5 statistical anomalies from the beginning of the season
Although not all teams have stabilized yet, there are surprises in the context of the start of the season. Some of the stats that are supposed to change or not change are completely outside the expectations set in the summer. After about fifteen games for each, there are five statistical anomalies in the NBA.
1. Seven players who averaged more than 30 points
Usually, the first matches of the season are accompanied by individual flashes in scoring. Teams that haven’t yet developed real collective chemistry at this stage rely more on the qualities of their stars. This trend is confirmed again in 2022-2023 to a very large extent.
With the offense in overdrive, the offensive specialists are celebrating. Seven players have averaged more than 30 points since practice began:
- Luka Doncic: 34.3 PTS
- Joel Embiid: 32.2 PTS
- Stephen Curry: 32.2 PTS
- Donovan Mitchell: 31.2 PTS
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 31.1 PTS
- Kevin Durant: 30.6 PTS
- Jayson Tatum: 30.3 PTS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 29.5 points per game, is not far from that category either. Impressive statistics are not normal compared to previous years.
In the last 10 seasons, a player has averaged at least 30 points 11 times. James Harden moreover, it single-handedly explains three of these events. During that year, the number of players above this symbolic bar varies between 0 and 2.
The 2022-23 fiscal year probably won’t end with those seven, almost eight, players averaging more than 30 per game. However, we can expect the final total to exceed the ceiling of the last two decades. This millennium record was set by three players in 2005-2006 Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and LeBron Jamesmay fall at the end of the year.
In addition, this early-season increase is generally associated with a sharp increase in pace of play. This season, pace has only risen to 99.4. A very slight increase (+1.2) compared to 2021-2022. Therefore, there is a good chance that several of these averages will be maintained during the matches.
2. Russell Westbrook has a better three-point percentage than Trae Young
Russell Westbrook (32.7%) has a better three-point percentage Trae Young (31.5%). It’s all in the title. It’s surprising, isn’t it?
Among players with more than 4 tries per game, the list does not end there. It belongs to about thirty names, including the names of LeBron James (23.9%). Kyrie Irving (28%) and Luka Doncic (29.1%), e.g. But no one on the lot is a more popular shooter than the Falcons’ franchise quarterback.
The stats are fun and highlight the bald leader’s early season struggles. However, it should be taken lightly. The shots given to the Lakers’ sixth man, in fact, cannot be compared to the shots taken by each team’s stars. Especially when defenses routinely opt to leave Westbrook open, which—believe it or not—is less likely for Young or Doncic.
The issue of quality, but also the issue of volume, partially justifies this anomaly. His 7.2 attempts per game behind the line are a far cry from Brody’s 4.2. So this anecdotal statistic would be more appropriate for your friend, the Atlanta fan, than a serious analysis.
The Lakers are starting to get calls for Russell Westbrook
3. The Jazz are marching in the NBA
Utah is finally at the top of the league, though he needs to put up an average and show. The Jazz are arguably the biggest surprise since the start of the season. Statistically, the team is a true anomaly compared to expectations.
Statistics:
- Best Western Conference Record (12-6)
- 4th offense in the NBA (offensive rating)
- 3rd point per game
- 7th net rating in the NBA
- Most wins against teams with a positive record (8)
Everything is easier when we carry you Lauri Markkanen In Franchise Player mode. He is averaging 22.3 points and 8.4 rebounds on 54.4% shooting and 36.9% from three so far. Far beyond his usual Finnish standards.
All players enjoy its surprisingly well-built system Will Hardy. The ball circulates well, everyone can express themselves. Just like basketball is not necessarily played on paper.
Don’t talk to Lauri Markkanen and Jazz undeniably!
4. The Lakers and Clippers are the worst offenses in the NBA
No, teams like the Pistons and Rockets who decide to tank aren’t the worst offenses in the league. Hornets, with injury LaMelo ball or a chaotic offseason. In this matter, the two teams ranked at the lowest levels in the classification are also among those aiming for the title in a short time.
The Lakers and Clippers have the two least efficient offenses in the NBA, averaging 106.5 points per 100 possessions. An anomaly given their ambitions, but understandable in context.
The Lakers had a bad start to the season. Their 4-10 record says a lot about their situation. With an incomplete workforce and no foreign address (30.9% in three points), they can’t hope for much better.
The Clippers’ problems, for their part, are primarily physical. Kawhi Leonard has played just four games since the start of the season with limited ability and impact. In addition, most of the workforce struggles to find a rhythm and maintain their standards. Their situation should gradually improve and is not as dramatic as that of their neighbors in Hollywood.
However, it is quite amusing that two of the league’s worst teams are also two of its greatest. Just like the accumulation of stars is not a guarantee.
Anthony Davis talks Lakers crisis meeting
5. Bobby Portis leads the league in double-doubles
A double-double is a very symbolic statistic for interiors in the NBA. Breaking the 10-unit mark in points and rebounds is generally a sign of good performance. First of all, this is almost the expected standard in the fifth position.
last season, Nikola Jokic In this field, he crushed the competition with 66 double-doubles in 74 matches Rudy Gobert (53) and Jonas Valanciunas (50). Hence the issue of dominant pivots.
But this year, the first in the ranking is a bit of a surprise: Bobby Portis. So he has 10 outings with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first 15 games of the year.
His status is probably temporary. Giannis Antetokounmpo, his teammate and Nikola Vucevic there is only one unit behind him. Tyrese Haliburton, also with assists instead of rebounds. Several players have already made it past the top eight.
But so far, Bobby Portis is the NBA’s most prolific double-double machine this season. The fifth and final statistical anomaly that no one saw.
Bobby Portis is the NBA’s double-double leader this season
