We've seen the Rondo to KG oop a million times before. The rest of the C's spread out… KG jukes left, goes right (and right past his guy) and he catches the oop from Rondo.
We've seen it time… and time (at 1:19) again.
But it didn't work this time. However, that wouldn't stop Rondo and KG from connecting on an oop on that play.
The play starts out with what Jay dubbed the 2-3 Arc set up. KG starts to bust by his guy but doesn't get away clean… and Nicolas Batum slides over to take away the alley oop.
So he just curls around (at :04) to run a pick and roll against Rudy Fernandez and LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge switches… but Rudy doesn't. Rudy is trying to go over the pick… resulting in a very late double team. By the time he gets there, KG and Rondo already see what's going on and KG breaks for the rim. The ball is gone before Rudy gets there… and 6'11" Aldridge's arms are down by his side… allowing for a nice, easy flight to KG's hands. With no help rotating over, KG is doing chin-ups.
Personally, I don't know why Aldridge is so concerned with leaving Rondo in the corner. You're guarding KG, and you leave him to guard the worst jump shooter but best passer on the team. What do you think is going to happen? Flare out… show… and get back to KG to challenge the alley oop.
It's horrible defense by Portland… and evidence that not only can the C's adjust to option #1 not being there, they will kill you if you have any momentary lapse in defense.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
