Video: Doubling Kobe in the Post

Posted by Zach Lowe on Jun 8, 2010 863823 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fvideo-doubling-kobe-in-the-post%2FVideo%3A+Doubling+Kobe+in+the+Post2010-06-08+17%3A56%3A45Zach+Lowehttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D8638

Before the series, I wrote that I expected to see a lot more of Kobe Bryant in the post than we saw in LA’s series against the Suns, when Bryant operated mostly from the deep perimeter. The development of a post game was the next evolution in the Jordanization of Bryant, and he justifiably got a ton of press for honing his craft. According to Synergy Sports (via The Painted Area), about 22 percent of Kobe’s offensive plays started with a post-up.

Kobe has a size advantage on both Tony and Ray Allen, so it stands to reason the Lakers will try using him in the post. It’s also something that fits within the confines of the triangle offense, provided Kobe doesn’t hold the ball forever and the Lakers cut around him.

The Celtics, though, made it clear in Game 2 they will double Bryant in the post if he gets deep enough position. Here’s one example from the 2nd quarter:

This is smart defense from a suddenly trying Rasheed Wallace.

The Lakers make Boston’s life easier here by having Bynum throw the entry pass. Bynum is not a perimeter threat, so Wallace can double Bryant to prevent the entry pass until Kobe surrenders and steps out to get it, negating the initial post up. Sheed actually starts the double team before Kobe even makes his way through a Gasol screen and into the left block:

Nice anticipation from Sheed, huh?

Kobe, of course, can re-post, and he does, but forcing Kobe to step out and then back in again is itself  a victory for Boston, since they have now stalled the triangle and turned Kobe into an isolation player. And even as Kobe posts up, look at what he sees:

Sheed (in the paint) and Rondo (at the elbow) are both in position to sprint over and contest a Bryant move in either direction, and Paul Pierce is ready to rotate to any number of places. Gasol does a nice job of flashing into open space, but when he gets there, four Lakers are pretty close together, which allows Pierce to bother the Gasol shot without moving much.

Boston is comfortable with almost everything that is happening here. And when they’re not—or when Kobe is more aggressive—the Celtics will double hard:

Nice work, TA!

Anyway—something to watch in Game 3, which begins in seven hours.