The Triangle Offense Is Alive And Well In The NBA

Coach Nick broke down massive amount of game plays to find out which teams use actions out of Tex Winter's Triangle Offense. Rest assured even more teams than this run it, proving that it's a viable offense with tons of great ways to create efficient scoring opportunities for the modern game.
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ABOUT BBALLBREAKDOWN
BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@bacardibum]

Carmelo and teamwork are not words that go together.

[@TomCruz54321]

I never knew how similar these modern plays are to the triangle. About 75% of the action is literally triangle offense, especially at the beginning of the play. Most of the difference comes from how they end the play, turning it into a pick and roll or a backscreen three pointer.

[@sonicoduh1125]

all this ball movement looks wonderful especially the marc gasol ones

[@RoninWaffle]

You should check out how the Nuggets run this through Nikola Jokic (who is an even better passer than Gasol, by most accounts, and is only in his second year--which is insane). The Nuggets had the #1 rated offense in the league this year (no, not Golden State or Houston), and with no all-stars, purely by way of this kind of motion executed to an extraordinary degree.

[@Godzirra-San]

Considering footballers do this with their feet there is so much wasted potential for basketball, this sport could be even better than it already is

[@dunmatta2670]

I like those Marc Gasol clips. Love ball movement in bball.

[@bballbreakdown]

He's awesome.

[@jazamora2053]

do you think the grizzlies could run the triangle similar to the lakers with the Shaq/Gasol days in order to avoid predictability in the low post? randolph and marc gasol would have all the spacing they need.. that has always been memphis' weakness..they would easily be a top 3 or 4 team in the west

[@Ballershotcaller]

this is better than most online college courses.

[@KHJ4D]

if only the cavs run more organized basketball like this, im sure they can dominate the league just like the gsw. and i agree coach, when someone doesnt get a chance to touch the ball, they most likely wouldn hustle back on defense, we can tell from their body languages.

[@khrazy5150]

Phil Jackson was fired from the Knicks and his "triangle" is most certainly gone. Many analysts in the media see this as a good thing but I don't get it. The top two teams in the NBA known for "good ball movement" are the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. Now you've clarified on this video what I suspected all along: they use elements of the Triangle! Yet analysts everywhere don't consider them "triangle offenses." Can you make a video explaining why they are not and what makes a "true triangle" offense?

[@isaacjoshuaaganon9337]

Hahah no more triangle.

[@enricogura5527]

Melo killed the triangle... when he receives the ball especially if he's the high post man on the pinch post, he pretends there is no available pass. then, he would also pretend there is no clear pass to the guy coming off the rebound-screen-cut...then he pulls off triple threat on the elbow and isolates himself. Same when he's the 5. Same when he's on top. He wont even give it to the high post. He just killed every option of the triangle. Tex always emphasizes to always hit the first available pass. Triangle is about passing...something Melo isn't willing to do.

[@JuicyPurpleLamp]

put this on espn instead of the other garbage

[@DynamicAllstarDuo]

If only actual knowledge and thorough analysis received better ratings than drama and hot take debates

[@wongnigel1158]

knowledge isn't as attractive as retarded skip bayless steven a smith debate

[@gabrielmuniz6117]

Their shows focus on entertainment. it's supposed to show the funny side of sports, i enjoy them, but i do agree that real X&Os knowledge should have some more space at ESPN.

[@stephencheney9811]

I wonder if it's the coaches. If those in the media really understood the sport really really well, they'd be working for a team. Thus, coaches at press conferences have to be cliche answers to cliche questions that don't have a lot of substance. Or you're Gregg Popovich, and you just troll them. If someone like Coach Nick were to ask the really incisive basketbology (as I call it) questions that might reveal strategy too nakedly, and press them on the point, they probably wouldn't like it much.

