How to read an NBA game beyond the final score
The final score tells you who won, but not how the game developed. A useful viewing method combines a few statistics with what happened on the court.…
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Basketball Journal
An independent basketball journal for understanding the game, following its stories and enjoying the conversation.
Following the Raptors through a season: A practical viewing journal
A season journal can make following the Raptors more rewarding without turning every game into a spreadsheet project. Choose a few questions and record enough context to…
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NBA sports betting: Point spreads, totals and the limits of prediction
NBA statistics can improve understanding of a game without making its result predictable. A point spread or total is a betting condition, not a guarantee. This guide…
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Casino sponsors in basketball: How commercial partnerships shape the fan experience
A fan can encounter commercial messages around a basketball experience as well as the game itself. When a casino-related brand is involved, it is useful to separate…
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Why pace changes the way team statistics look
A faster game gives teams more scoring opportunities. That can raise point totals without making each possession more effective. Pace helps describe the opportunity count, while possession-based…
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Raptors and Lakers: Comparing roster construction rather than reputations
The Raptors and Lakers carry strong identities for fans, but a team name does not explain a particular roster. A useful comparison begins with the same date…
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The role of the bench during a demanding stretch of games
A bench unit does more than supply points while starters sit. Reserve players may maintain a particular role, change the matchup or share minutes with a starter.…
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What shot charts reveal about an offence
A shot chart shows where attempts occurred and, depending on the display, their outcomes. It is a useful map, not a complete explanation of an offence. The…
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How travel and back-to-back games affect viewing context
A game does not occur outside a schedule. Recent travel and consecutive game days can be relevant context, but they do not explain every missed shot or…
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Understanding the difference between regular-season and playoff rotations
A rotation is the pattern of players used through a game, not simply the starting five. Comparing regular-season and playoff use can reveal changing priorities, but the…
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