Chauncey Billups' Decision on the Block

by gian casimiro on Feb 28, 2011 2:00 PM EST in 7 Seconds or Mess

Just before the Amar'e Stoudemire's game-sealing block of LeBron James, ESPN showed a replay of the Heat-Thunder game a few weeks back where LeBron passed to Eddie House for a game-winning three. House got free because his man came off him to contest LeBron. In last night's game, Chauncey Billups had the same decision to make.

The play was certainly designed for James to drive with House in the corner for spacing. Billups opted to stay home on the shooter, though, and made James commit to the drive. The rest was beast-mode.

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On Thursday night against the Bulls, Dwyane Wade provided help off Luol Deng on the same late-game play on a Derrick Rose drive and Deng buried a three. Here, Billups would've been there to contest the shot.

It's difficult to know if this was the strategy coming out of the huddle. I imagine it's instinctive to provide help for your teammates on a drive so maybe it was decided beforehand. Whatever the case may be, for as much athleticism as Amar'e showcased on the final play, it was also largely affected by a man choosing not to move at all.

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Very nice info

Great decision by Mr. BIG SHOT :)

I miss Strahan

by 27Tango on Feb 28, 2011 2:31 PM EST reply actions

Choosing to NOT move is ABSOLUTELY a decision Billups made. Players get sucked down into helping out all the time, often to their coach’s chagrin. And if you watch this clip while ONLY focusing on Chauncey’s feet, it’s obvious that he didn’t even consider moving to cut LeBron off.

He definitely played his part in that block just as much as he did with his 3 pointer.

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 28, 2011 2:32 PM EST reply actions

Chauncey for Mayor

Can’t get enough of this guy. He’s such a godsend.

by Crackback on Feb 28, 2011 2:39 PM EST via mobile reply actions

People in school made fun of this guy.

“Billups iz old and sucks” “Felton is better.” Well now what are they saying? SICK GAME BILLUPS!

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"Feet on the ground eyes to the sky" - Landry Fields said this to me

by Jeterian 2 on Feb 28, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions

It also shows Chauncey's confidence in Melo guarding LeBron 1 on 1

great stuff

P&T - Screw D-Will we got She-Will

Miami Heat, that's nothin' Carmelo with the shot and Stat Dunkin'

I didn’t ask, I just told Billy Walker to switch off. I told him I’ll get [James] the last seven, seven and a half minutes or so. I just wanted to take that challenge, and it helped us out - Carmelo Anthony

by Ozraider on Feb 28, 2011 3:05 PM EST reply actions

Billups is a vet

and if you look at the clip it is Clear that Melo had good position and that even if Lebron beat him off the dribble it would have been a tough angled shot. Plus he would be bringing the ball back to the weakside help. Also it is better in that situation to allow Lebron to hit an contested 2 than give Eddie House a wide open 3.

by Robert Curre on Feb 28, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions