NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread - Operation Sports Forums

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know OS now has an official Discord that you can join right now. We’ve kicked around Discords for individual games in the past, but it felt like the right time to make it more of an official thing.

Steve and I have wanted to get this going for a bit because we obviously still hear from y’all who are unhappy with some stuff on the forums, plus when there are forum outages we still want to have a place for everyone to hang. My overarching goal for the longer term is to have both Discord and the forums ultimately work together. There are some logistical issues with the vBulletin forums that don’t allow things to sync right with Discord so there will be a little maneuvering as we try to get mods and forum members any proper roles/tags they need on the Discord, but we can work through that stuff easily enough as people join.

Our general goal is to give people more options to interact with OS community members, whether that’s Discord, the forums, this newsletter, or improved apps. If people want to stick more to the forums, that’s cool. If people want to stick more to the Discord, that’s also cool. In my perfect world, we do a lot of BSing and day-to-day chatting on the Discord about games and sports, and then more of the “in-depth” discussions or hefty things like long slider breakdowns or analysis of gameplay end up on the forums so that can act as a sort of “best of” area for anything OS community related. That said, you all will ultimately shape how the ecosystem shakes out, I just want to give you spaces you like so you can have a good time with other folks in the community.

The same general rules will apply on the Discord as they do on the forums, and we’ve brought most of the forum categories to the Discord as well so there should not be too much confusion as you navigate around.

With the Operation Sports and Discord announcement now out there, it’s also worth mentioning our OS premium newsletter, which quietly launched a couple of weeks ago. Built off the Not Just Another Roster Update newsletter, it offers a mix of retrospectives, guides, interviews and deeper dives into the sports gaming world—covering both current and classic titles.

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taildog

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#1

NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

11-04-2017, 07:09 PM

Wats Good #SimNation

Zen Master or no Zen Master, we're back at it again breaking down the Triangle Offense and new Triangle System in NBA 2K18. I've been busy with grad school but I've got a few months off so LET'S GO!!!

Just a little disclaimer...this thread is not a complaint thread or one where guys are ragging on DaCzar or other devs. I'm an original 2K guy from the Dreamcast days and I think these guys are doing a hell of job improving the brand every year. I know with all the tech updates, Phil's firing (smh), and the need to scout new teams, some things were missed. I'm just here to point those things out with the community's help.

So with all that said...I'll be using this thread to add CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS for the freelance and the set play options. As I learn more about the System Proficiency features, we'll talk about that too.

Last edited by taildog; 11-05-2017, 03:13 PM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
Tags: jordan bulls kobe lakers, triangle, triangle offense, triangle system
taildog

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#2

11-04-2017, 07:09 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Triangle Basics

Spoiler

The triangle offense has been used in the NBA for almost two decades, yet what actually sets this offense apart from others is rarely discussed. The triangle is unique because it is not a collection of sets, as most teams run. The triangle offense is a philosophy, a collection of fundamentals and sound principles.

First and foremost, the triangle is a "read and react" offense. There is no playbook. There are no set routes or patterns. Instead the offense runs as a sequence of options. Each new pass keys the next set of options. The players are taught these multiple options and asked to simply take the option that the defense is willing to give to the system. In this sense, the triangle is very much like a motion offense.

What sets the triangle apart from other motion offenses is that it asks its players to fill certain positions on the floor.

This particular spacing provides the triangle it's name. The classic sideline triangle is formed between:
- the man in the wing (also called the "key" position because the pass made from this position determines the next sequence of options for the offense)
- the corner
- and the post.

The other two positions are known as:
- the weakside wing (the man on the weakside)
- and defensive balance (the man above the top of the key).

 Running the Offense
The offense is able to read and react to the defense based on two offensive theories: initiating the offense against pressure at the moment of truth and lining up and reading the defense by forming the triangle along the line of deployment.

