New York Knicks: Five Reasons The Triangle Offense Still Works

3. Three Points Of The Triangle

The triangle offense isn’t exactly what everyone has made it out to be. The plays themselves have proven to be effective, but Tex Winter and The Zen Master turned the triangle into something more than a means of offensive execution.

During a recent interview with Marc Berman of The New York Post, three-time NBA champion and Phil Jackson disciple B.J. Armstrong explained what the triangle is really about.

"“Here is the triangle — I don’t like to waste my time,’’ Armstrong said. “I find it funny. Here’s the staple of a team that wants to win: They defend, they rebound and pass the ball. All of Phil’s teams have those three elements. That’s the triangle."

Those are the three points of the triangle: defending, rebounding, and passing the ball.

The system itself has been proven as effective on the offensive end of the floor. The reality is, Jackson’s triangle is about much more than merely running a motion offense and creating space; it’s about doing things the right way.

Teams that defend, control the boards, and are willing to trust their teammates are those that execute at the highest possible level.

If a team plays elite defense and rebounds well, then they’ll control the pace of a game. If a team is willing to move without the ball, selflessly pass, and find the open man, then offensive execution will come easy.

The triangle consists of specific plays and schemes, but the main principle is to contribute in three critical areas: defense, rebounding, and passing.