Analysis: Half-court offense

The graph above lists the top-4 teams in the ABA League in points scored per possession in the half court. 89% of all possessions this season have come in the half court with the other 11% coming in transition. Those possessions have been converted for an average of 0.94 points per possession. The four teams listed above have exceeded that mark by a comfortable margin.

What stands out about this ABA League season is just how good this group of top teams has been relative to historic norms. Last season was the first one that had two teams finish the year scoring over 1.00 points per possession. Budućnost VOLI was the top-ranked half-court offense scoring 1.02 points per possession to establish a new ABA League record. Half court efficiency has improved steadily over the last decade but exploded this season.

• Cedevita Olimpija is not just the most efficient offense this season, but they are on pace to be the most efficient team in ABA League history. The reason for this is simple: their combination of shooting and shot selection is exceptional. 88% of their shot attempts come within 7-feet of the rim or from behind the three-point line as they settle for few difficult shots in the midrange. Making 49% of their three-pointers from the wings, Cedevita Olimpija plays to its strengths like few teams in the history of the regional competition. If they can maintain their standard moving forward, they are a threat to win any game.
• Mornar is on pace to break the current ABA League record for half court offensive efficiency as well. Unlike Cedevita Olimpija, they have done their best work in the pick and roll. Not only do they space the floor well, but their ball handlers have scored at a high-level as well.
• Crvena zvezda mts has been the gold standard of the ABA League on the offensive end for many years. They were the first team to score over 1.00 points per possession in the half court in a season back during the 2016-17 campaign and have sat near that standard every year since. Though the players on the court may change, the expectation remains the same. This year’s team has spaced the floor efficiently but finished inconsistently around the rim relative to average.
• Budućnost VOLI is within striking distance of finishing the season above the 1.00 threshold. They have been more aggressive from the midrange than the other teams discussed here but have scored very effectively in the post and their ball handlers in the pick and roll have been nothing short of spectacular.
• What makes these records so interesting is what they have done to the ABA League standings. With 6 teams with 9 wins already, the race at the top of the standings figures to be extremely tight.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology