Post#2 » by Larry_Russell » Tue Jul 8, 2025 12:13 pm
PG: Terry Porter (1990-91) 11.7
17ppg, 3.5rpg, 8apg, 2spg, 41.5% on 4-3pta
MVP-9, AS
SG: Michael Jordan (1990-91) 22.4
31.5ppg, 6rpg, 5.5apg, 2.7spg, 1bpg
MVP, FMVP, DPOY-7, NBA-1, DEF-1, AS, Scoring leader
SF: Herb Jones (2023-24) 7.7
11ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, 0.8bpg, 42% on 3.6-3pta
DPOY-5, DEF-1
PF: Lauri Markkanen (2022-23) 17.3
25.6ppg, 8.6rpg, 2apg, 0.6spg, 0.6bpg, 39% on 7.7-3pta
MIP, 17th in NBA voting, AS
C: Joel Embiid (2020-21) 17.6
28.5ppg, 10.6rpg, 2.8apg, 1spg, 1.5bpg, 37.7% on 3-3pta
MVP-2, DPOY-7, NBA-2, DEF-2, AS
PG/SG: Pablo Prigioni (2013-14) 3
3.8ppg, 2rpg, 3.5apg, 1spg, 46.5% on 2-3pts
SF/PF: Thabo Sefolosha (2011-12) 3.7
4.8ppg, 3rpg, 1.1apg, 1spg, 0.5bpg, 43.7% on 1.7-3pta
C: Bismack Biyombo (2015-16) 3.5
5.5ppg, 8rpg, 0.5apg, 1.5bpg
PG: Porter (38) / Prigioni (10)
SG: Jordan (38) / Prigioni (5) Sefolosha (5)
SF: Jones (38) / Sefolosha (10)
PF: Markkanen (38) / Sefolosha (10)
C: Embiid (38) / Biyombo (10)
86.9/88
Matchups
Porter on Nash - Face up defense and physical
Jordan on Hawkins - HE will deny any curls, Jordan can Roam and completely prevent Hawkins from touching the ball
Markkanen on Avdija - Lauri will sag off Deni as he is not an aggressive scorer nor does he really shoot. Lauri will sag and be there clogging up the middle more
Jones on Durant - Fully deny, coverage full court, non stop in KDs face
Embiid on Gasol - Joel protects the rim and gobbles boards. PLays drop d if needed in Nash/Gasol pick and rolls.
Nash–Gasol PnR
Porter fights over screens, applies back pressure.
Embiid plays conservative drop, cutting off Pau’s roll while daring Nash into floaters.
Help from Markkanen (off Deni) tagging Pau on the short roll.
Herb switches if KD is the screener, with MJ or Markkanen stunting from the weak side.
Nash–KD Pick-and-Pop
No switch unless Herb or MJ is involved.
If Markkanen is the helper, hard hedge or show, with rotation behind from MJ (off Hawkins).
Herb recovers to KD, even if it means momentarily giving up a mismatch.
Offense
A. Attack Pau Gasol in the Post with Embiid
Low post touches early to establish dominance
Pau can’t hold Embiid physically and isn’t fast enough to contest face-ups
Force help from KD or Deni, opening Markkanen or Herb for cuts/spot-ups
B. Hunt Nash Defensively with Porter and Jordan
Porter runs PnR with Embiid or Lauri, forcing Nash into switches or drop coverage
If Nash switches onto Jordan = automatic ISO/post-up
Jordan runs off-ball screens and curls, attacking Hawkins’ hips and punishing overplays
C. Involve Durant in Screen Actions to Wear Him Down
Use Markkanen as a screener on-ball and off-ball
KD is a solid defender but can't guard Embiid and chase Lauri endlessly
Force him to make help decisions off Lauri or Herb's cuts
2. Halfcourt Sets & Actions
A. Jordan/Embiid Mid-Post Triangle
Jordan at elbow or low post
Embiid at dunker spot or free-throw line extended
Porter and Lauri spaced — Herb in the corner or cutting baseline
Goal: Isolate MJ or Embiid with floor spacing, high-percentage shots, plus offensive rebounding position
B. Pick-and-Pop with Embiid & Jordan/Porter
Pau sags in drop — Embiid pops to midrange, where he’s elite
Forces KD to stunt off Lauri, giving Markkanen open looks
Jordan/Porter can also turn corner and hit floaters or pocket passes
C. Lauri Movement Sets (Chicago Action / Flare Screens)
Use off-ball screens to free Lauri from KD
If KD trails, Lauri gets open threes or cuts
If KD switches/lags, Herb slips into open space or sets flare screens for MJ
3. If Rudy Gobert Enters the Game
Drag Gobert into space
Run PnP with Embiid, Gobert has to guard at 18+ feet
If Gobert sags off Markkanen, high pick-and-pop or slip cuts
Jordan isolates perimeter if Gobert clogs paint — Embiid pulls Rudy out
Back-cut heavy motion from Herb and Porter while Rudy’s head is turned
TL/DR
Awesome defense
Perfect fitting offense around a lethal duo with no real weakness
