Explore The Boston Celtics 'Gator Series'

It’s been a while since I wrote something specifically about a play or action the Celtics have been running. I’m trying to find an even ground between Xs and Os content, as well as other types of coverage. I want something for everyone so that everyone is getting something of value.

However, I am, at heart, an Xs and Os aficionado. I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m still learning. But I do enjoy diving into film, breaking down plays, and building out a mental (and written) repository of the Celtics playbook each season.

That leads us to today’s post.

Today, we’re going to be looking at some plays out of the Celtics ‘Gator Series.’

During his tenure with the Florida Gators, Billy Donovan ran a pass-heavy and screen-heavy offense. A core action that ultimately became known as a ‘gator action’ came out of Donovan’s playbook with Florida.

The ‘gator action’ is essentially a three-man play, involving a rolling big man, another big or forward, and then a frontcourt player. Here is what it looks like when the Celtics run it.

As you can see, the action usually (but not always) occurs on an empty side PnR. Once the screening big begins to roll toward the rim, the ball-handler (the frontcourt player) passes to either a big or a forward, who has a better passing angle. That big or forward then initiates an entry pass for the roller.

Why it works

The reason this play works well is that it’s often a counter to an overzealous defense. If a team is looking to hedge, blitz, show, or ice the PnR, the big has the opportunity to roll into the paint. By making the extra pass — often as the defense applies pressure, the ‘gator action’ offers a release valve while also catching the defense short-handed and creating a scoring opportunity.

Factor in the lack of a strong side helper due to the empty side action (when it occurs), and suddenly, the defense is stretched incredibly thin — which can often lead to some creation out of the short-roll to punish help rotations.

Watch the above clip again. Take note of Kristaps Porzingis and how he threatens to initiate a second PnR with Brown. By making that threat, Porzingis’ defender is forced to step up toward the high helpline, giving Horford additional space in the restricted area and clearing the passing lane for Brown.

It’s easy to manipulate a defense when it’s over-commited to an action, and now it’s scrambling to get back into a play.

So…Now that we’ve seen what a standard ‘gator action’ is and why it works, let's take a look at some other sets from Boston’s ‘gator series’.

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