The offense is initiated by entering the ball into the wing position. Once a triangle has been formed on the strong side (ball side), and the defense is lined up along the line of deployment, the players are asked to execute whichever "Number 2 pass" the defense is willing to give up ( it's called N.2 pass because the ball handler in transition typically makes the first pass to enter the ball into the player in the wing position).

Traditionally, the priority of the N.2 pass goes as follows. There are four N.2 passes in all:

1. N.2 pass to the post
2. N.2 pass to the top (reversal)
3. N.2 pass to the weakside wing who comes across the key to receive the pass, otherwise known as the backdoor step
4. N.2 pass to the corner

Each N.2 pass keys a unique sequence of options in the offense. Players are asked to follow "the path of least resistance." Because of this read and react style of offense, no play call is needed to initiate the triangle or set up plays. Instead, players are required to think for themselves. They must consider the ball, the defense, and their teammates at all times.

 Principles of the Triangle Offense
To ensure that players would be capable of executing this freelancing style, the offense was created with fundamentals and sound principles in mind. The offense seeks to follow these seven principles of sound offense:

1. Penetration.
The offense seeks to compromise the defense by penetrating the frontline defenders. This is best accomplished through the fast break.

2. Spacing.
Proper spacing ensures that any attempt to help, trap, and recover requires defenders to travel 15 to 20 feet from player to player. When the defense commits, an offensive player should always be open.

3. Ball and player movement with a purpose.
Players must move and move the ball with a purpose. The offense should keep the defense occupied on and off the ball. Players are indoctrinated with the mantra "there are five men and one ball, so each player will only have the ball 20 percent or less of the time the team is in possession of the ball."

4. The ball handler must be able to pass to any of his four teammates at any given time.

5. Offensive rebounding and defensive balance.
On all shots taken the offense provides strong rebounding positioning and defensive balance to get back and prevent the opposition's transition opportunities.

6. Versatile positioning.
Every player should be able to fill any spot on the floor regardless of their role. All positions are interchangable.

7. Utilizes individual talents.
Tex liked to say that Michael Jordan taught him this principle. The offense should be able to utilize it's best players and put them in the best positions to score.

With these principles in mind, it's easy to see why the triangle has the positions on the floor it does. The post is featured heavily in the offense so that a player is only one dribble away from the basket. Because of this deep penetration, any attempt to double asks defenders to traverse at least 15 feet from their assignment, opening up another player in the offense. In spite of basketballs trend to keep 4 out and 1 in for a drive and kick game, the triangle asks it's weakside wing to stay within 15-20 feet of the ball to keep that player as an option for whoever has the ball. Even with the weakside wing playing inside, perimeter players have plenty of space and great angles to attack the basket. This also affords the offense better offensive rebounding opportunities by placing two players close to the basket at all times.

There are other simple principles that the coaching staff constantly preaches to the players of the triangle offense:

- "You are always in the offense."

Credit Joon Kim

Google Link: Tex Winter's sideline triangle

NBA Coaches Playbook: Techniques, Tactics, and Teaching Points

<iframe scrolling="no" style="border:0px" src="https://books.google.com/books?id=w701YxGnw-UC&lpg=PP1&dq=NBA%20Coaches%20Playbook%3A%20Techni ques%2C%20Tactics%2C%20and%20Teaching%20Points%20t riangle%20offense&pg=PA89&output=embed" frameborder="0" height="500" width="500"></iframe>

Triangle Offense 101

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Pl8ug3vXTU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="854"></iframe>

More Basics

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsyMm13_Xqc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="854"></iframe>

Kobe Doing Work

Great chance to see how they executed and communicated on the floor.

Spoiler

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Chi8zcJUib4" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Last edited by taildog; 11-30-2017, 07:49 PM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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taildog

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#3

11-04-2017, 07:10 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Triangle Freelance Suggestions

Last edited by taildog; 11-05-2017, 05:11 PM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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taildog

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#4

11-04-2017, 07:34 PM

NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Triangle Playbook Review ...Work in Progress

3 POINT

Quick 1 Base TRI

Spoiler

This play is a single double set out of the triangle used to break down front line pressure. The first option for the N1 pass should be should be to the wing. The lag pass to the other guard is the second option. Currently the lag pass is the only option before the base pressure releases kick in. So I'm suggesting that a pass option is added for the pass to the wing. The strong side wing will then make the 2 pass to the top while the lead guard decides which screens to run off of. This was the original Floppy TRI mid-range play in 2K12. See it below in the add a play suggestions.

Quick 2 Base TRI

Spoiler

I'm ok with this one. Maybe tune it where the guard chooses to come off the double screen more often. It also appears to be in each Triangle playbook twice and has been for the past 3 versions of the game. Please remove the duplicate.

Quick 2 Wing TRI

Spoiler

Honestly, I'd probably leave this play in the game but I'd leave it out of the Triangle playbook.

Quick 3 Top TRI

Spoiler

Same thing with this one. Maybe add it to the freelance but it's not a common action at all. We could use the space for other plays.

FLOPPY

Spoiler

Please remove.

PICK & ROLL

Fist 35 Wing TRI

Spoiler

This ends up looking like a spread pick n roll in the end. The issue I see occurs when you dont have a stretch 4 in the game. His man just stays in the post ready to help. I think I would have the 4-man set a baseline screen for the guard sprinting to the opposite corner. I see good results when it happens when I call the FIST UCLA 35 TRI play. I get a lot of corner 3's for the guard which typically higher percentage than a shallow wing 3 from my PF, even if he's a stretch big.

ISOLATION

HIGH POST

LOW POST

GUARD POST

CUTTER

HANDOFF

Give 42 TRI

Spoiler

- After the pass to the pinch post, Kukoc should have the option to pass or dribble weave the weak-side wing position but he does not. Also, in this scenario, Jordan should set a down screen for Pippen when Kerr makes his first pass to Kukoc.

Last edited by taildog; 12-28-2017, 05:18 PM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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taildog

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#5

11-05-2017, 02:50 PM

NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Requests for New Triangle Plays (including 2K11 through 2K16 plays)

(I didnt make these gifs lol. I got them from some Korean site. idk why they say NBA Live)

MID RANGE

LAL Tri Floppy - Mid (2K12)

Spoiler

This play has more options than the current version in 2k. It even includes more continuity with the pick n roll option if the shooter decides to take the single screen off of the single double option. It might be hard to code in the pressure releases but I would still add it in as a play even without them available.

Option 1

Option 1b

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

LAL 2 Double Screen - Mid (2k12)/ 2 Double Show - Mid (2K13 before it was removed)

Spoiler

This is supposed to be "Blind Pig" action and is essentially what CUT 42 BASE TRI is in 2k18 but with less branches. But notice the pick n roll option after the DHO. We need to add that option to CUT 42 BASE TRI. In 2k18 the ballhandler is just directed to the wing to reset after the DHO.

In the 2K13 version, watch Kobe waits in the post before going off of the double screen. Passing to him in the post would be called a blind pig punch in real life. Phil was talking about it during one of the timeouts in the "Kobe doin' work" documentary I posted above. I'd love for this to be added as a guard post up play.

PICK & ROLL

LAL Pinch Roll - PnR Ballhandler (2k12)

Spoiler

This is actually a freelance option that DaCzar added in 2k17 when the center has the ball at the top of the key and a small is at the elbow. The odds of the center wanting to run a dribble handoff are slim so I'm glad he added it. I'd like to be able to call it as a play though like we could in 2k12.

ISOLATION

LAL MAMBA ISO (2K12 and 2K13)

Spoiler

We need this back asap. The pass to the wing keys a basic iso for Kobe but the lag pass keys a center opposite options to isolate kobe on the low block.

LAL Pinch Iso (2K12)

Spoiler

This is called a guard quickie out of the UCLA high post series. Its in 2K18 as a high post and guard post up HIGH/PUNCH UCLA 21 TRI. The option for the lob off of the UCLA cut is called CUT UCLA 31 TRI. But notice the action on the weakside. In 2K12, if the pass to the pinch post is denied, you still have an option to pass to the man coming off of the double screen for the shot or to reset the offense. With the defensive setting in 2k18, a minor thing like off ball action can make a world of difference.