[@Godzirra-San]

Same with True Geordie in football, the real talent is on KZbin not ya tele

[@cptfwiffo]

Coach shows all teams except the Thunder. Because it requires Westbrook to pass ;)

[@mohammedal-diery9675]

Westbrook averaged 10 assists last season lol

[@seanjones2090]

+Mohammed Al-Diery He also averaged more than 4 turnovers, lol

[@mohammedal-diery9675]

+Sean Jones I know what you mean but it's just the high usage rate. Look at Harden for example.

[@gmony1552]

Usage rate has nothing to do with it. Westbrook is just a inefficient player all around. There's a reason KD left him in OKC, he was never going to win anything with him at the point

[@mohammedal-diery9675]

+Garrett Henze the thunder organisation was making moves to strengthen that team. And it was KD that chocked prety hard in the WCF

[@MCEntreri]

Nick I think part of the problem with people saying the triangle is dead is we have a lot of folks who are in the media for their entertainment value only.

[@siberianskip]

most people don't even understand the concepts of it. they just say it's outdated because others say so. very few understand team basketball these days.

[@shocktonic]

I think the real reason is because all of Phil's disciples have largely failed except Kerr and maybe if you count lue

[@SniffyPoo]

most bball commentators who werent players dont understand basketball offenses or plays, the only thing they analyze is psychology and star power.

[@shocktonic]

+SniffyPoo coaches too

[@60MinuteswithGlenn]

+SniffyPoo Most formers players don't understand the mechanism behind offenses and plays either -- i.e. Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, etc.

[@Sam-ky3su]

It's a shame that most fans don't appreciate this brand of basketball. All they want to see are 3 pointers and dunks.

[@jpogigtxcr1778]

Sam 3 pointers and dunks are outcomes of running the triangle. But it's kinda hard for most fans to appreciate it because its too complicated, and hard to "see" cause it's a lot more complicated than a simple pick and roll. A triangle offense may already be happening, and fans won't notice it. All they see is the outcome.

[@Coach_Oppaa]

I love how your broke it down in a bit shell at the closing of this video. Gave us about 13 mins of footage and options but broke it down perfectly at the closing. You're the best Coach Nick. I watch a ton of coaching videos and yours often stand out from the rest. I'm a coach too and overload on videos, articles, audios, so thanks for providing quality stuff.

[@koko40800]

This is the kind of commentary we need more of, what a lot of people like most about sports....Discussion and dissection of tactics

[@DragoNYC]

NY media always trying to make a story: "Triangle is old, nobody uses it" Thanks for this.

[@bballbreakdown]

+DragoNYC my pleasure.

[@bonkersdonkers7381]

especially the NYDN filth

[@TheLLLIIINNNUUUSSS]

Fucking Frank Isola..

[@SylvesterMcNuttIII]

The type of stuff that needs to be on Sports News... Sports fans care about stuff like this. Thank you for the effort.

[@josephbny718]

The triangle IS basketball

[@stevenburkett8849]

I appreciate you coming back after that 3 week break, your video breakdowns are awesome. Help me a lot. Thank You Coach Nick at BBALLBREAKDOWN!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Steven Burkett 👊👍🏀

[@Blhitelikesnba2k]

Hey Coach! Thanks for this very well documented video. On the Blind Pig action, I do remember that the early 2000 Lakers used to have their 4 set a back screen on the 2 in an alley-oop situation. It was very spectacular. I still have in mind AC Green coming to the top to set a screen (instead of asking for the ball) in the back of Kobe's defender. Kobe cut to the basket all alone for the alley-oop. Loved that play.

[@torontoinontario]

Great talk as usual. Look forward to it! 

[@mattfkf7810]

Great breakdown, congrats to BBALLBREAKDOWN's team! When you listen to traditional media like TV, radio or press, especially in NY, you would think the triangle is dead.

[@rubengoyma2597]

I've been watching this channel for such a long time and its only until now that I realized that I wasn't subscribed. my bad coach and thanks for the great content!

