Analysis: Through 12 rounds, two teams have 11 wins

Digging Deeper

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. As the graph suggests, defense has been the separating factor among the league’s top teams. Budućnost VOLI and Partizan NIS have set the standard defensively and sit at the top of the standings with 11 wins and a nearly identical scoring differential. Even as they have had their ups and downs offensively, each has been able to lean on their ability to get stops. Partizan NIS has been trending up offensively since the early part of the season - something worth monitoring moving forward as they vie with Budućnost VOLI for ABA League supremacy.

Cedevita Olimpija holding onto the third slot in the standings only adds evidence to the assertion that defense is perhaps the single biggest key to success this season. They may only have the fifth highest point differential while ranking 6th in offensive efficiency but have come through when its mattered winning several close games.

The most intriguing team in the graph above is likely Crvena zvezda mts who has uncovered some answers offensively after a sluggish start from the perimeter still finds themselves near the bottom of the standings while looking for consistency on the defensively end. Nonetheless, they have shown a far higher ceiling than their win-count suggests and given their history in the regional competition it will be fascinating to see whether that can surge into the playoff mix down the stretch.

Both Mornar and FMP have performed at an above average level on the offensive end with FMP in particular thriving at times. When FMP has complemented their explosive scoring ability with steady play defensively, they have been very formidable, but they did a better job defending the three-point line early on than they have in recent weeks.

Koper Primorska and Igokea provide an example of how timely play can be a key factor in the standings. Both teams have performed at a similar level in terms of efficiency, but Primorska has done so at more opportune moments and own 4 more wins as a result. Their streakiness has worked in their favor at times this season.

With 8 rounds remaining, there is still plenty to be decided before the playoffs begin in late March.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology