For these types of traps, I had to stay alive as a threat. If I could do that, I could manipulate the defense and dictate the action.

What does that look like? I would attack these two defenders and?suck them down towards the corner. Then, there were gaps on the?weak side of the floor for my teammates to occupy. In most cases, I?would end up with the assist or the hockey assist after rotating the?ball the other way. Alternatively, I could slow down my pacing and?draw Channing Frye towards me. Then, I’d have the angle and I?would drive right around him for two.

When it came to making the pass, it never mattered which four?teammates were on the court with me. If I allowed that to factor into my decision making, the defense would have the upper hand.?Instead, through preparation and film study, I was able to tell my?teammates in the morning during shootaround where to be during?that night’s game. I was able to tell them when they see the defense?do X, they should do Y; when they see Y, do Z. In that way, we—as?a unit—were always able to own the defense.