Seventyniner
01-22-2013, 12:47 PM
...but the Spurs have climbed to 3rd in DRtg and 2nd in DRB%, both supposed areas of weakness. One was overblown (the Spurs have been a good to excellent defensive rebounding team for a while), while one was a rightful concern (the Spurs were 10th in DRtg last season). Some context for the stats:
Defensive Rating
1. Pacers, 98.8
2. Grizzlies, 99.7
3. Spurs, 100.4
4. Bulls, 100.8
5. Clippers, 100.9
6. Bucks, 103.1
League average: 105.3
Defensive Rebounding Percentage
1. Warriors, 75.1
2. Spurs, 75.0
3. Magic, 75.0
4. Wolves, 74.9
5. Rockets, 74.9
6. Knicks, 74.6
League average: 73.0
For both stats, there is a dropoff from 5th to 6th, which is why I listed 6 teams. A few bad games could see the Spurs slip to 5th in both categories. A few good ones, though, and the Spurs could be within striking distance of the Grizzlies for DRtg and could take over the top spot in DRB%.
Also, the Spurs are #29 in ORB% with 21.0, with #30 Miami knocking on the door (20.9). I wonder if Pop has an adjustment in his back pocket if he goes down 2-1 or 3-2 in a playoff series: start sending more guys to crash the offensive glass. The Spurs obviously don't do that now; the very low ORB% number is more by design than skill. Still, the Thunder (the team most likely to put the Spurs in that 2-1 or 3-2 hole) are an average defensive rebounding team (DRB% 73.1, 16th) and of the Spurs' starters, only Parker is not an above average rebounder; he would be tasked with getting back in transition anyway, even if Pop sends 3 or 4 guys to the offensive glass. It would be quite a shock to a coach trying to gameplan against the Spurs, and while it would give up some transition opportunities, it would lead to more putbacks and extra possessions to wear out opposing defenses.
Defensive Rating
1. Pacers, 98.8
2. Grizzlies, 99.7
3. Spurs, 100.4
4. Bulls, 100.8
5. Clippers, 100.9
6. Bucks, 103.1
League average: 105.3
Defensive Rebounding Percentage
1. Warriors, 75.1
2. Spurs, 75.0
3. Magic, 75.0
4. Wolves, 74.9
5. Rockets, 74.9
6. Knicks, 74.6
League average: 73.0
For both stats, there is a dropoff from 5th to 6th, which is why I listed 6 teams. A few bad games could see the Spurs slip to 5th in both categories. A few good ones, though, and the Spurs could be within striking distance of the Grizzlies for DRtg and could take over the top spot in DRB%.
Also, the Spurs are #29 in ORB% with 21.0, with #30 Miami knocking on the door (20.9). I wonder if Pop has an adjustment in his back pocket if he goes down 2-1 or 3-2 in a playoff series: start sending more guys to crash the offensive glass. The Spurs obviously don't do that now; the very low ORB% number is more by design than skill. Still, the Thunder (the team most likely to put the Spurs in that 2-1 or 3-2 hole) are an average defensive rebounding team (DRB% 73.1, 16th) and of the Spurs' starters, only Parker is not an above average rebounder; he would be tasked with getting back in transition anyway, even if Pop sends 3 or 4 guys to the offensive glass. It would be quite a shock to a coach trying to gameplan against the Spurs, and while it would give up some transition opportunities, it would lead to more putbacks and extra possessions to wear out opposing defenses.