Analytics: Pace, Efficiency, and Plus-Minus
Analytics: Pace, Efficiency, and Plus-Minus
💡 Key Takeaways
- Define pace, efficiency, and plus-minus in analytics and why they matter for evaluating players and teams
- Learn how pace is measured (e.g., possessions per game) and how it affects scoring and decision-making
- Understand key efficiency metrics (shooting efficiency, true shooting percentage, offensive/defensive efficiency) and how to interpret them
- Discover how to interpret plus-minus, including its limitations and the importance of context (lineups, opponents, game situation)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is pace in analytics?
Pace measures the number of possessions per team per game (often scaled to 48 minutes). It shows how fast a team plays, not how efficiently they score.
What does offensive/defensive efficiency mean?
Efficiency typically refers to points per 100 possessions. Offensive efficiency = points scored per 100 possessions; defensive efficiency = points allowed per 100 possessions. These normalize scoring across different paces.
What is plus-minus and what can it tell me?
Plus-minus tracks the point differential when a player is on the court. It hints at impact but is influenced by teammates, opponents, and minutes, so use it with context.
How should I use pace, efficiency, and plus-minus together?
Use them together for context: pace affects raw stats, efficiency measures scoring effectiveness, and plus-minus indicates overall impact. Favor pace-adjusted and per-possessions metrics and consider sample size when interpreting results.