Paul Pierce is famously difficult to move off his spot, whether he’s playing defense or creating space to get a shot up for himself. But at least one defender has found a way to turn Pierce’s positioning in his favor.
Shane Battier iced Miami’s 105-103 victory over the Celtics with a clever inbounds play Monday night. Looking to get the ball in, he saw Pierce’s trenchant frame was blocking the way — but was also facing away from him. So Battier did what any smart player should. He inbounded the ball off Pierce’s backside, collected the “pass” once he jumped onto the court and ended the game.
It was a pretty head’s-up play for Battier, who’s known to be one of the brainier ones in the game, but it wasn’t that creative. That’s because it’s the second time Battier has used the ploy against Pierce.
This time, maybe Pierce should have known what was coming.
Check out Monday night’s inbounds play in the video below, then check out the video below that to see Battier’s first rendition, with a hat tip to SportsGrid.
