Now, with the new NBA season underway, teams are already putting concepts into practice and continuing to define who they are. Among the Trailer Park Boys, numerous data points paint a picture of both looming danger and opportunity. The Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets stand out in different categories that could significantly impact their chances of title success.
Boston Celtics’ Mixed Performance
The Boston Celtics have the 10th-best success rate on two-point shots (55.0%), which puts them dead in the middle of the league at 16th. Nonetheless, they have shown to be competitive statistically, ranking highly in a number of categories. While it’s impressive that the Celtics rank above league average in almost every category, it showcases a complete, balanced if not deep, gameplay approach. Their opponent assist rate is worrisome, ranking 29th at 59.6%. This probably means that other teams are finding ways to score chances with regularity against them. This trend might end up being the death knell in close, high-stakes contests.
Further, for all the talent the Celtics have, they simply cannot continue giving up these types of baskets if they plan on winning a championship this season. Their knack for changing and stopping opponents’ scoring chances will be more important as they advance further into the season.
Detroit Pistons’ Foul Trouble
The other bad spot the Detroit Pistons are in, as they often put opponents on the free-throw line. Their opponent free throw attempt rate of 27.6 FTA per 100 FGA is 27th in the league. Players such as Isaiah Stewart, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren have advanced foul trouble to new heights this season. Their ball-denial, handsy tactics have turned them into two of the NBA’s most prolific foulers.
This trend significantly increases the opportunity for the opposing side to rack up points. It places important Pistons players at risk of foul trouble, rendering them less effective over the course of a game. As the season marches on, solving these defensive woes will be imperative if the Pistons are to become a better all-around team.
Thunder and Nuggets Stand Out Defensively
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the league with an impressive 10.3 steals per 100 possessions and rank second in blocks per 100 possessions at 5.7. This defensive mastery creates an intimidating matchup with any club looking to make a title run. Their talent at blowing up other teams’ offenses on their side of the ball can turn the tide in ballgames and generate offensive scoring chances.
On the other end offensively, you find the Denver Nuggets, with MPJ hoisting them up in their top seven minute-earners. His added scoring punch is first class insurance for deepening Nikola Jokić’s historic talent. Combined, they allow the Nuggets to cover for other weaknesses on the court. All-time great Jokić leads the entire league with his historic WAR of 17.9. That statistic shines a light on how invaluable he was to the team’s overall success.
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