Ok, here's the scenario: Rockets just scored to tie the game, 2 minutes left, LA brings the ball downcourt. Here's what I see: Francis pressuring the ball taking a few seconds off the clock in the backcourt. Mobes (or maybe Hawkins?) shadowing Kobe. Ming fronting Shaq in the post, Cato rearing Shaq on the backside. Eddie playing a one man zone on the weakside with the notion that Horry or Fox get no open looks from the 3-point line. Eddie's here because he's quick enough, tall enough, and can jump high enough to influence the play, even from a distance. As the ball enters the frontcourt, Kobe flashes to the wing and receives the pass. Stevie communicates with Eddie and they run a two-on-three zone covering the top of the key and the weakside. Kobe's defender tries like hell to take away the lane and force him to the sidelines/corner. This takes away his most effective option and increases the distance for the weakside pass to Horry and Fox. YM denies the entry pass to Shaq and with his length, makes a lob much more difficult, thus helping Cato. As Kobe starts to create, he has to go baseline if we're successful in cutting off the lane. YM, again using his length, can cut down the angles and assist Kobe's defender to some degree. Steve and Eddie rotate around the weakside to play the passing lanes. No guarantees that we get a turnover or force Kobe into a bad shot, but if we deny the entry pass, force Kobe to his left, and take away easy passes to the weakside, I like our chances.
This would all be nice, but if Kobe doesn't find a way inside in crunch time in the playoffs, then Horry will get someone to screen Griff and drain the 3. Ask the Spurs. The Kings. The Mavs. Sometimes, they're just too good.
