Tactical Analysis of Tex Winters' and Phil Jackson's Triangle Offense

Various Entries or Initiatial Movements to the Triangle Offense

The triangle offense was based more on spaces on the floor than on movements. This allowed Tex Winters and Phil Jackson to tinker with the initial movements to the offense without changing the overall concepts and effectiveness of the offense. Let's have a look at some of the ways they used to get into the Triangle.

Down Screen + Flex in 1991

In 1991 the Bulls often initiated their offense with a down screen followed by a flex cut.

Down Screen + Double Screen in '98

In 1998 the Bulls still used the down screen to initiate their offense but changed from a flex cut to a double screen for the screener.

The down screener also stuck around sometimes to look for an isolation in the post

UCLA Cut + Pick and Roll in '93 and '98

The Bulls found a way to incorporate John Wooden's UCLA Cut into their offense. Using a wing entry and a UCLA cut followed by a ball screen.

Shooter Double Screen in '93 & '98

Another way they would start the offense was with a wing entry and the passer cutting to the hoop to then come out the same side off of two screens. An excellent way to create a shot for a shooter or a diversion to play a 2 man game on the other side of the court.

Wing Entry + Scissor in '98

In 1998 the Bulls liked to get into the triangle with a wing entry pass and a scissor screen to bring the third player to the low post on the ball side.