Analysis: After time out efficiency

The table above displays the ABA League’s five most efficient teams scoring in their first set play after a time out. After timeout plays are not too common occurring only at the start of each quarter and following called time outs or extended disruptions in play due to injuries or other unique circumstances, but they have made up 11% of all possessions this season. They have also been extremely valuable as they have been converted for an average of 1.01 points per possession, up from 0.94 points per possession last season. By comparison, the possessions resulting from set plays that do not come after a timeout are only being converted for 0.92 points per possession. This is a huge difference compared to most major professional leagues, and as a result, one could say that a time out in the ABA League is more valuable than it is in any other competition.

Digging Deeper

There are several things that stand out about how ABA League teams have performed offensively after timeouts this season.
First, the number of teams scoring over 1.00 points per possession—a universal standard for offensive excellence in modern basketball across all major leagues—is surprising. So far this season, 7 teams are scoring better than 1.00 points per possession with 4 teams eclipsing the 1.10 points per possession mark. It is not just one team propelling the league’s massive after time out efficiency numbers so far, many teams have excelled when they get a chance to huddle up and script a play.

Second, Petrol Olimpija has been particularly effective averaging 1.31 points per possession to rank among the top teams in any competition in the world this season. No one player has carried the load for the team in special situations, but rather their group has collectively made shots at an unprecedented rate after breaks in the action. Their 14-19 shooting from beyond the arc after time outs is particularly spectacular.

Third, the types of actions used in after time out situations are not that different than during the rest of the game. 27% of all after time out possessions are spot ups with another 19% being used by the ball handler in the pick and roll, 11% resulting in a post up, and 9% coming on cuts. All those marks are similar to the league’s overall averages.

Ultimately, the success of ABA League teams in after time out situations this season boils down to play calling, execution, and shot making. They may not be creating shots in very different situations than they normally do, but they are generating higher quality looks and taking advantage of those opportunities far more consistently. The league’s coaches have steadily found ways to exploit opposing defenses and players have delivered in spectacular fashion to put the ABA League on a record-breaking pace for after time out efficiency.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology