LOOKS LIKE NHL, PLAYS LIKE NBA

The greats of lacrosse and basketball employ similar approaches to their craft. It has often been said that the National Lacrosse League (NLL) “looks like the NHL and plays like the NBA.”

The comparisons to ice hockey are abundant. Both sports feature five field players and a goalie, identical playing surface dimensions, including complementary boards and glass, and similar game elements such as penalty boxes, power plays, penalty kills, on-the-fly substitutions, and sudden death overtime. The similarities are self-evident.

However, the way the NLL plays like basketball is rooted in the presence of a 30-second shot clock and an 8-second midfield marker. Like basketball, NLL action features set plays, pick-and-roll sequences, screens, post-ups, and even a lacrosse version of the dunk. Thanks to the omnipresent shot clock, scoring is high, with shots on goal occurring rapidly.

Comparing Styles of Play

Let's explore some interesting parallels between the NBA’s top players and their counterparts in the world’s premier box lacrosse league.

Stephen Curry and Josh Byrne: Masters of Space Creation

When operating with the ball, often far from the hoop or goal, both Stephen Curry and Josh Byrne use screens (or the threat of a screen) to create the space necessary to unleash a long-distance scoring attempt. These all-time greats have combined for six league championships and three MVP awards, perfecting this approach over the years.

LeBron James and Dhane Smith: Power and Precision

Thanks to their muscle-bound frames, physicality, and the unique capability to create offense through either a high-percentage shot or a pass to an open teammate, LeBron James and Dhane Smith play in a similar manner. Both superstars aggressively drive to the net, often scoring from close range after overpowering a series of defenders or getting open pull-up looks due to the threat of a drive.

Luka Doncic and Jeff Teat: Creative Scorers

Luka Doncic and Jeff Teat are among the sports world’s brightest young stars. Both players have a knack for scoring in bunches thanks to their incredibly creative approaches to their respective games. The Mavericks and Black Bear stalwarts can get a shot off from anywhere, regardless of the traffic surrounding them. Their stat sheets are continually filled with dazzling scoring opportunities from previously unheard-of angles and vantage points.

Nikola Jokic and Zed Williams: Big Men with Moves

Nikola Jokic and Zed Williams exemplify big, physical players with a never-ending array of moves in the post. When they have the ball, any number of actions may result, including no-look passes or goals. Their trickery is on display when Jokic provides a helper to teammate Aaron Gordon, followed by an astounding behind-the-back score from Williams.

Historical Comparisons: Michael Jordan and John Tavares

While the focus has been on current NBA and NLL players, it’s worth noting the many equivalences when comparing legends like Michael Jordan and John Tavares, widely regarded as the G.O.A.T.s of their sports. Both combined tenacity, leadership, and uncanny skill to achieve a total of 10 championships and eight MVP honors. Jordan's famous shots and Tavares’ approach to lacrosse both highlight their respective paths to greatness.

In conclusion, while the NLL and NBA may seem like different worlds at first glance, the strategies and skills employed by their top players show remarkable similarities. Whether it’s the precision of a long-distance shot, the power of a drive to the net, the creativity in scoring, or the finesse of post moves, the best in both sports demonstrate that greatness transcends the boundaries of their individual games.