How do contending teams perform in the fourth quarter?

[Mel_13]

Good read.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/15/how-do-contending-teams-perform-in-the-fourth-quarter/

Always Be Closing.

That’s the name of the game, isn’t it? Great teams close out strong. They finish well together. They’re able to end games with finality. It’s that ability to lock down in the fourth quarter and finish teams off that separates the men from the boys. Young, weak teams can’t get it done, and teams that want to contend for a title have to be able to.

But how does this year’s crop of contenders compare in that fourth segment?....

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Not sure if this is a great indicator, because blowouts could distort this statistic dramatically, case in point the win over Dallas last week. I suppose it'd be more telling if we only take into consideration the games decided by less than 10 points ( or so ).

[ginobilized]

we are so improved in this way from last year

spurs are definitely pointed in the right direction

only 41 games to go before the real season starts

[Mel_13]

Not sure if this is a great indicator, because blowouts could distort this statistic dramatically, case in point the win over Dallas last week. I suppose it'd be more telling if we only take into consideration the games decided by less than 10 points ( or so ).

The writer admits as much. The 58% winning percentage when trailing after 3 qtrs is not affected by that factor.

[DMC]

The writer admits as much. The 58% winning percentage when trailing after 3 qtrs is not affected by that factor.
No, but it is affected by the quality of team you are trailing. Coming back against the Wolves isn't the same as coming back against the Celtics or Lakers.

[Mel_13]

No, but it is affected by the quality of team you are trailing. Coming back against the Wolves isn't the same as coming back against the Celtics or Lakers.

Thanks, Captain Obvious. That sort of proviso could be applied to virtually any analysis of team performance.