Brad Stevens is an omniscient offensive mind. His offensive sets bamboozle opposing defenses, putting his players in ideal positions to score. In the Indiana Pacers most recent matchup with the Celtics, Stevens cracked Indiana’s defense, scoring 117 points in a 20 point victory. One of the most effective tactics Stevens had his guys execute in this matchup was the early offense weakside screen.
One of the NBA’s best defensive teams, Indiana is stout in its rotations and weak side assignments. However, the Celtics found a way to bypass their fundamental prowess altogether.
They did this by attacking before the defense could properly set up; the Celtics effectively neutralized all of what makes the Pacers’ defense as dominant as it is.