About This Play/Drill

The New York Knicks ran this play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals versus the Indiana Pacers. Some coaches are not big fans of running guard on guard ballscreens because they are easy to switch. But by screening Kidd into the pick it forces the defense to make one of two decisions:

1. Switch and the defense ends up with a big helping on the pick & pop.

2. If the defense doesn't switch the guard is late to help on the pick & pop and could result in JR Smith pulling up for a jumper.

Furthermore, the Knicks put Carmelo Anthony (4) spaced in the opposite corner. This is an excellent strategy as well because his defense is probably told not to help off too much of their leading scorer.