The WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings are an intriguing aspect of the league, providing insight into each team’s ability to prevent their opponents from scoring. While on the surface, these rankings may appear straightforward, there is more to them than initially meets the eye. In this post, we will deconstruct the WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings and explore trends and patterns that reveal a deeper understanding of the league.

Introduction

The WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings are calculated by dividing each team’s opponents’ points per game by their opponents’ field goal percentage. This metric provides a comprehensive view of a team’s defensive prowess, taking into account both scoring and shooting percentages. While this metric is useful in evaluating a team’s defense, it does not provide the full picture.

One trend that stands out when examining the WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings is the correlation between winning percentage and defensive efficiency. Teams with higher winning percentages tend to have better defensive efficiencies. This correlation is not surprising, as strong defensive performances often lead to victories.

Patterns

Another pattern that emerges when analyzing the WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings is the impact of individual players on a team’s overall defense. Players who are able to consistently block shots and disrupt opponents’ drives can significantly improve their team’s defensive efficiency. For example, the Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird has been one of the most effective defenders in the league throughout her career.

Case Study: The 2018 Seattle Storm

The 2018 Seattle Storm provide a fascinating case study in understanding the impact of individual players on a team’s defensive efficiency. That year, the Storm had the best defensive efficiency in the league, with opponents scoring only 85.4 points per game. One key factor was the presence of Sue Bird, who averaged 2.5 steals per game and consistently disrupted opponents’ drives.

Conclusion

The WNBA’s Defensive Efficiency Rankings provide valuable insights into each team’s defensive performance. By examining trends and patterns in these rankings, we can gain a deeper understanding of the league. The correlation between winning percentage and defensive efficiency highlights the importance of strong defense for success. Additionally, individual players like Sue Bird can have a significant impact on their team’s defensive efficiency.

References

  1. WNBA.com - Defensive Efficiency Rankings
  2. ESPN.com - WNBA Statistics
  3. Sports-Reference.com - WNBA Advanced Stats