For many NBA teams, the shooting guard and power forward positions represent some of the team’s best scorers. Today, SportsGamer examines the SG-PF Two Man, a play designed to get the ball in the hands of your playmakers.
The play is simple. The point guard initiates from the top of the arc and swings the ball to the shooting guard on wing coming off a power forward screen. Assuming a catch and shoot isn’t possible, the power forward will again screen the on-ball defender allowing the shooting guard to penetrate the lane or hit the screener along the baseline for a strong finish.
The SG-PF Two Man features many strengths that make it particularly hard to defend…
Strengths:
Fast Development – The play requires only the entry pass to the shooting guard and possibly one additional pass depending on how the defense reacts to the dribble penetration. Even if neither screen produces an open look, you will still have the option to reset and repeat or try another play before the shot clock expires.
High-Percentage Passing – Neither pass requires the use of icon passing and, because the shooting guard will be attacking the center of the paint, you will have a great angle to hit both the screener on the baseline or any weakside teammates open as a result of rotation. This is also aided by the play’s court spacing giving open teammates time for a quick shot or move to the rim before the defense can react.
Draws Lots of Contact – Because the majority of threats result in attacking the basket, the SG-PF Two Man tends to draw a lot of fouls. Not only will this provide you with ample 3-point opportunities, it can also get the opponent’s big men into early foul trouble making it even easier to attack the rim later on.
Counters For Everything – Assuming the initial screen doesn’t produce separation, the shooting guard’s lane penetration is bound to draw at least one help defender (typically the power forward’s defender or the center from the weakside). Either rotation can be quickly exploited for a quick dunk or layup. Even if the drive is defended, the power forward will typically be so close to the rim that he can immediately go into a shooting animation regardless of where the defender is positioned. If not, you can always opt for a one-dribble hop step to earn position under the hoop.
Weaknesses:
Predictable – The setup is unique so constant usage of the SG-PF Two Man will tip you opponent off to what you’re doing. This isn’t to say the play won’t work; just that your opponent is bound to bring different help defenders or even fake the help to disrupt the play. You will need practice to identify exactly when the help defender had committed to the rotation before you hit your outlet.
By The Book – Once you have decided not to opt for the shooting guard catch-and-shoot, you will have to remain perfectly still while waiting for the second screen or the power forward may not set up properly. Because this screen is so critical, any mistakes here will necessitate resetting the play or considering other options.
Early use of the SG-PF Two Man can cause lots of headaches for your opponent. Apart from the foul trouble and potential 3-point plays, the SG-PF Two Man will occasionally reward your shooting guard with a wide open look from 18 feet. Try it out and see for yourself next time you hit the court.
