In a fierce matchup, Kawhi Leonard goes head-to-head with Luka Doncic. The intensity of the game is palpable as these two basketball stars clash on the court. Both players are giving it their all, leaving nothing on the table.
Leonard, known for his defensive prowess, is putting on a clinic. He relentlessly hounds Doncic, making it difficult for him to find his rhythm. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, witnessing this epic battle unfold before their eyes.
Doncic, on the other hand, is not backing down. He showcases his incredible ball-handling skills, maneuvering through Leonard’s tight defense. With each shot he takes, the crowd holds its breath, wondering if he will sink it or if Leonard will block it.
As the game progresses, tensions rise. Leonard and Doncic exchange words, showing their competitive spirit. The atmosphere in the arena is electric, with fans from both sides passionately cheering for their favorite player.
In the end, Leonard’s defensive tenacity proves to be the deciding factor. He manages to limit Doncic’s scoring opportunities, leading his team to victory. The crowd erupts in applause as Leonard is hailed as the hero of the game.
This matchup between Leonard and Doncic will surely go down in basketball history. It was a battle of two titans, each showcasing their skills and determination. Fans will be talking about this game for years to come, relishing in the excitement and intensity that was displayed on the court.
Isolation Scoring: The Key to Half-Court Offense
In the world of basketball, an isolation possession is a thrilling one-on-one encounter between an offensive player and their defender. This type of play, devoid of any interference from teammates, may not always be the flashiest, but it is undeniably crucial to a team’s half-court offense.
It is important to note, however, that isolation play typically does not make up a substantial portion of a team’s overall offense. Unfortunately, data on isolation possessions is only available starting from the 2015-16 season. Since then, these possessions have accounted for a mere 6.8% of a team’s total offense during the regular season.
But when the playoffs roll around and teams rely more heavily on their star players, isolation play takes on a greater significance. From 2016 to 2023, the frequency of isolation play increased to an average of 9.3% during the playoffs.
One player who has dominated the realm of isolation scoring for the past decade is James Harden. During his time with the Houston Rockets, Harden’s proficiency in isolation play was unparalleled, and the numbers speak for themselves.
In the 2018-19 season, for instance, Harden had a staggering 1,280 isolation possessions in the regular season. The player who came in second, Russell Westbrook, had a mere 353. And it wasn’t just about the quantity; Harden also excelled in terms of efficiency. That same season, he scored a remarkable 1,415 points (1.10 points per possession) in isolation, with DeMar DeRozan trailing behind at 316 points (1.00 points per possession).
Given this information, it comes as no surprise that when examining cumulative stats from the 2015-16 season to the present 2023-24 season, Harden stands in a league of his own.
As the league’s skill level continues to rise, so does the efficiency of isolation play. In the current year, players are averaging 1.36 isolation possessions and scoring 0.91 points per possession. To put this into perspective, during the 2015-16 season, the league average was just over 1 isolation possession and 0.80 points per possession.
This season, there are 45 players who average at least 2 isolation possessions per game (minimum of 20 games played). Among these players, 15 have isolation possessions that account for 15% or more of their total offensive possessions. Below, you can see the isolation scoring efficiencies of these 15 players.
Leading the pack as the most efficient isolation player in the league this year is Kawhi Leonard. His 1.22 points per possession in isolation is the second-highest since the 2015-16 season, among players with a minimum of 2 isolation possessions per game. Kyrie Irving holds the top spot with an average of 1.28 points per possession during the 2022-23 season.
However, despite his efficiency, Leonard ranks 10th in terms of isolation possessions per game this year and 11th in total isolation possessions. When it comes to volume, Luka Doncic takes the crown while maintaining efficiency compared to league standards.
Doncic averages 7.5 isolation possessions per game, a number that surpasses any player’s single-season record since the 2015-16 season, except for James Harden. Despite the high volume of isolation play, Doncic remains extremely efficient. His 1.10 points per possession in isolation rank as the fourth-best mark in the league among players with at least 2 isolation possessions per game, well above the league average of 0.91.
While isolation basketball may not dominate a team’s offensive strategy, having a player who can consistently deliver in clutch situations is undeniably valuable.
HEAVY
Atticus O’Brien-Pappalardo is a sports reporter who brings you all the latest news and updates from the NBA. With his in-depth knowledge and passion for the game, he provides readers with an inside look at the world of basketball.
In his latest article, O’Brien-Pappalardo dives into the intense rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. This historic matchup has captivated fans for decades, and O’Brien-Pappalardo breaks down the key moments and players that have shaped this fierce competition.
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