Luka Doncic is a headache to guard in a pick-and-roll scenario because of his versatile scoring and passing abilities. The defenders have to block his shot at all costs as he creates multiple open lanes for the screen setters. How can the Boston Celtics overcome the slick PNR operator on June 6 when they play the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Final? LeBron James knows the solution and shared a defensive tactic on his Mind the Game pod to slow down the 2024 scoring champion’s advance.
Luka was missed by Mavs this game
LBJ contended that the defense should blitz him in an on-ball screen scenario rather than switching. It suggests that rather than providing Doncic an easy passing path or a wide-open look, the primary on-ball defender and the player covering the screen setter should swiftly double-team him and force him to make a difficult pass.
LeBron James details how to stop Luka Doncic
The Lakers great noted that Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford, the Mavs’ centers, typically set the on-ball screen in their offensive strategy. Therefore, it is preferable to engulf Doncic before he moves rather than switching and creating mismatches. James said,
“I would say blitz. The reason I say blitz is because I look at the other two, it’s not switching because they don’t run many small small pick and rolls, they have a lot of one-five pick and rolls.”
What’s the most effective way to guard Luka Dončić in pick-and-roll? @KingJames and @jj_redick discuss on Episode 9 of Mind the Game: https://t.co/Kw9VayrAmz pic.twitter.com/EjoUUpvpwt
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 5, 2024
Redick later ran some calculations to support James’ claims. Doncic has 1.10 points per chance versus drop coverage, 1.12 points per chance against switching, and just 0.67 points per chance against blitzing in the playoffs.
The Mavs’ top scorer is the most blitzed player in the playoffs, according to Redick as well. Doncic’s amazing PNR repertoire would not need to be faced by the Celts, but his defense will also pose a significant threat.