[@mattatack2the25]

Coach Nick great video!!! Can you continue making videos like this, highlighting different offenses and defenses

[@michaelk523]

That’s everything I read in the Tex Winters Triangle Offense book brought to life. Great piece, now I can see it.

[@gritbasketball9667]

This is a great breakdown coach Nick. thanks for putting this together and sharing.

[@louderthangod]

Just found these videos...they're amazing. I love this stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@bballbreakdown]

+louderthangod Welcome to the conversation! #imin

[@pauljoseph3081]

Exactly. Triangle is everywhere... Illuminati confirmed. Honestly, that's the basic so everything else just started from that. Thanks coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Paul Joseph 🏀👊👍

[@isaiahtonge6955]

can't wait for the season to start

[@lucasanna4561]

fuck YEAH

[@bballbreakdown]

HECK YEAH

[@lucasanna4561]

BBALLBREAKDOWN lol I love your vids sorry for profanity

[@entrenadorjm]

I love this channel. You have done an excellent job. Keep it up.

[@MisterBinx]

The best thing you said is about Horace Grant getting touches. So many people don't realize how important it is for everyone to get touches. Even if the lesser shooter missed an open shot he's gonna bust his ass on defense to make up for it.

[@osvaldasn]

thanks for this great work

[@ugie8851]

coach, this is the best explanation for triangle offence. love it. thanks coach.

[@benjamingreen9540]

i never leave here without learning something new, great vids keep it up!

[@MGE-Gibs]

Love the game and even learning how the game is played, good vid coach!

[@teamsaintmark]

Legends say that if you're early, Coach Nick will notice you. Lol

[@bballbreakdown]

👀 👀 👀

[@freshstacks3]

Man, this was one of the most outstanding breakdowns I've ever seen. Feel like I know a lot more about the triangle now

[@bballbreakdown]

+Trey Franks wow, thanks!

[@ilijazivkovic2913]

Just awesome video! Love those plays by Marc and Warriors too :D

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ilija Zivkovic thanks! 👍👊🏀

[@Denielgunz]

You nailed with this video, Coach. Great stuff!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Daniel Valdivia awesome, Thx!

[@blairnading1879]

Thanks Coach!

[@Owleye21]

Great video ! Thanks for your work :)

[@bballbreakdown]

+Owleye21 Thx so much!

[@Leihy4]

THIS IS INCREDIBLE!! Thank god someone finally made this video so people can see the triangle still fills play books all over the league

[@bballbreakdown]

+Jeremy Leihy thanks so much! #imin

[@armin38822]

Is so important for everybody to touch the ball. Is such a simple way to keep everybody invested into a game specially when it comes to rebounding,playing defense etc..

[@ryanstruck1715]

Awesome Offense, that is explained very well. Another corner option that may not be used as much as it should, is the corner hand-off rather than the ball-screen. Pinch post can also lead to an on ball screen

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ryan Struck yes!!

[@HarrySKeith]

Nice breakdown, thanks so much for the examples.

[@bballbreakdown]

My pleasure!

[@mouniderchikku]

Awesome video coach! I like it very much, the demonstration was too good. Thanks a lot

[@bballbreakdown]

+mounider chikku thanks! I really appreciate it. 👍🏀👊

[@mouniderchikku]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN Hi coach in from India, I really like your videos, son in coming to USA for higher education. May I know where you are from?

[@sweetlowfatjesus9663]

great lesson!

[@jessicachinann96]

Great video from Coach Nick once again

[@bballbreakdown]

+Chin Ann thanks!!!!

[@ema2kolfiz828]

Brilliant breakdown! Please make similar analysis for motion offense, princeton and some comparison with fiba int tactics!

[@pnutxliii]

Good stuff!

[@CCJ3]

Coach Nick is BACK baby!!

[@winnumber101]

Yes Coach Nick. Killing it!

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks! #imin

[@richardjohn3904]

Great video

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks!

[@deandrepage1048]

Calderon played for Knicks last year in Triangle. Perfect fit THIS YEAR with 3 coaches on the Lakers bench (Beuchler, Shaw, & Walton) who won Championships in the Triangle. That's just too easy to connect the dots. Calderon with Dribble Entry on the RIGHT side & Lou Williams at Top of Key with his usual dribble & Fade Left while shooting Right off elbow flip pass. GSW stuff is cool, but don't forget your TRUE ROOTS to that coaching tree.

[@HelloImCashu]

Cant wait for this season!!!

[@guillembad]

This is one of the greatest videos on bballbreakdown i've seen so far

[@bballbreakdown]

+guillembad wow, thx!!

[@irandomS4]

Great video

[@Shoot_fromdeep]

@bballbreakdown thanks a lot coach I will no doubt use some of these sets for my high school team

[@jeromemuir6935]

hi, great video. Can you tell me where i can find some information about the '70ies version of the triangle you mentioned in? thank you

[@AFDBonki]

Never even noticed that, thanks Coach! Tri offense is just so beautiful to watch - once you're able to identify it!

[@bballbreakdown]

+AFDBonki yes! Thx!

[@shocktonic]

Every nba teams runs parts of the triangle though but no team ran it as their primary offense under then Pj's teams. Luke Walton was asked if he was gonna run the triangle in L.A and he said no, he was run an offense similar to golden state which means there is clear difference.

[@Boiblu1914]

Technically no team that wins a ton of games in the NBA runs an entire offensive system like the Triangle on every possession. In modern times you need to diversify your schemes and most teams have a basic knowledge on how to adjust their defense to whatever it is you're doing. I guarantee you Luke Walton is going to diversify his offense and include SOME Triangle plays, but use more motion weak to get his team good looks.

[@shocktonic]

Zaviay Taylor I agree with that like no team specifically runs 1 type of offense. But no team uses as much triangle right now then the knicks. Every team uses parts of the triangle. Hornacek didn't even use the offense in phoenix

[@Boiblu1914]

+MarcusTv well, if you wanna get technical no teams outside of the Bulls, Lakers, and to a lesser extent the T-Wolves and Knicks have used the Triangle since Phil made it relevant in 1991. The offense, as great as it is, requires the right personnel. And considering so many NBA players today are specialists, wouldn't be prudent to use all of it. And fortunately for my Knicks they won't be running the entire offense on virtually every possession anymore. Take a look at the High Post formation coach Nick discussed. It looks identical to the exact offensive system Hornacek ran in Phoenix except the cuts and screens were slightly different.

[@bballbreakdown]

+MarcusTv tons, and I means TONS of triangle influence in what the Warriors are doing.

[@shocktonic]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN if your telling me it takes players like the Warriors starting 5 to run the triangle offense properly then that isn't so encouraging since curry > Rose klay > Lee durant > melo Zaza > Noah

[@Francisco-rn1wl]

Nice video coach!!!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Kobe Bryant SW 🏀👊👍

[@vergildarkslayer6566]

Nice video coach

[@ryanrabago6498]

I think ur videos are really informative.😮

[@enricogura5527]

9:03 blind pig is a pressure release after crossing halfcourt (moment of truth). when pressure is given to the wingman( also done when pressure is applied to the lag guard), the lag guard dives to the paint and the weakside forward goes high for the direct pinch post with the point guard. The lag guard then receives a double screen to the wing as the pinch post happens, creating another option on the initial strong side. If that pass is hit but the shot is not open, one of the double screener steps back to the corner and boom!... Guess what you have, a triangle with the ball on the wing, which is...what the defense initially tried to break. Backdoor step(Coach Nick personally called this the "forward across" on one of his vids comparing the lakers triangle with the then terrible clippers offense under Coach Dal Negro) is much similar to the pinch post, the only difference is the pass goes directly to the 4 when guard on top gets denied. Same thing happens to the initial strong side...rebound-screen-cut with possible jumpshot off the screen, or hand-off. Another pressure release is the wing reverse which is one of the "UCLA options" where the 5 goes to the strong side high post when wing is denied. The wing then attacks with a hard cut to the basket beating his man who is at a disadvantage after the denial. The point guard follows with a hard cut(pinch post with 5) while the initial wingman, if he did not receive the pass, receives a double screen to the opposite wing.

[@rostocker1211]

I wouldn't mind a video comparing the offensive efficiency of the Lakers and Bulls squads under Phil Jackson with the Warriors, the Spurs, and the teams that rely on analytics. That would give a lot of insight on how effective the triangle is.

[@GG-vr7qt]

Great vid coach and the trianglr will never die the offence is the best in history.

[@marquesterry3585]

I would like to see a basketball breakdown video of the Celtics vs Bulls back in 09. Triple over time was an amazing game

[@vsc1988]

I never seen a NBA team in my lifetime who didn't win without heavy triangle action in their playbook. I do this a lot on 2k it helps me get open. I try to run around a lot without the ball trying to find an open shot and if that doesn't work I see who has the hot hand and screen for them. It's nice when you get teammates who know what you are doing but painful when they don't. It leads to a lot of late passes or me trying to Iso with like 5 seconds left with bad teammates. But when it works it's always a blowout.

[@ashtonbanks]

nice video🔥🔥💯

[@23mazen]

I love this channel imma young and upcoming coach and this channel is so informative and pure basketball knowledge great job i would love to chat with u someday coach and discuss some interesting stuff

[@bballbreakdown]

+mazen rd3 💪🏀👍

[@ramonvp3428]

You're doing a great work!! (Specially adding euro 2017. Please, try to put subtitles in spanish please, I learn a lot details here but can't share your vids.)

[@supune]

what are some things players should think about while running pinch post against a zone? Sometimes it seems to work against a 2-3 if players have court awareness and can keep defenders occupied while staying away from the guy with the ball. Can it even work against a 3-2?

[@martinomattuzzi7031]

Great video

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks!

[@Klaspey]

this is already in my top 5 bballbreakdown vids . I'm in since Dirk got his Revenge against wade

[@bballbreakdown]

👊🏀

[@Ductie94]

My favorite option is the Back-Door step ... look so deadly if you have you have a decent-shooting 4 because your man have to worry about guard cutting .... or some good pick-and-roll action.

[@bballbreakdown]

+Ductie94 Yeah! My favorite is pinch post, but backdoor step is awesome!

[@kray97]

2:43 is indeed a classic Triangle action, but the Warriors run it super fast and totally catch the defense by surprise.

[@henrywc6494]

Great video coach. Triangle is a great and neccessary foundation. But I can't help but feel it's still too interior dominant, it's most effective with the pinch post options and I think it asks too much decision making by the post players. I know playing inside out makes things easier but I feel most decisions should be in the perimeter with the guards and wing player, lots more pick n' roll and dribble handoffs. What are other more unconventional offensive systems? Motion offense correct...

[@isaiahwilson3424]

He goes so fast!!

[@gabrielking1247]

omg love the vid, it's such a beautiful offence

[@bballbreakdown]

+Gabriel King Thx! #imin

[@fanpackers4]

problem with running the triangle exclusively is that a) it is a slow offense and b) you require a good passer from the post. Without that passer the action stagnates and just yields a lot of mid range jumpers.

[@timalan612]

Wow!! I didn't want that to end lol

[@bballbreakdown]

Really? Thanks!!

[@timalan612]

I'm just a basketball geek of the highest order. I love how the Spurs always have a smooth flow into the triangle action

[@deandrepage1048]

I like having the PF at Top of Key instead of a guard. It's easier for Ball reversal. He needs to be a TWEENER (SF/PF combo) for catch & drives off Blind Pig.

[@timbobimbo2]

Hi coach Nick. Great video as usual. I would like to see a video of the history of basketball terms. How did the UCLA cut get its name? Where does the term "pinch" in "pinch post" come from? hammer action?

