This year I got a chance to join my friends whom played together for many years in a church basketball league. While the team has been running the triangle offense together for many years, I’m just a rookie trying to learn the system, and the best way for me to learn is to write about it. I will continue updating this post as I learn more options or to make corrections.
Notes:
(?) indicates player with the ball
[?] indicates player without the ball
Setting up the Triangle
Option 1
[3] V-cuts to receive the ball from (1)
(1) passes the ball to [3] and cuts to the baseline
[2] fills in for [1] to become last guard
A triangle is now formed between [1], (3), and [5]
Option 2
(1) dribbles the ball to 45 degree
[3] slides to the baseline
[2] fills in for (1) to become last guard
A triangle is now formed between (1), [3], and [5]
Executing the Triangle
When executing the plays I will always refer to the diagram S-1b as a starting point.
Option 1
(3) passes the ball to [1]
[5] sets a pick for [3]
[3] uses pick and cuts to the basket
(1) passes the ball to [3] for layup
IF (1) can’t pass to the ball to [3]:
[3] runs to the baseline
[5] sets a pick for (1)
(1) uses pick to drive to basket
Option 2
(3) passes ball to [5] and sets pick for [1]
[1] uses pick and cuts over top of (5) to the basket
[3] rolls to the basketball
(5) passes to [1] OR [3] for layup
Option 3
(3) passes ball to [5] and sets pick for [4]
[4] slides inside 3 point line
[1] cuts across to other side of the baseline
[4] uses pick and cuts to free throw line
[3] rolls to the basketball
[1] runs to 45 degree
(5) passes to [3] for layup OR [4] for jump shot
Triangle – 2 Man Game
The 2 man game is executed on the other side of the court and is played when the triangle can’t be executed.
IF (3) can NOT pass to [1] or [5]
(3) passes to [2]
(2) and [4] plays 2 man game
[3], [5] sets a double pick for [1]
[1] uses pick and cuts to free throw line
(2) or (4) passes to [1] IF 2 man game was NOT successful
It’s almost a month since the 2009 NBA Playoffs. During this years playoffs Nike produced some hilarious MVPs (Most Valuable Puppets) commercials featuring Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. I liked them so much, I decided to collect them.
Last Sunday I decided to go the finals basketball game which some of my friends played in. My main purpose was actually to test out my Canon PowerShot SX110IS camera a high-end, advanced digital camera which I got during Boxing Day last year. I configured the shutter speed to 1/125 with an ISO 1600 and began shooting away. The high ISO resulted in a lot of noise in the pictures so I used Neat Image to reduce some of the noise. For a camera which cost $199, I’m pretty satisfied with the results; I was able to take a several highlight shots and the zoom was powerful enough for me to take decent pictures at the other end of the court.
Since the finals in 1998 with the Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz, I don’t remember a match up that looks this exciting on paper. I personally don’t like watching the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons, which meant 1999, 2003-2005, 2007 were no good. For the years 2000-2002, when the L.A. Lakers took on the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets respectively, the Lakers were already sure winners even before the finals started. As for 2006 with the Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks, there wasn’t anything wrong with the teams and the series ending up with the Heat getting an upset, but when looking at the two teams there wasn’t any WOW to it.
This year’s finals it looks exciting, not only because it reminds me of the Laker/Celtic classic rivalry of the 80s, but also because of the players involved. We have Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and the Celtic Big Three: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen; four athletic NBA All-Stars who can drive, shoot, and handle the ball well.
My Prediction
Lakers in 6. Boston is a great home court team, but I feel that the Lakers will be able to steal the opener in Boston. Even with The Big Three, none of them have been to the finals, and their nervousness has already shown in their playoff games against Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit where only Paul Pierce show signs of being able to carry the team. I feel the Lakers will lose one game at home simply because I don’t remember any team being able to win 3 in a row at home since the finals have changed into a 2-3-2 format. Kobe Bryant has already won 3 champions, and thrives under the spotlight. After a huge turnaround season from last year, being the best team in the western conference and winning his first MVP, I feel this is Kobe’s year and winning the NBA champion would be a fitting end to what he already has accomplished this season.
