Playoffs 2000:Sixers playbook: Finding the answer

Sixers playbook: Finding the answer
Coach's Edge

The 76ers are trying to avoid being swept by the Pacers in the second round for the second consecutive year. Jalen Rose has been lighting up the Sixers so far, so he's Philly's main target on defense.

But for the Sixers to compete, Allen Iverson must find his stroke. He's the quickest guard in the NBA, which should help him get around the Pacers point guards. Indiana's backup point man, Travis Best, is actually better against Iverson than starter Mark Jackson, because Best is much quicker.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE
	(A) The Sixers will look exploit the Allen Iverson-Mark Jackson matchup as often as possible. Here, Iverson (3) comes off a down screen from Theo Ratliff (42) and gets the ball at the top of the arc. Ratliff continues through and clears out the side.
	(B) With Iverson (3) isolated against Jackson (13), the Sixers have the matchup they want. Iverson is too quick for the veteran, and takes him hard to the goal.