Explanation of Defensive Statistics

Today there are actually two new posts. This first one is just a quick explanation of some of the defensive statistics I am tracking and will refer to in upcoming Kings games. Any suggestions on how to improve these are greatly appreciated.

Altered/Blocked shots (ABS) – I assume everyone already knows what a blocked shot it. However, I am counting an altered shot every time a defensive player is able to make the offensive players greatly change the way he is shooting the ball or have to make a noticeable adjustment to a layup or other types of shot.

Heavily contested shot (HC) – To get credit for a heavily contested shot a player needs to have a hand up within inches of the offensive player.

Lightly contested shot (LC) – A player gets credited for a lightly contesting a shot if they are able to get a hand up and possibly distract a shooter, but is further away from the offensive player. These can still cause a player to miss a shot, but are much less distracting to a shooter.

Blown-by into the lane (BL) – This just tracks the number of times an offensive players 1 on 1 to get into the key, where they can cause havoc. Again, for now this is only 1 on 1, this does not count screen and rolls or a help defender jumping at a shooter to chase them off of the tree point line.

Forced Turnovers (FTO) – This is credited to a player who forces a turnover. This can be by grabbing a steal, poking the ball loose (even if another player technically gets the steal), pressuring a passer who throws the ball away or any other action that clearly causes the other team to turn the ball over. It’s important to mention that credit only goes to the player who actually forces a turnover. So in last night’s game, Kevin Martin ran behind Rudy Gay and tapped the ball out of his hand to Francisco Garcia. On this play Martin is the player who gets credit for the FTO, even if the box score credits Garcia with the steal.

A couple of other notes:

1 - It is clear after watching the first game last night that I need to start tracking players getting scored on in the post or for not getting scored on

2 - A player does not get credit for any positive defensive statistic if they foul a player. So hacking a shooter does not get someone an ABS or HC or LC.