The Boston Celtics have been working on their zone defense this season. Under Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics like to run a “2-1-2 Spy” when they’re looking to change their defensive structure during games.
Using a 2-1-2 zone has its advantages. Whoever is playing the “spy” can read what’s unfolding elsewhere on the floor. They can quarterback a defense, letting them know where the danger is likely to come from and how to provide resistance once that danger looks to attack the Celtics.
Not everything that makes sense on paper makes sense in reality, though. Right now, the Celtics are struggling when running their zone defense.