By Giorgos Ketselidis / info@eurohoops.net
How did CSKA manage to prevail over Maccabi in the Group A derby in Tel Aviv? Eurohoops.net analyzes what the Russians did right and what didn’t work for the Israelis. Read on for the coaching analysis of the game.
Eurohoops presents the column “Coach’s analysis,” with Giorgos Ketselidis the expert analyzing the “Game of the week.” The experienced coach explains through video analysis what the target of each team was, what they took advantage of and what the weakness of each side was.
Dimitris Itoudis’s CSKA Moscow beat 88-82 Zan Tabak’s – the coach making his debut for the Israelis – Maccabi.
From the first moment both teams were nervous and made turnovers that were “unacceptable” considering the quality of their players
CSKA targeted Yogev Ohayon in their offense (with drives, post up game, and pick-and-rolls), striking on his weakness in defense, especially in closeout situations. Moreover, they targeted Guy Pnini throughout the whole time he was playing. In both cases, CSKA’s players were either scoring or creating for their teammates.
On the other hand, Maccabi were targeting Milos Teodosic and Nando De Colo in defense.
However, CSKA Moscow were ready and with switches or other tricks didn’t allow their rivals to take advantage of the situation.
In general, many of Maccabi’s offenses were based on one-on-one situations and the talent of their players.
Moreover, Maccabi scored on the fast break. The first offense has to be taught in a coaching clinic, with the players scoring a lay-up after three passes.
Contrary to CSKA, Maccabi had only a few similar collaborations in offense during the whole game.
CSKA were attacking with patience, trying to strike on Maccabi’s weaknesses. The Russians circulated the ball, until the right moment came for them to execute.
The level of CSKA Moscow’s preparation and readiness for special situations is something expected but always amazing. Like this one here, a planned base line out attack in 2″.
Two minutes before the end of the second quarter, Zan Tabak called for a zone defense for one possession in order to surprise CSKA and win the possession for themselves. However, CSKA weren’t surprised, moved the ball and destroyed Tabak’s plans after a successful three-point shot by Teodosic.
I also added a video of a defense by CSKA, in which, even though they conceded a basket in this particular instance, the principles that govern the defensive part of their game are still obvious.
And I close with, perhaps CSKA’s only bad offensive choice in their game.