Embiid ran a pick and roll with Holiday in the frontcourt. After the screen, he received Holiday's Return Pass at the high post and knocked down a Mid-range Jumper.
He could play in the low post, shoot from the paint all the way out to the three-point line, facilitate the offense, and play excellent defense.
After the NBA entered the small-ball era, centers—especially versatile centers—had all but disappeared.
Embiid could be called one of the few remaining active players of that kind, and the best among them.
22-14. The Mavericks still held an 8-point lead.
"Defense! Defense!"
The Dallas Cowboys' cheers rang out through the arena again.
The Pelicans looked like they were gaining momentum, and Embiid's Mid Range shot had been crucial.
Amid fans' cheers, the Mavericks put up an ironclad defense.
With more than half of the Offensive Time gone, the Pelicans failed to get any of their successive tactical plays going.
Tang Tian held the ball at the top of the arc and signaled for Gasol to come up to the free-throw line for a pick and roll.
Gasol was big enough, and after the screen, Tang Tian accelerated past Embiid.
The Mavericks collapsed inward, while Embiid came over from behind to contest him.
Tang Tian drove into the Three-second zone and was immediately surrounded, with no shooting opportunity at all.
But during his drive, he had noticed Gasol.
After setting the screen, Gasol saw Embiid's defensive movement. Rather than waiting at the three-point line, he cut inside as well.
Tang Tian threw a beautiful no-look behind-the-back pass to Gasol, who had just reached the free-throw line.
That was Gasol's range.
A perfect sequence of teamwork.
But the Mavericks' defensive ability and awareness were truly formidable. Powell actually rotated over to help on Gasol!
The chance was