Not only do steals lead to instant transition opportunities, but they often lead to the type of fast breaks with the greatest numbers advantage — you know, the ones that often end with the world’s boldest exclamation point: a dunk by Duke basketball freshman Zion Williamson.
More times than not, after the steal but before the slam, whether by Williamson or another of the supremely athletic Blue Devils, there is an alley-oop pass or some other eye-pleasing assist. Either way, this type of transition play is the most effective at igniting the energy level of the team while extinguishing hopes of the opponent.