The feeding of Yao Ming ... in the post, that is! Yao has grown into a dominating force inside and a lot of the credits have to go the his teammates for feeding him the ball. We started to do better last season but we've really done a superb job this year. Yao's teammates put Yao in a position to succeed and he delivers. Kudos to the team.
Everyone turns into a roleplayer when Yao is in the post, and their role is to get Yao the ball. The sad part is that there are several times during the game that I'm yelling at the screen because they won't pass the ball right away, they make him run over to the other side for a repost. It works, but it takes a lot out of Yao. I also loved the Pick and Roll with Tmac, it should be a weapon they use more often. Maybe it can help get Tmac rolling, at the very least either Yao will be open for a layup, Tmac for a jumpshot, or someone around the 3-point line as every other defender collapses around the 2 stars. I mean, how do you stop a mobile 7'6" center who can roll to the basket? He had about 3 dunks last night from just moving without the ball.
I can't wait till the team has the rest of remining players playing like Bonzi and Hopefully Sura. This team is going to something special come the playoffs IF everyone is healthy. Keep on feeding the Yao.
It might make Yao a little more tired, but it's important. When Yao is moving like that, he can create an advantage over his post defender (there's usually a teammate setting a quick screen on the baseline when moves to the other block). It also allows him to reposition closer to the basket, and forces the defense to scramble a bit.
Pick N roll from Yao n Tmac should be used only in crucial (4th quarter) and offense-challenged moments only.. It's too much running for everyone although effective.
It also doesn't hurt that Yao is much better at establishing and keeping low post position. This is the first year I've seen him able to get in the post, get position and hold it for periods of time. That's a big improvement.
i started this thread last year. sounds like someone's been reading clutchfans...Jeff Van Gundy. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=105727 Have Yao on one side of the court and the ball on the opposite side. Then, have someone pick Yao's defender while Yao runs towards the ball. Immediately, there is separation b/c his defender is still trying to go around the pick. As soon as Yao gets to the same side as the ball, zip it in to him.
