[The Ringer] 104 Points or Less: D’Antoni Ball Isn’t Just for Offense Anymore

Koperboy · Dec 16, 2017

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2017/...ke-dantoni-chris-paul-houston-rockets-defense

The Rockets now have a cadre of those players, and thus far, Bzdelik’s visions of an elite Houston defense have manifested quicker than anyone could have predicted. As outlined by the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen, D’Antoni-isms like the ball finds energy have given way to Bzdelik-isms. He has given the team a defensive mantra: Talk it. Touch it. Switch it. Grab it.
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It’s shorthand notation for the thought process behind switching screens, emphasizing communication and a tactile transference of one person’s assignment to another. The two defenders will call out the switch, keep one hand on their man to prevent an easy roll to the basket, and then assume the other’s defensive responsibility once the switch has been made. "Switching can't be a convenience," Bzdelik told Feigen. "It has to be used as a weapon. It can be very effective because of the way the game is played. Our rules are, you switch to deny, you switch to force a turnover, and you switch to take away a 3.”
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I have always liked The Ringer writers' style. When they talk about Rockets, I'm all ears (or eyes in this case...). Nice article!

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[The Ringer] 104 Points or Less: D’Antoni Ball Isn’t Just for Offense Anymore

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