This AI encapsulation, Boston Celtics Elevator Screen Ram Action, is pulled with permission from this video by Nik Land.
Boston Celtics Elevator Screen: What is an Elevator Screen?
In the Celtics’ attempt to combat the Nets’ full-court trap, they employ the fascinating “elevator screen” technique. Imagine an elevator, with two doors that slide open to let someone in and then close once the individual enters. Similarly, in basketball, an elevator screen involves two players aligning side by side while an offensive player runs between them. Upon the offensive player’s passage, the screeners close ranks to block the defender. This results in an open shot opportunity, often leading to a three-pointer.
Typical Elevator Screen Usage
The elevator screen is typically set for the offensive player to catch the ball and immediately take a shot. In most scenarios, the player positioned nearest to where the ball gets delivered is the shooter. This play’s primary objective is to create a shooting opportunity that the defense cannot easily disrupt. For instance, the Golden State Warriors regularly use this tactic to free up their sharpshooter, Steph Curry, for open threes.
The Celtics’ Innovative Twist
More than Just a Shooting Setup
While elevator screens are usually all about setting up a quick shot, the Boston Celtics’ play adds a twist to the formula. Here, the player who receives the screen doesn’t immediately look to score. Instead, Derrick White, the player coming through the screen, proceeds to set another screen for Jayson Tatum.
Sequential Screening
As White navigates through the elevator screen’s closing doors, he quickly sets a back screen for Tatum. This clever maneuver aims to exploit a defensive switch and create a favorable one-on-one matchup for Tatum. Essentially, it’s a screen that leads to another screen, adding layers to the play and keeping the defense guessing.
Execution and Final Outcome
White and Tatum’s Connection
When White comes through, he successfully sets a back screen that allows Tatum to gain an advantageous position. The ball then gets passed to White, who then feeds it to Tatum. The play is designed for Tatum to exploit his one-on-one opportunity, ideally near the basket or in a favorable shooting position.
The End Result
Despite the creative design and execution, the final result was a missed shot by Tatum. However, the play’s brilliance lies not in its completion but in its concept. By setting an elevator screen that leads to another screen, the Celtics introduce a new layer of complexity to their offensive strategy.
Conclusion: An Uncommon but Clever Strategy
The Celtics’ use of an elevator screen to set up yet another screen may not be entirely unprecedented, but it certainly isn’t common. It showcases their innovative approach to offense and their willingness to experiment with traditional plays to gain an edge. While the shot didn’t go in, the tactic remains a prime example of how basketball strategies continue to evolve.
For basketball aficionados and analysts, this Celtics play offers rich material for study. It’s a reminder that even simple plays like the elevator screen can be adapted and made more intricate. Fans should appreciate these moments of ingenuity that contribute to the ever-evolving nature of the game.
So, the next time you watch the Celtics or any other team use an elevator screen, consider what might come next – it could be more than just an open shot.
