Analysis: Offensive and defensive efficiency
The ABA League has reached its mid-point, but the Playoffs picture remains complicated.
(Photo: Synergy Sports Technology)
The graph above places each team logo based on how far above or below the ABA League average they are in offensive and defensive points per possession. It gives an overview of which teams have stood out the most halfway through the year. There are a few notable things to be learned from this graph.
- Every team in the ABA League has continued to play at an above average level on at least one end of the floor making for a very competitive middle of the pack that extends all the way to the bottom of the standings. Seven ABA League teams have an efficiency differential between 0.04 and -0.04. Typically, that number is closer to five.
- Defense continues to be a major separator between elite teams in the ABA League. The top three teams in efficiency margin—Crvena zvezda mts, Budućnost VOLI, and Cedevita—are separated by only 0.03 points per possession offensively, but 0.14 points per possession defensively.
- Earlier this season, Zvezda was the only team that ranked in the top-3 of both offensive and defensive efficiency, but they have been joined by Budućnost at the mid-point of the season. The average efficiency margin of ABA League champions since 2010 is 0.116 points per possession, meaning both clubs look like champions on paper.
- The two teams that previously have led the regional competition in both offensive and defensive efficiency like Zvezda does this season both eventually won the ABA League championship.
- Cedevita’s current pace would make them the most efficient pick and roll scoring offense in ABA League history if they can sustain it through the end of the season. Their ball handlers have shot the ball at a very high level and found open shooters very consistently as well.
- Budućnost is still on pace for the most efficient transition scoring season in ABA League history building on their success pushing the ball last season.
- Zadar is on pace to score more points on put backs than any team in ABA League history.
The middle of the ABA League standings have shifted dramatically from the conclusion of the sixth round, and it will be interesting to see where things stand closer to the end of the season.
Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology
