Every NBA team has its own keys to victory. What are the stats that tell us whether each team is going to win a game or not?
Believe it or not, the 2022-23 NBA regular season is only a few days away from being 50 percent completed. A significant sample size of stats and trends are readily available and an important question has surfaced: What is one bellwether stat for each team?
A bellwether stat is an indicator of a team’s success (or lack thereof) given a certain set of circumstances. This is a comprehensive list of one bellwether stat for every NBA team, going division by division.
(All stats current as of 01/09/23)
What are the key stats for NBA teams in the Northwest Division?
Denver Nuggets: Is the Joker slinging dimes?
When two-time MVP Nikola Jokic has 9+ assists, the Nuggets are 20-4 this season. In all other games, the Nuggs are 6-9.
Furthermore, when Jokic has a triple-double, the Nuggets are a perfect 10-0.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Is SGA going bananas?
When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 33+ points, the Thunder are 9-8. When SGA scores less than 33 points, the Thunder are just 6-13.
Will SGA eventually be shut down by Sam Presti once again? SGA has not played a game after March 22 for two straight seasons.
Portland Trail Blazers: Is the offense clicking?
When the Blazers score more than 114 points this season, they are 12-2. In all other games, they are 7-18.
Since Dec. 1, the Blazers are top 10 in offensive efficiency, and the Blazers’ current defensive rating of 113.2 for the season is their best since 2018-19, the year they went to the West Finals.
Utah Jazz: Is Markkanen getting buckets?
When Lauri Markkanen scores 18+ points, the Jazz are 18-13 this season. In all other games, the Jazz are 2-10.
Markkanen only had 19 games with 18+ points last season, so he is currently on pace to triple that amount this year.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Is the defense howling?
When the Timberwolves hold opponents to less than 110 points, they are 12-3 this season. When the T-Wolves’ defense allows over 110 points, they are 7-17.
Bonus: The T-Wolves’ record this season with KAT (10-11) is almost the exact same as without him (10-10).