The recent battle between the Lakers and the Mavericks treated us to a historical battle that features two opposing players with triple-double 30 points stat. One of the game's turning points was marked by a rather odd sequence that sends the game to overtime. Here's that point:
Why odd? There are two reasons:
- First, Howard clearly fouls Curry but never received a call. If it did, it would have send the game in favor of the Mavericks.
- Second, the Lakers used a play that is not ideal for the given situation (well at least not at the get-go). That play is called the "Hammer Play," made famous by Gregg Popovich's team -- the San Antonio Spurs.
The Hammer Play
The hammer play is a group of set-plays that revolves around the following idea: Set the shooter in the corner using a flare screen while the ball-handler attacks from the strong side.
Consider the following scenario:
We have Player A guard Player 2 and Player B guard Player 4. Let's also assume that Player 3 can blow by his defender towards the rim. Using the hammer play, the action sequence would be like this:
The first action would be Player 3 driving to the basket. Then, Player 4 will set a screen for Player 2 which leads Player 2 to run toward the corner-three. Now, this play will only work if Player B commits in defending Player 3. If Player B does, the action would be like this:
Player 3 will pass the ball to Player 2 and we now have an open three. Swish!! In short, the ball handler's drive to the basket is a misdirection so that we can set up a good shot on the weak side. Now let's get back to the game.
The Lakers-Mavericks Game
Let's break down that play.
The play starts with Avery Bradley receiving the ball after a zipper cut. Then Bradley passes it to Lebron while Davis is rising up from the weak side. After that sequence, we ended up with this:
Now, Lakers is down 3 and there are only 4.2 seconds left. Though the lane towards the basket is open, Mavericks should be more than willing to give the 2 points in this situation. And clearly, at this point, hammer play is not ideal.
What I guess is that the Lakers plays a little mind game here. They probably gambled on the idea that the Mavs does not account for the hammer play, since it's not the ideal play in this situation. The Lakers are hoping that the Mavs will be caught on guard and will try to defend the rim by instinct. Anyway, if it's not the case, Lebron has all the space on the left side of the court and can just pull up a step-back 3.
Though one of the deciding points of this game has blunders (both for the players and the referee 😂), it's definitely one of the best game so far in the young NBA season. And hey, it's part of the game! 💪 So kudos to Lakers and Mavs for putting up such an entertaining battle. I'm looking forward for the rematch!
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