Graphics by Ryan Best In their second game of the 2019-20 season, the defending champion Toronto Raptors played the division rival Boston Celtics. Boston had struggled offensively in its season opener, scoring only 91.4 points per 100 possessions in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and once the game got underway, Toronto replicated much of […]
The Virginia men’s basketball team started this season with two highly Virginia-esque wins, the statistics of which were so consistent that some were identical. There was stifling defense: 34 points allowed on 59 possessions against Syracuse, then 34 on 69 trips against James Madison. There was pedestrian offense: Tony Bennett’s team shot 4-for-25 from 3-point […]
Every NBA-watcher is different, but it would likely be a fair assessment to say that most of us are naturally drawn to the league’s flashiest plays. Whether it’s a “Did he really just do that?” 40-footer by Damian Lillard; a nasty stepback by James Harden that leaves his man crumpled on the floor; a rim-rattling […]
Over time, NBA teams take on certain characteristics in the public consciousness. The Lakers have mystique and superstars. The Celtics have the parquet floor. The Raptors have Jurassic Park, and the Grizzlies have (or had?) Grit and Grind. The Heat have their culture and conditioning program, the Nuggets have their altitude-infused offense, the Rockets have […]
Through seven games, the New England Patriots remain undefeated — and they appear unstoppable. No longer a team defined by the play of quarterback Tom Brady, New England is fielding one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The 48 total points allowed by New England heading into Week 8 are the lowest since […]