Los Angeles Lakers: Frank Vogel's defensive genius versus Houston

Los Angeles Lakers: Frank Vogel’s defensive genius versus Houston

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers signals against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Mixed defense

If double-teaming Harden was the primary objective, the rest was not overlooked. Vogel addressed every detail.

While after every basket the Los Angeles Lakers would play man-to-man (obviously, the rule is switching on every screen), after a missed shot or a turnover their defense would shift to a 1-2-2 zone.

This allowed them to immediately fill up the area preventing the superfast Rockets to get easy transition baskets while having the man at the top of the key to slow Harden and the second line covering the arc on the wing.

This defense is specifically employed to prevent three-point shooting. While the effective and most logical deployment for such a need, it also allows players to catch their breath from the high-demanding double-team strategy.

Reminding of Game 2, Vogel also went on a hint of Box-and-One on Eric Gordon at the end of the first quarter, when Harden was on the bench, and also a 3-2 zone in the last seconds.

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