Exploring Boston's inverted actions

Have you been watching or listening to the “Mind The Game” podcast with JJ Redick and LeBron James? It’s rapidly become my favorite basketball show. I love how they’re talking Xs and Os and sharing their lived experiences from the league.

On yesterday’s episode, Redick and LeBron discussed the use of inverted screens and why they’re so difficult to guard. The Celtics have been running that action ad nauseam this season. It’s a significant part of Joe Mazzulla’s half-court offensive scheme, and, as Redick and LeBron noted, it can sometimes be impossible to guard.

So, today, I wanted to look at some clips from Boston’s inverted pick-and-roll offense and use some clips to explore how the action can create favorable opportunities for the Celtics.

What is an inverted pick-and-roll?