “They don’t run that many small-small pick-and-rolls. They run a lot of 1-5 pick-and-rolls. The five is usually not as mobile, not as agile, so they try to bring the five up. And they have those two lob threats, which Luka loves. I know that switching is not it, we saw that in Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals.”

LeBron James suffers from Luka Doncic's antics - Eurohoops

“Dropping pick-and-rolls? He’s just too big. Luka’s too big at his frame, at his size. You drop the pick-and-roll, he gets the hostage [dribble], puts you in jail. Now you’re asking the big to make the decision – should I help up, should I give ground? As soon as you help up, lob to Gafford, Lively, or corner kick pass at the three-pointer. I would say blitz and place it on the five-man in the short roll to make the play,” James explained. “Let’s see if Lively and Gafford, and Dwight Powell played a little bit, obviously, because of Lively’s injury in Game 4 and Game 3, [can make the decisions].”

Redick then provided the numbers, complimenting James on correctly naming the coverage numbers-wise.

Kendrick Perkins On Luka Doncic: "He's A Younger LeBron James, Minus The  Athleticism." - Fadeaway World

According to Redick’s research, switching is the least effective way to defend against Doncic in pick-and-rolls, resulting in 1.12 points per chance in the playoffs (112 points in 100 possessions) and 1.15 in the regular season.

Drop coverage was second with 1.10 points per chance. Meanwhile, blitzing was the most effective way to defend against Doncic with a 0.97 points per chance (97 points per 100 possessions) in the regular seasons and a measle 0.67 points per chance in this year’s playoffs.

 

Related Posts

After an incredible campaign, Ohtani was nominated for MVP

LOS ANGELES — Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani was named among the nominees for Major League Baseball’s National League Most Valuable Player award on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) after…

แข้ง ทีมชาติไทย รายงานตัวก่อนซ้อมเกมอุ่นเครื่องฟีฟ่า เดย์ พ.ย.นี้

เมื่อวันจันทร์ที่ 11 พฤศจิกายน 2567 ขุนพล “ช้างศึก” ทีมชาติไทย ทยอยเดินทางมารายงานตัว เพื่อเข้าแคมป์เก็บตัวฝึกซ้อมก่อนลงแข่งขันฟุตบอลอุ่นเครื่องรายการ International Exhibition Matches ตามปฏิทินฟีฟ่า เดย์ ในระหว่างวันที่ 14-17 พฤศจิกายนนี้ พบ “ทีมชาติเลบานอน” และ “ทีมชาติลาว” การรายงานตัวในครั้งนี้มีเหล่านักเตะที่มีรายชื่อนำโดย ศฤงคาร พรหมสุภะ (สุโขทัย เอฟซี) , พีรดนย์…

David Campese’s Autumn Nations Series Team of the Week: ‘Freakish’ Springboks star features as several ‘harsh calls’ made

Following a sensational weekend of the Autumn Nations Series, Wallabies great David Campese selects his Team of the Week. “Firstly, I have to say what a thrilling weekend…

Aussie sevens star signs with NRL club in ‘huge blow’ weeks after taking out game’s top award

In a “huge blow” to Australia’s men’s sevens team, reigning player of the year Nathan Lawson is set to leave the code to join the Dragons in the…

‘We like that challenge’ – Pumas flanker Juan Martín González primed for Ireland shot

South Africa, check. New Zealand, check. Australia, check. France, check. Ireland? Argentina arrive to Dublin on Friday evening looking to inflict a second Autumn Nations Series defeat in…

Former All Black critisizes Ireland’s ‘motivation’ after Autumn Nations Series defeat

After one of the most anticipated Test matches on the end-of-year tour, former All Black Jeff Wilson has criticized  Ireland and how they played in Dublin. Wilson’s comments come after…