Analysis: Second half of the season improvement leaders

Finishing the season strong can be harder for some teams than others as the grind of the schedule, injuries, and other factors can make it difficult to maintain early success. However, a number of teams have played better in the second half off the season than in the first half, and in a league with only 12 teams like the ABA League, that can have a major impact on the standings.

Digging Deeper

The table above displays the ABA League’s most improved teams in terms of points per possession differential from the first ten games of the season to the second ten games.

Krka and Petrol Olimpija may sit at the bottom of the standings at the moment, but both have been much more competitive in recent weeks than they were early in the season. Both have shown marked improvement on the defensive end and their round 22 matchup could have major implications for both clubs.

Zadar has also shown improvement defensively but also held steady on the offensive end. They have done a much better job slowing down opposing teams in transition over the last two months giving up many fewer easy opportunities in the open court.
Partizan NIS’s improvement has been the result of the dramatic strides they have made defensively, specifically in the half court. They are doing a far better job protecting the rim recently. They have not blocked a lot of shots this season but are challenging them far more effectively — specifically in cut and put back situations.

The most improved team this season has been Cedevita who will finish the year with two games against teams in the bottom part of the standings. Though offensive efficiency usually declines for all teams over the course of the season. Cedevita has maintained an excellent pace and become more formidable in pick and roll and post up situations defensively. Given their current placement in the standings, their improvement is one of the more interesting storylines of the latter part of the season as they are playing their best basketball down the stretch.

A lot can change over the course of the season, and though some teams fall back into old habits late in the year, teams that can set a new standard and sustain it can be dangerous in the postseason.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology