Run-And-Gun
What is Run-And-Gun?
A strategy that relies on fast-paced gameplay, shortened possessions, and full court pressure. It often sacrifices defensive success and size in order to maintain a high tempo of basketball.
Sporting Charts explains Run-And-Gun
The run-and-gun style's most famous proponent is former Loyola Marymount head coach Paul Westhead. He found considerable success when he applied this system to his team in the late 1980s. LMU led the NCAA Division I in scoring from 1988-90, and Hank Gathers-Westhead's starting forward during that run-was only the second player ever to lead the nation in both scoring and rebounding. Westhead led LMU to the Elite 8 in 1990, upsetting the defending champion Michigan.
Paul Westhead attempted to implement the run-and-gun in the NBA when he was hired as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets in 1990. The Nuggets led the league in scoring during the 1990-91 season, but also allowed an NBA record 130.8 points per game. During Westhead's two-year tenure, the Nuggets were 44-120 and were often referred to as the "Enver Nuggets" on account of their lack of "D".