Jason Richardson's line-change defense
Orlando Magic's Jason Richardson (23) drives to the basket past Golden State Warriors' Monta Ellis (8) during the first half. (Jan. 12, 2012) Credit: AP
Overshadowed by Orlando's anemic 87-56 loss to the Celtics last night was Orlando's new 2-2 zone defense.
On a drive to the basket in the third quarter, Paul Pierce kicked the ball out to a wide open Greg Stiemsma on the wing. Stiemsma lined up for a relaxed jumper, but was stripped from behind by Jason Richardson.
Stiemsma had his guard down with good reason. Richardson was sitting on the bench when Pierce started to drive, then jumped up on to the court and poked the ball away after the pass.
Orlando only had four players on the court, and somebody on the Magic bench must have realized it, causing Richardson to spring to action.
The play was whistled dead, and Boston got the ball out of bounds.
(h/t to The Basketball Jones for finding this first)
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