[@bballbreakdown]

+timbobimbo2 great idea. I'm getting on the court with John Wooden's first assistant coach to demonstrate the triangle offense soon! I'll see what I can do about the others...

[@yunan9610]

this is art

[@LleoneLevano]

Coach try telling this to Max and Stephen A on ESPN as they said Phil's triangle offense is INFERIOR

[@vitomania04]

some journalists should learn this if they wanna be part of the conversation.

[@deeway5964]

I believe different coaches want to mix systems to throw different teams off,a lot of these players seen these plays some teams like San Antonio could probably predict the movement, so system are combined. Some use triangle &motion,triangle & Princeton,triangle &flex..... well you see what I'm getting at that probably why nobody runs %100 triangle no more unless you're down with Phil Jackson.

[@jtiss_1023]

Hey coach could you do a video on my Celtics and Al Horford's fit?

[@bballbreakdown]

+Jav Tiss coming up soon!

[@jtiss_1023]

BBALLBREAKDOWN Thankyou so much, Appreciate the love you'll show my C's. Gonna be one hell of a season for us.

[@newera8219]

BBALLBREAKDOWN I always the Triangle Offense was mainly when u Post up a SHAQ or Jordan and have 2 options to always swing the ball in a Triangle Motion n repost or kick out for a three or Post player finding the week side Backdoor cutter off a Triangle

[@montam26]

Im sure @manilacone loved watching this.

[@yvesmassaad]

One of coach nicks best videos yet... You should probably coach the Knicks...

[@bballbreakdown]

+yvesmassaad 👊👍🏀

[@rakhunuhepptaylor2135]

can you tell me if any college teams who run the triangle offense? trying to convince a highschool coach to run the triangle offense but I am wondering if it wwould directly result in scholarship oppurtunities Also do you think it would ttanslate to success in the NCAA tournament? inquiring minds want to know..

[@user-se3tm6gc5d]

Ay coach great vid!! I want you to break down how greece beat usa in 2006 exploiting their iso heavy offense

[@bballbreakdown]

Hmm... where is high quality footage of the game?

[@user-se3tm6gc5d]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN type on yt greece vs usa full game i think it is hd footage or at least 480p

[@user-co2ei8gf3c]

I remember as a kid, watching basketball was just rooting for a team and praying the ball goes in, then praying for the ball not to go in at the other end. As an adult and thanks to people like Coach Nick and some others on YT, I can watch more "actively" and identify things while the play is occurring - or pat myself on the back when a player makes a decision I predicted or when I think something before a commentator mentions it. Haha! Thanks for all the great vids and wisdom, Coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

+i8 that is awesome to hear, thanks!!!

[@mariustbo]

nice video

[@Galactu5]

Welcome back from vacation, coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

+Galactu5 Thx! Lot more coming up

[@Adrian_999]

Is there a channel that explains stuff about NHL as good as BBallbreakdown explains NBA stuff ?

[@willardmiguel7056]

Rest in peace the maestro Tex Winter 🙏

[@Blue-no4jt]

Wait... the CAVs run plays!?!?!? 3:44

[@LeBronJames-cw7hr]

Blue yeah when lebron gets the triple double already.

[@nickthorpe7567]

I love incorporating blind pig elements into pinch post. Wait for the guard's man to turn his head towards the ball, and then cut to the basket. It's dizzying to defend. Coupled with a rescreen of the ball as the defender is recovering, it's enough to send a defender back to their bench

[@tommyxiao872]

Love the low post split actions, so easy to confuse the defense, really want to see more teams running it.

[@bballbreakdown]

Such an easy thing to teach too - helps the low post player as well - he can use a pass fake to then score

[@tommyxiao872]

+BBALLBREAKDOWN coach, I also realized the blind pig action you are showing is part of the loop play, right? The griz ran it well when they hit Gasol on the high post then opens up an easy back door layup for Conley.

[@cl07]

You should have a link to your podcast in the description IJS