Spurs Playbook: Diving into how San Antonio runs their half-court sets

2.) Back Screen Lob (ATO)

This second possession featured a simple action from the Spurs following a timeout. Keldon sets up at the top of the key, swings the rock to Sochan on the left wing, and uses a back screen from Collins to break free for an uncontested alley-oop that energized the arena.

There are two components that made this set successful for San Antonio. 1.) The back screen from Collins forces Luka and Kleber to communicate a switch to deny the lob, and their confusion leaves Keldon uncovered. 2.) The threat of McDermott draining an above-the-break triple stops Kyrie from offering effective weakside help as Keldon sprints to the rim.

Betters defenses will likely sniff this out and talk through their responsibilities, so don't expect Gregg Popovich to spam this one against playoff contenders. Nonetheless, there is no reason to believe we won't see another back screen lob against more inexperienced clubs.