- Offensive Efficiency Rating (Points scored per 100 possessions)
- Defensive Efficiency Rating (Points allowed per 100 possessions)
- Pace (Number of possessions per 48 minutes)
Specifically, we're looking at the numbers from each game, and how those numbers compare to the season average for the Sixers' opponent. So, looking at the chart below, in game 17 against the Nets, the Sixers were 15.2 points better offensively against the Nets than New Jersey's season average, 1.3 points worse defensively, and they slowed the game down by 5.9 possessions/48 minutes, which is a significant spread. Here's the complete chart:
Let's start with the totals. 99.9 PA/100 Poss. is elite defense. Boston leads the league at 99.4, with Miami second at 100.1. 109.2 PF/100 Poss. would be the 10th best offense in the league. Of course, when you win 8 of 11, you'd expect the spread in these numbers to be good, probably not that good, though. They haven't been winning nail-biters, as you're all aware. They've been pretty comfortable wins, for the most part.
There are a couple interesting things to me here. First, they've won games different ways. Portland, New Orleans, the second New Jersey game and Orlando were pretty clearly won on the defensive end. New Jersey the first time, Charlotte, Cleveland and the Clippers were beaten on the offensive end. They lost to the Lakers and Atlanta, but really put forth excellent defensive efforts in both of those games, and their offense nearly carried them to a win over Boston.
The pace differential is really interesting as well. Take a look at how much they slowed down the Clippers, the Nets, Charlotte and Boston. The Boston game is notable, because maybe if they'd upped the pace their, Boston wouldn't have had enough left in the tank for that last-second win. Boston was on the second night of a back-to-back that night. It looks like they learned their lesson against an under-manned Orlando team, though. They pumped the pace up against the Magic when they only had 8 men.
Overall, the defense has been better than the offensive, but by no means have they won these games on their defense alone. It's been a pretty even combination. When you add it all up, they're just playing very, very good basketball over the stretch.
Maybe we'll take another look after the trip to see how the numbers translated. Thoughts in the comments, as usual.
This is very interesting thanks Brian.
What really strikes me is that except for the Boston game they've been very consistent on the defensive end. And their offense is better than i thought, although they do live and die by Meeks's stroke right now. When he's not on they struggle offensively but when he is on they are elite. But i guess that's what happens with every team more or less...
In other news, the sixers woke up today ranked 9th overall in Hollingers rankings, 4th in the east. He now projects them to win 42 games this season.
Also worth noting is that this didn't eactly happened as a result of a ridiculously easy schedule. The combined record of these 11 teams is 146-145, although they did play 8 of 11 at home.
Willie Green's sister and cousin passed away on the way home from the Hornets-Pistons game in Willie's home town. So sad, he always seemed to be a really good guy in his time with the Sixers, thoughts and prayers with him and his family.
http://www.freep.com/article/20101220/NEWS03/101220006/1319/Hornet-players-sister-cousin-killed-in-I-75-wreck
Man, that's just terrible. Hate to hear that.
Good stuff. Brian. I had a feeling that that the defense was that good, but the offense has had stretches where it has been really good. Last time we played good basketball (the two playoff years), where were they in Off/Def Efficiency?
Taj Gibson is doubtful for the game tomorrow night. With Noah out, that leaves a frontcourt of Boozer-Asik-Kurt Thomas, and maybe Deng at the 4. Our chances of winning that game just got better.