NBA Finals: How Did the Heat Guard Screen and Rolls? Can San Antonio Counter?

Throughout the playoffs, the Heat have guarded screen and rolls in one manner: aggressively double team and push out the ball handler. The Heat bet that their defensive rotations and speed will outclass your passing. Against Indiana, this strategy was exploited, as George Hill and D.J. Augustin passed the ball quickly to slipping big men. In game 1 against San Antonio, Tony Parker also shredded the defense through pinpoint passes.

Notice how against Indiana, the Heat are doubling the ball handler. This strategy isn't a bad one. If the trappers are aggressive and active, they can close the gap and push the ball handler way out. They can also cause simple turnovers off of bad passes. However, if the ball handler is able to get the ball out to the slipping big man quickly, then the Heat are in trouble. The Heat bank on the fact that their speed and defensive rotations will still disrupt the offense. Against Indiana, the double team guys weren't active or aggressive, thus allowing the ball handlers to throw quick easy passes to a slipping Hibbert or West. Additionally, the Heat didn't rotate quick enough after the slip pass was thrown.

Last night, however, the Heat employed a different strategy. While they still double-teamed the ball handler most of the time, they also switched on several screen and rolls, usually late in the shot clock. This strategy confused Ginobili and Parker, and caused the Spurs' guards to over think. When the Heat did decide to trap, they were super aggressive and active. They cause Parker to commit 5 turnovers, and overall forced 17 Spurs turnovers. The difference in their double-teaming strategy? Active hands and feet. The Heat closed the gap on the ball handler, preventing any chance of splitting the double team. The double-team guys also showed very active hands and great anticipation, deflecting or intercepting several bounce passes.

How can San Antonio counter? Well, they do happen to have the best PG in the game right now. Also, Ginobili is still a good passer, regardless of how terrible he has looked in the playoffs so far. The Spurs' guards need to throw better passes out of the double teams. Instead of only having the slip man be the outlet option, another Spurs' player should step out and provide another safety outlet for the ball handler. Additionally, when the Heat do decide to switch, the Spurs' guards need to attack the mismatch.