Analysis: Transition Play

15.4% of all ABA League possessions occur with less than 4 seconds on the shot clock or game clock and those opportunities are converted for only 0.82 points per possession on average—below the average for a normal half court possession. Some teams like to run offense deeper into the clock and similarly some are dramatically more efficient than others when they play that way. The graph above displays where each ABA League team stands in terms of short shot clock frequency and efficiency in possessions per game and points per possession.

A Closer Look

Cedevita Olimpija leads all teams in short shot clock scoring. They have actually been more efficient with the clock running low than in all other possessions within their half court offense as they have made shots at a similar rate and committed fewer turnovers under pressure. Codi Miller-Mcintyre and Jaka Blažič have been their main targets late in the clock, but they also manage to work the ball inside to Marko Simonovic frequently. That trio have all play with uncommon poise when forced to rush offensively.

Krka burns the clock more than any other team in the ABA League but have scored at a strong rate in their own right despite their style. They can attribute most of their success to Glenn Cosey who leads the regional competition in individual short shot clock scoring by a significant margin and scores a tremendous 1.22 points per possession on those opportunities. Cosey’s teammates do an excellent job finding him when they need someone to make something out of nothing.

Budućnost VOLI has been the ABA League’s second most efficient short shot clock team due in large part to the number of fouls they draw in those situations. Justin Cobbs has led that cause using his ability to attack the rim to good effect even when there is little time to spare.

Zadar plays faster than most ABA League teams seldom winding the clock down but have been pretty effective in a pinch. Dominik Mavra is responsible for much of their success making pull-up jump shots and floaters at a strong rate regardless of time remaining.
It will be interesting to see how clutch play factors into the final rounds of the ABA League as the postseason is right around the corner.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology