Allen Iverson’s nickname was “The Answer.” He was famous for cutting from 1 side of the floor to the other. He generally would cut over the top of two players positioned at the elbow. Sometimes he would cut off players stationed along the baseline.

Iverson would receive the ball on the opposite side with space to attack or shoot.

The reason this cut was so effective is because it’s hard to guard. The cutter’s defender has to navigate a lot of traffic. If the defense switches, it creates mismatches that you can exploit.

“Philly” is a play with multiple options for a player who can score inside and out. Check it out. Not only that, we’ll show you a counter to keep the defense off balance!

“Philly”

• The play starts from a 1-4 high formation. Player 3 clears out to the left corner.

• Player 4 runs over the top of 5 & 2’s screens (the Iverson cut). 4 curls hard to the basket after clearing player 2.

• After 4 clears player 5, 1 enters the ball to 5.

• 5’s first look is 4 at the rim.

• If 4’s defender tries to fight over the top of the Iverson cut, this should be open.

• Even if the pass can’t be thrown for a layup, 4 can look to seal their defender for a hi-lo pass.

• After 2 screens for 4, they set a second screen. This is a flare screen for 1.

• 1 flares to the right wing. This is 5’s second look.

• On the catch, 1 has 2 options - shot or drive

• On 1’s catch, 4 sets a diagonal screen for 5 diving to the basket.

• 2 then screens 4’s player, and 4 comes to the top.

• 1 can throw the ball to either player. 

“Philly Pop”

If teams start to recognize 4’s curl to the rim after the Iverson cut, use “Philly Pop” as a counter.

• The play starts the same way.

• However, after 1 passes to 5, 1 goes to the left wing.

• Also, after 2’s screen for 4, they dive to the rim. 5 should take a quick look at 2 on this dive/slip action.

• Instead of 4 curling to the basket, they will pop back to the right slot.

• 5 passes to 4. 

• If 4’s defender went under 2’s screen (to protect against the curl), 2 should shoot.

• If x4 recovers, 4 has the entire right side of the court open to attack the rim.

Need A Bucket? Philly Is Your Answer!

The Iverson cut has been used for over 25 years now, and with good reason - it works!

While seen a lot at the professional level, it is less common at the high school level.

Add it to your playbook to give teams a different look and to give your best scorer multiple ways to get a bucket!

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First David Edinger says: 10/16/2025 at 8:22:29 PM Great play! Time tested. Like     login   register

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