Shai dazzles but doesn't defend
6Gifs Thunder v. Nets
January 10, 2021
In this pre-Harden trade matchup, the Thunder outkicked the Nets in a track meet, 129-116. Shai played poor defense in this game, as if not to be outshone by the usual Nets defensive lowlights. He struggled to navigate screens and jumped out of position when closing out on mediocre shooters.
On offense, he was aggressive out the gate, scoring 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting in the first quarter, and finished with 31 for the game. He drove the ball 30 times, five more than his league-leading per-game average. He racked up 22 points and dished four assists off this action. Whether in pick and roll or in isolation, the Nets couldn’t keep him out of the paint. Kevin Durant was a repeat victim, befuddled by Shai’s shiftiness and change of pace.
Serves up a dunk off isolation
Shai sells the hesitation dribble by getting his eyes to the rim while bringing his offhand to the ball.
Despite their length advantage, both paint defenders jump and take themselves out of the play.
The defender in the corner needs to crash into the paint to help the helper.
Crafting a bucket
Passes up the simple corner 3 to showcase his craftiness on a complicated drive. He combines a change of pace dribble, the Euro-step footwork, a fake pass, and a lefty up-and-under reverse layup to find space inside to score.
Hesitates and detonates
Al Horford’s massive screen forces the Nets to switch this pick and roll. Shai pauses and bursts by his defender with a hesitation dribble.
Look how Al Horford clears the runway for Shai.
Slip (pass) and slide
Shai links up with Thunder’s two most veteran players to execute this play to precision.
Shai sets a screen for George Hill but peels back to receive the dribble handoff. The Nets are in proper position to defend the action until Hill nails Jarrett Allen with a back screen.
Caris LeVert (with the headband) follows the ball instead of picking up Horford.
Flailing in futility
Shai plays bumpers cars as he chases Joe Harris around two screens.
When guarding shooters coming off screens, Shai should employ top-lock and position himself between his man and the screen to induce a backdoor cut.
And 1! League-wide PSA: Stop believing in Jeff Green
Biting on a Jeff Green pump fake?! Oh no baby what is you doing?