CUTTER

CUT 5 UCLA TRI

Last edited by taildog; 12-30-2017, 01:44 AM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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taildog

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#6

11-05-2017, 02:51 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Triangle System Proficiency Feedback

Last edited by taildog; 11-05-2017, 05:12 PM.

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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CatScooter

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#7

11-16-2017, 09:21 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

I would love to see more options added to the triangle especially those from 2k11-12 as well. Nice resources here!
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taildog

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#8

11-30-2017, 05:59 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Yes 2k11 and 2K12 were gems. I'm playing a lot of 2K16 right now trying to get some content to add above. Right now the majority of issues are due to the small things that were not brought over from 2k16's last ACE. Not just the plays but crucial elements of the freelance. These small things make a big difference when playing on HOF.

Originally posted by CatScooter

I would love to see more options added to the triangle especially those from 2k11-12 as well. Nice resources here!

NBA 2K23 - OFFICIAL TRIANGLE SYSTEM THREAD
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Jordanmike6

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#9

12-22-2017, 08:51 AM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Originally posted by taildog

Requests for New Triangle Plays (including 2K11 through 2K16 plays)

LAL MAMBA ISO (2K13)

We need this back asap. The pass to the wing keys a basic iso for Kobe but the lag pass keys a center opposite options to isolate kobe on the low block.

LAL Pinch Iso (2K12)

This is called a guard quickie out of the UCLA high post series. Its in 2K18 as a high post and guard post up HIGH/PUNCH UCLA 21 TRI. The option for the lob off of the UCLA cut is called CUT UCLA 31 TRI. But notice the action on the weakside. In 2K12, if the pass to the pinch post is denied, you still have an option to pass to the man coming off of the double screen for the shot or to reset the offense. With the defensive setting in 2k18, a minor thing like off ball action can make a world of difference.

[/B]

I really prefere the Mamba iso 2k12 and yes the Pinchiso of 2k12 was perfect!!
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Jordanmike6

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#10

12-23-2017, 05:09 AM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

2k why this off strategy is not in the freelance?

Punch 25 Tri

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P556HamnRi0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Jordanmike6

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#11

12-23-2017, 06:02 AM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Dczar, can you explain me why is this situation always happened while it should be Jordan in place of Rodman.
And the backdoor is impossible because of the short court size.
If i make the pass to Longley, Rodman goes backdoor, but the pass to him is impossible.

Last edited by Jordanmike6; 01-13-2018, 04:21 PM.
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olajuwon34

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#12

12-23-2017, 08:08 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

they need to have a setting for the triangle that makes it so you can keep specific players in the post, running the post with a player like shaq who usually would always be down low, but he's standing at the 3 point line, like in nba 2k's triangle, makes it so its an easy double team.
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ekurlan2

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#13

12-26-2017, 05:12 PM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

Has anyone made a tutorial video, or a video highlighting certain actions within the Triangle that are causing issues?
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Jordanmike6

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#14

12-27-2017, 03:41 AM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

I don't know but in this video for example, at 7min46 watch the magnific double screen for Wennington, and i shot a 3 pt just to see if he will make it and yes, no problem, in Hall of fame, he scored the 3 pts. lol
Have you ever seen that?

At 5min13, at 5min46, at 6min19, at 6min49, at 7min28, at 9min52, at 10min24 this time for Simpkins, every time, a pick option for Dennis and i go to the lay up!! ridiculous!!

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ukYCZVsAuME" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Last edited by Jordanmike6; 12-27-2017, 03:56 AM.
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Jordanmike6

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#15

12-27-2017, 04:25 AM

Re: NBA 2K18 Official Triangle Offense Thread

But we can do every thing we want, the paint is too short, so this game is a pure deceipt!
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