How to Take a Charge: Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova is one of the top forwards in the NBA in taking charges. He is a role player who plays limited minutes, but his efficiency in taking charges is near the top of the leaderboards. Here’s a few key points to look at when studying Ersan on defense:

• DEFENSIVE POSITIONING. Ersan is always in great help position off the ball. He moves with the ball and always has active feet. He is in a constant state of relocating to maintain great vision of ball and man.

• ANTICIPATION. Because he is always in great position, it allows him to anticipate where help will be needed. He reacts quickly because he has a great idea of where the ball can go.

• SCOUTING. Ersan has a very high basketball IQ and it is demonstrated in one on one situations. You see him win the spot and know what move is coming next. He knows the tendencies of each player when they drive and he can win the spot before they Euro or spin.

Milwaukee Bucks Drop Coverage

The Milwaukee Bucks were ranked 3rd in the NBA in ball screen defense. They allowed only 0.825 Points Per Possession (PPP) largely due to their drop coverage. The Bucks use analytics more than most teams in the NBA and have said the toughest shot to consistently make is a contested mid-range jumper. So in their drop coverage, the on-ball defender will always go over the screen, while the screener defender will always “drop,” or stay within 10 feet of the basket. By defending ball screens in this manner, they are protecting the 3-point line and the rim, only allowing contested mid-range jump shots. Here is a clip featuring several drop coverages.

Damian Lillard Ball Screens

Before the NBA suspended play this season, Damian Lillard was leading the league in Points Per Possession (PPP) coming off ball screens. He averaged 1.138 PPP, while the next best in the league was 1.087 PPP (Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo). Notice how he reads and probes the situation and acts accordingly. Here are a few ways Damian Lillard attacked ball screens.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Ball Screen Offense (NBA Playoffs Games 1 & 2 vs. Toronto)

(Video clips below)

In the first two games of the series between Milwaukee and Toronto in the NBA Playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo has only been used in 32.5% of the Bucks ball screen offense.  As a team, Milwaukee is averaging 0.93 PPP in their ball screen offense.  I'm curious as to why Jason Kidd doesn't use The Greek Freak more often as he is averaging 1.38 PPP in ball screen situations.  

As I watch film of games 1 & 2, Toronto struggles with match-ups and how to guard Giannis.  When he is the ball handler, the Bucks typically have a guard (Brogdon or Dellavedova) setting the screen.  Because of Giannis' length and the ability to pick and pop, defenses are unsure how to guard.  In the clips below you can see Giannis take advantage of these matchups.  When the defense tries to switch, he hesitates and attacks the rim.  When they try to "ice" the ball screen, he is too fast for the big to contain on the sideline.  If they sit back and guard the paint, he has a great mid-range game to pull up.  

The Bucks also do a terrific job of spacing the floor when Giannis is the screener.  Again, defenses must honor the guard attacking the rim, but this allows Giannis to find a window in the paint.  Khris Middleton is always spacing the floor and taking his defender with him.  With his shooting ability from outside, the defense is forced to make a choice - guard the 3 or help on the roll man.  

For was well as the Bucks execute their ball screen offense with The Greek Freak, I'd like to see them do it more often the rest of the playoffs.  Giannis' ability to exploit match-ups in the ball screen is incredible and could be the difference maker the rest of the way.  I'm interested to see if Jason Kidd makes this adjustment because I don't see the Raptors being able to consistently guard this action.