Phoenix actually started making the screen-slip adjustment in the second half of Game 1 (see below). In Game 2, we saw them using it more frequently and with greater variety.
Phoenix actually started making the screen-slip adjustment in the second half of Game 1 (see below). In Game 2, we saw them using it more frequently and with greater variety.
Apart from a standard roll to the basket after a slip, which was typically met with a Sky rim protector, Phoenix also used short rolls. Here Kia Vaughn had space for a midrange jumper, as Candace Parker had to decide whether to leave the paint.
Another variation involved handoffs. So, here, the ball went to Brianna Turner, who engaged Diana Taurasi. But the same concept applied, as Turner slipped to counter the hedge. Then, as Stefanie Dolson came out on her roll, she dished to Brittney Griner at the dunker spot.
The Mercury also found offensive options away from the roll. So, here, we got Brianna Turner slipping the screen again. But rather than going to the roller, Skylar Diggins-Smith elected to pass to Diana Taurasi, who was sprung open by a Brittney Griner pindown for the 3.
Beyond creation for others, Phoenix used ghost screens to allow playmakers, particularly Skylar Diggins-Smith, to self-create. In this clip, Diana Taurasi opened up space for Diggins-Smith’s drive.
As for the Mercury’s elbow action, which I first broke down in a previous thread (x.com/presidual/stat…), we saw different looks beyond the standard Diana Taurasi 3-pointer. See this compilation:
As for the Mercury’s elbow action, which I first broke down in a previous thread (x.com/presidual/stat…), we saw different looks beyond the standard Diana Taurasi 3-pointer. See this compilation: https://t.co/Owf834rWGK
In Game 1, Chicago did a good job of deterring the Diana Taurasi 3 off Elbow by clinging to her (x.com/presidual/stat…). Knowing that the Sky tended to hedge, Phoenix used the threat of the drive to give DT space for her shot.
In Game 1, Chicago did a good job of deterring the Diana Taurasi 3 off Elbow by clinging to her (x.com/presidual/stat…). Knowing that the Sky tended to hedge, Phoenix used the threat of the drive to give DT space for her shot. https://t.co/3GKVZiNEvV
Sometimes, the threat of the drive was inefficient to give Diana Taurasi a 3 off of Elbow. In this clip, Stefanie Dolson switched to cover DT and take away her shot. But that also left Brittney Griner open, so Phoenix went with her instead.
Yet another option was to go to the post. In this elbow action, the drive was deterred, and Courtney Vandersloot top-locked Diana Taurasi to deny the 3-point attempt. So DT took the mismatch to the post for the easy layup. Smart adjustment.
Lastly, rather than locating Diana Taurasi at the elbow, the Mercury also had her handle the ball. This option started with an entry pass to Brianna Turner, followed by a quick pitch back to DT. From there, it was the standard series of moves that resulted in a pull-up 3.
Two final observations: First, we saw both Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith get pull-up 3s off double drag screens from Brianna Turner and Brittney Griner. It’d be interesting to see if the Mercury do more of that, with options beyond the quick jumper.
Finally, I love when the Mercury use Diana Taurasi off ball not just for her gravity, but also as a screener. In this clip, DT’s back screen led to (1) a Brianna Turner alleyoop and (2) a Shey Peddy drive after the potential lob to Brittney Griner was taken away.