Isolation (or "iso") is the simplest offensive tactic: space the floor for a player and let them create one-on-one against their defender. The four other players station in the corners or behind the arc to prevent any defensive help.
It's a popular action late in games or against weak defenders (mismatches). Players like Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic became legendary for their ability to create buckets in isolation.
The risk of iso is that it often produces contested low-efficiency shots. That's why modern teams combine iso with ball movement: they reach for it only when the matchup is favorable or when the clock forces their hand.
Iso is also one of the clearest actions for measuring a player's individual impact. Synergy Sports publishes iso efficiency rankings for every NBA player.
Real example
A scorer dribbles at the top of the key while all four teammates spread to the corners to clear the lane.
Related terms
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