LeBron James and JJ Redick recently delved into strategies to contain Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll on their popular podcast, “Mind the Game.” If you’re hoping for a straightforward method to shut down Doncic, you’re out of luck. As the second-best postseason player in 2024, Luka is notoriously difficult to guard.
LeBron James’ Take on the Best Defense
When discussing the most effective way to guard Luka in the pick-and-roll, LeBron immediately suggested a blitz defense. “The reason I say blitz,” LeBron explained, “is because I look at the other two options and it’s not switching, because they don’t run many small-small pick-and-rolls. They run a lot of 1-5 pick-and-rolls.”
LeBron elaborated on the pitfalls of switching defenses against Luka. “When teams switch, Luka can take advantage of the slower, less athletic 5 that ends up on the ball. We saw that at the end of Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals,” he said, referencing Luka’s game-winning shot over Rudy Gobert.
The Blitz Defense Explained
To provide some context, there are three primary ways to defend a pick-and-roll: blitz, switch, or drop. A blitz involves the defending guard fighting over the screen while the big man comes out, with both players chasing the ball handler back towards the perimeter. This defensive strategy forces rotations and typically results in the ball being taken out of Luka’s hands, which is exactly what defenders aim for.
The Statistics Behind the Strategy
JJ Redick provided some eye-opening statistics on the effectiveness of different defensive approaches against the Mavericks’ pick-and-roll. During the regular season, teams that opted for drop coverage against the Mavericks averaged 1.10 points per possession.
When teams switched, the Mavericks’ average increased to 1.12 points per possession in the playoffs and 1.15 points during the regular season. However, when blitzed, the Mavericks generated only .97 points per possession in the regular season and a mere .67 points per possession in the playoffs. This stark contrast in points per possession highlights the effectiveness of blitzing Luka Doncic.
Why Blitzing Works
Luka Doncic is a versatile player with the ability to break down defenders in isolation and finish inside thanks to his unique blend of size and skill. Additionally, he is an exceptional passer who can read defenses flawlessly. Whether the help defense arrives too early or too late, Luka notices everything, making him a formidable opponent. Hence, the best way to guard Luka is to swarm him and force another player to make a play.
LeBron James and JJ Redick’s insights provide a masterclass in defending one of the NBA’s most challenging players. By employing a blitz defense, teams can significantly disrupt Luka Doncic’s rhythm and force the Mavericks to rely on their other players. As LeBron and Redick’s analysis shows, understanding the nuances of defending elite players like Luka can be the key to success in high-stakes games.
Source: Fansided
