They did this in a number of ways. Sometimes, they set a NBA 2K18 MT backscreen on him as the pick-and-roll was happening, like here:Other times, they would run cutters off each other to confuse the nail man. Watch this Courtney Lee drive closely: Notice how Allen and Lee switch positions while the initial pick-and-roll is happening. This is key because Westbrook, the nail man, thinks he has nothing to worry about. Allen isn't a shooter, so
Westbrook is helping off aggressively and isn't prepared to close out. But once Conley skips the pass cross-court, Westbrook is in an unexpected spot. He takes a poor angle on his closeout and allows Lee to get to the middle for the floater.In general, the Grizzlies made sure to run pick-and-rolls where the man on the opposite side -- the man the
Thunder's "nail guy" leaves to help on the pick-and-roll -- was a good shooter. This was usually Lee or Mike Miller. On the rare occasions where it wasn't one of those two guys, it was usually because there was a concurrent cut to the basket. For example, this Allen cut: Those adjustments allowed Memphis to win the Battle Of The Nail in Game 2.
The Thunder, in particular Westbrook, need to be more aware of those adjustments as Buy NBA Live Mobile Coins the series moves on. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, need to keep at it and stay poised in the face of that initial trap instead of turning the ball over.Buckle up. It should be a great final five games.Missouri coaching search: What should the Tigers look for in next coach? -Buynba2k.com