It is Mikal Bridges who says it: “QWhen we work on our attack, that’s the vision I have. The Warriors didn’t win all those titles by accident. They have the talent, but also the set up of the systems and the movement of the players. »
The Nets player evokes the Golden State attack, an important source of inspiration this summer for that of Team USA, coached by Steve Kerr. At the head of the American training, the coach of the 2022 NBA champions has effectively imported his systems, or rather the basic principles of his systems: the simultaneous movement of players and the ball.
Like for example the “open” system, started in the axis in the hands of Jaren Jackson Jr. (who takes over the role of Draymond Green), and followed by a hand-to-hand with a leader, therefore Jalen Brunson or Tyrese Haliburton (who plays the usual role of Stephen Curry). From there, the options are many.
Game playback, the system itself
For the two leaders: either a shot from a distance to surprise the defense, or a pass for “JJJ” which opens towards the circle. At the same time, in the “corner”, the shooter Cam Johnson plays the role of Klay Thompson or Andrew Wiggins and receives a screen from a teammate, and can again choose between two options, depending on the behavior of the defense: a “backdoor i.e. cutting by the base line, or a “pindown”, i.e. cutting upwards towards the head of the racquet. If the defense neutralizes the point guard’s winning shot, the point guard can serve Cam Johnson on the pindown or Jaren Jackson Jr. on the roll. And if the defensive assist does its job well and neutralizes the roll, then the Memphis player can serve the Brooklyn player who cuts through the baseline. In short, there is always an option for an open shot, at three different places on the field.
” Wiggins is still where Cam Johnson is [dans le corner]. It’s a game for two, with [Kevon] Looney or Draymond [Green] which opens, while Wiggins or [Klay] Thompson cuts to the circle and receives an air pass for the dunk or a down pass for the ‘layup’ », details Mikal Bridgeswhile Cam Johnson, precisely, enjoys getting “ some easy shots with this system. It’s a question of rhythm, and you have to run. But I must say that to be integrated in his phases of play, to play ‘pindowns’ and to cut behind the back of the defense, it’s very pleasant. »
Take inspiration from the Warriors, but also adapt
However, if Golden State certainly influences Team USA this summer, Team USA is of course not Golden State. Especially when it comes to success behind the arc, which has topped out at 32% for the American outfit so far in preparation, despite shooting mostly open. A fairly obvious explanation for this observation is quite simply that… Stephen Curry, the nerve center of the Warriors’ attack, is not there. And, as talented as they are, no player of this Team USA version summer 2023 can reproduce the role of number 30 of the Warriors in Steve Kerr’s device, nor bring the same gravity to the field.
” Steph is the greatest shooter of all time. He can shoot from anywhere “Recalls Jalen Brunson, who obviously does not represent the same permanent danger behind the arc as “Chief Curry”. Even if he has just signed a 9 out of 9 on penalties against Spain.
But the idea, for Steve Kerr, is not to reproduce the game of the Warriors identically. But rather to draw inspiration from the precepts of the game, and adapt them to the FIBA context, which is never really fluid for the Americans. Taking into account, for example, the fact that the arbitration is less lenient than in the NBA in the racket.
” We over-rotated at times. For example, we refused 3-point shots to attack the circle and then come out. Of course, as a coach, I will never criticize my players for doing this, because I always want the ball to circulate. “, he noted in particular, after the victory of Team USA against Slovenia. ” But in FIBA basketball, an open 3-point shot is probably the best option, because we know that if we attack the circle, it’s going to be physical and there won’t be many fouls called. »
More than 65% of baskets are scored after an assist
And Steve Kerr to finally summarize: to be inspired by Golden State, without doing Golden State at all costs.
” Basically, we are not trying to set up the same shots [avec Team USA] than the ones we set up for Steph or Klay. On the other hand, we use the same bases of play to space the field, to balance our attack or to attack certain areas of the field in particular. concluded the 57-year-old technician. ” We keep it simple, but we try to execute to perfection. »
And so far, the game offered by Team USA has something to satisfy Steve Kerr: three wins in as many friendlies, with an average of 102.3 points scored per game, and 83 assists for 127 baskets scored. The quest for redemption, after the bitter failure of 2019, is off to a good start…
