Xs and Os NBL23: Tasmania JackJumpers

Written by Melbourne United Media

With Melbourne United’s season on the line, Saturday’s game against the Tasmania JackJumpers is a crucial one for the team to lock in for.

Having lost their last four games against the JJ’s, we’ll look at the points of emphasis heading into the Round 14 contest.

Show Doyle a crowd coming off picks.

After a relatively quiet outing in his first game against United, Mlton Doyle exploded for 23 points, including 15 coming in the second half in Round 8.

The majority of those came as a result of the talented guard attacking off the pick and roll, getting to his preferred mid-range shot or gathering steam to finish at the hoop.

via GIPHY

As seen in the clip above, if United meet Doyle one-on-one once he has gotten to his spot, even a strong content from Humphries isn’t enough to spot him scoring.

An answer to this would be to either blitz the American high at the point of the screen, or crowd him with two players if he gets headed towards the hoop.

via GIPHY

Later in the game, United adjusted, sending two at Doyle, forcing the ball out of his hands and making his teammates create.

Run hard, don’t let them set their D.
Since their inception last season, Tasmania have established themselves as one of the league’s best defensive teams.

While their half-court defence has been strong, the JJs have a tendency to foul opponents in transition, which may be an area United will look to exploit come Saturday.

With Tasmania registering as the league’s second worst team at finishing at the rim, and United’s strength protecting the rim, lots of opportunities should open up for Melbourne to push the pace to create good looks or get fouled.

via GIPHY

Even off made baskets, as seen above, pushing the pace can catch the JJs off-guard and result in free points at the free-throw line.

With this being the final time these two teams will face off, getting a win and breaking their losing streak against Tasmania is a must for United.

Fans can tune in on Saturday 7 January from 5:30pm on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.