Hersey Hawkins' book on Jackson/Best
By Hersey Hawkins
Special to ESPN.com
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WATCHING LIKE A HAWK |
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|  | | Hawkins |
Throughout the rest of the playoffs, Bulls guard Hersey Hawkins will provide ESPN.com with an in-depth scouting report on several key players. Hawkins continues his series with a look at Pacers guards
Mark Jackson and Travis Best. |
Pacers coach Larry Bird knows that both his point guards, Mark Jackson and Travis Best, can get it going on any given night. They both play a critical role -- an underrated role -- for Indiana, and one or both can beat you in these playoffs.
How to defend Jackson and Best: Best is more offensive-minded than Jackson. Mark looks to set up the team, to get Reggie Miller, Rik Smits and Jalen Rose shots. He has played with them for so long. They are on the same page, and he knows when to deliver them the ball.
Mark only takes shots when he has to. He's a decent 3-point shooter now, and always seems to hit a big one. He gets in the lane, has a floater and is good in the post. With him being able to post up, I would stick to that. Philly had to double-team against Jackson in the post. Mark's offensive game has gotten better as he has gotten older. You used to not respect him at all, but now he can score.
Travis is one of the quickest players in the league. He handles the ball exceptionally well. One of their favorite plays for him is the pick and roll to bring him left to shoot the jumper or get in the lane. He's a decent jump shooter. He will play a lot more in the future after having a good playoffs. He has shot well and been aggressive.
How they defend you: With Jackson you try to attack him, as he has problems staying in front of you. I like to put him in lot of pick-and-roll situations. Isolation situations make him play defense.
Travis, with his quickness, is better at keeping guys in front of him. If you're a taller guy, you post him up and maybe force the Pacers to double-team. Both can be liabilites in some ways, but they have enough defense behind them.
What role they fill for the Pacers: How they are used all depends on how the game is going. Bird depends on who is playing well. You can leave either one in for long periods of time. That's a good luxury to have when you need offense with Travis or if you need Mark to control the tempo of game and use his experience in close games. You can use either late in the fourth quarter of a game. |
