Basketball fans, gather around! We're diving into the most underrated, mind-bending plays of Week 11—the kind that make you rethink what it means to be a basketball genius. Sure, we all love the highlight-reel dunks and deep threes, but what about the plays that fly under the radar? The ones that make you say, 'Wait, how did they even think of that?' These are the plays that separate the casual fans from the true basketball nerds. And guess what? Some of these moves are so clever, you could even pull them off in your local pickup game. Let’s break down the top five smartest plays from December 24th to December 31st, ranked from five to one—with number one being the absolute masterclass in basketball IQ. The Celtics went 3-1 this week, with wins over the Bulls, Kings, and Clippers, and a loss to the Nuggets, but it’s these plays that stole the show.
5. The Art of Being Slow
Ever heard of using slowness as a weapon? Luka Garza has mastered it, and this is where it gets controversial. While many players rely on athleticism, Garza turns his lack of speed into an advantage. In this play, he fakes a quick first step (a pinoy step) and follows it with an agonizingly slow second step, completely throwing Batum off his game. Batum jumps too early to contest the layup, and Garza capitalizes. It’s a move Anthony Edwards once credited to Garza, and now we see why—it’s pure basketball IQ.
4. The Lollipop Pass That Defies Convention
Coaches often warn against cross-court passes, especially the high-arcing ones. But here’s where White breaks the rules—and it works brilliantly. He throws a lollipop pass to Hauser in the corner, knowing it’s the only way to avoid interception. The defender doesn’t have time to react, and Garza’s last-second exit screen seals the deal. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just the pass, but the timing and the screen that make this a zone-busting masterpiece.
3. Blind Pig, But Better
Remember the Celtics’ blind pig action from Week 8? This play takes it to the next level. Queta pitches the ball to White, then immediately dives to the hoop, receiving a pocket pass back. It’s a lightning-fast, high-IQ sequence that showcases the kind of decision-making that made Indiana so dominant last season. Simple? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. Beautiful? You bet.
2. The Science of Corner Crashing
The Celtics’ offensive rebounding percentage (33.8%, 6th in the NBA) isn’t just luck—it’s strategy. Here’s the secret: Boston emphasizes crashing from the corners. Why? Defenders in the corner are often the low man, leaving them with a long runway to the rim for putbacks. Players like Gonzalez and Walsh thrive in this role, even if they’re not touching the ball. It’s a smart way to maximize offensive efficiency, especially for players who aren’t sharpshooters.
1. The Flare Screen That Breaks the Game
Queta’s flare screen on this play is so good, it’s almost unfair. As White drives to the rim, Hauser moves off-ball toward the corner—a tactic popularized by the Grizzlies and Heat. But here’s the genius: Queta’s screen gives Hauser even more space because Brook Lopez is too focused on the rim attack to sprint out to the perimeter. It’s a play that leaves you wondering, 'How do you even defend this?' Truly next-level basketball IQ.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Which of these plays do you think is the most underrated? And do you agree that Garza’s slow-step move is a game-changer, or is it just a fluke? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!**
