Playoffs 2000:Blazers playbook: Exploiting Hornacek

Blazers playbook: Exploiting Hornacek
Coach's Edge

The Jazz can't find anyone for Jeff Hornacek to guard. Portland's swingmen (Scottie Pippen and Steve Smith) are 6-foot-8 and athletic. Hornacek is 6-4, 37 years old, and he has never claimed to be one of the best athletes in the league.

The result? Whomever Hornacek is guarding becomes a go-to guy for Portland. Either Pippen or Smith are going to be able to finish inside on him, and that's been a major problem for Utah in the series so far.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE

(A) The Blazers exploit Jeff Hornacek (14) by posting up against him and clearing out the help defenders. Arvydas Sabonis (11) pops out, taking his defender out of the lane. With Steve Smith (8) isolated on the block against Jeff Hornacek (14), Portland is at a distinct advantage.

(B) When Sabonis (11) gets the ball on the wing, he enters to Smith (8) and clears out. While Hornacek (14) is a wily veteran who knows all the tricks, Smith will probably have his way with him.