Provided by: Twitter.com/CoachDaveMiller | Former NBA Assistant Coach for New Orleans Hornets | 710 ESPN Host of Lakers Line and Weekend Warrior
New Orleans Hornets Scouting Report
This New Orleans team hangs it hat on the defensive end. Their team defense has been the one constant that has allowed this team to win basketball games.
First and foremost, the Lakers must be patient on the offensive end. One of the worst possible scenarios would be for Los Angeles to play 1 on 1, force shots, as well as try to score with one pass and play “strong side only basketball”. The Lakers need to look inside first and if there isn’t a post feed, move the ball to the 2nd side of the offense and make the defense work. Ball movement will be critical to the Lakers success offensively. It is important that the Lakers finish quarters strong as the Hornets proved they can score in spurts.
Defensively:
- The Lakers have to contain Chris Paul and Jarrett Jack
- You must make CP3 a SCORER or PLAYMAKER…NOT BOTH
- Laker BIGS must short show or plug on pick and rolls
- AVOID a lot of switching…MAN UP: This is the playoffs
- Defend without fouling…Keep them off the free throw line
- Take away their EASY POINTS
- Transition lay ups
- Transition dunks
- Lobs
- 2nd Chance scoring opportunities
- Major key will be controlling the backboards on both ends
- Laker bench must outplay Jack, Gray, Anderson, and Green…Keep them as NON-factors
- Solid defense
Keep them in front of you
WALL off the PAINT! BUILD a WALL – Help the HELPER ACTION
Don’t gamble…don’t reach and stab
Make them a jump shooting team by contesting every shot
- Must pursue long rebounds and loose balls
- Awareness of shooters
Know where Belinelli, Green, and Ariza are in transition
Make them work for their catches
Contest… but don’t foul
Next: The Players
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