Analysis: Transition defense

The graphic above lists the top-4 teams in the ABA League in points per possession allowed in transition. Transition possessions make up between 9% and 13% of all the possessions teams have faced this season but are converted for a significant 1.15 points per possession. Transition defense is a small slice of overall defense, but it can be the difference between a win and a loss as the value of those possessions tends to make transition points add up quickly.

Zadar has defended in transition at a very high level this season leading the ABA League in both points per game and points per possession allowed. What is especially impressive about their efforts is that they play at an above average pace. Their success is not based on slowing the game down, but rather the way they avoid fouls and contest layups.

Mornar and Crvena Zvezda’s effectiveness is based more on forcing mistakes in transition than defending shots with the difference in efficiency between the two resulting from Zvezda’s elevated foul rate and how aggressive they tend to be crashing the offensive glass. Despite that, Zvezda held Mornar to 2 points in transition over 3 possessions in their Round 16 matchup while scoring 11 points over 8 possessions of their own. Avoiding turnovers and shooting the three well to limit long rebounds, Zvezda gave up as little in the open floor as they have all season and that played a key role in their 8-point win.

Borac earns a spot on this list as the best team in the third tier of transition defenses this season before the steep fall off to the three teams allowing over 1.30 points per possession. They do a nice job getting back and walling off the paint as a group often prioritizing slowing down opposing fast breaks over pursuing offensive rebounds.

Sometimes there is only so much a team can do to keep opposing teams out of the open floor. If they turn the ball over near half court or miss a higher volume of shots than usual, they often pay a price in transition. However, over the course of a season, it is a team’s effort level getting back that tends to dictate their success.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology