Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 41 minutes ago

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Weaker defenders like Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry are often targeted and hunted in the playoffs in pick-and-roll (or isolation). This detailed film breakdown & scouting report examines the tactical arms race for how defenses have tried to protect these defenders, the history of "mismatch hunting," and the latest strategic shifts that might protect players in the playoffs.

Support at Patreon: patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Book: amazon.com/Thinking-Basketball-Ben-Taylor/dp/1532968175
Podcast: https://player.fm/series/thinking-basketball or at stitcher.com/podcast/ben-taylor/thinking-basketball-podcast
Website: backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35

Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.

Stats courtesy:
pbpstats.com @bballport
basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.

Music by Nemesis (instrumental)

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