After two games for each team in the 2024 NBA playoffs, early trends are emerging that could shape the rest of the postseason. The higher seeds have had a slight advantage, winning their home games and taking a 2-0 lead in many series. However, it's still early, and there's plenty of basketball left to be played.
One notable trend is the decrease in scoring compared to the regular season. Teams are averaging just 101.3 points per game, a significant drop from the 111.6 points per game they averaged after the All-Star break. Poor shooting, especially from beyond the arc, has been a major factor in the lower scoring output.
Another interesting development is the lack of fouls being called, with teams averaging just 18.8 fouls per game, the lowest in NBA history. This has led to more physical play and potentially impacted shooting percentages.
Home-court advantage has been prevalent in the early games, with the higher seeds winning most of their home games. However, the road teams started to make a comeback on the fourth day of the playoffs, breaking the streak of home wins. This could indicate a shift in momentum as the series progress.
Individual performances have also been noteworthy, with players like Jalen Brunson and Pascal Siakam standing out. Brunson has struggled with his shooting, but his team, the New York Knicks, still managed to take a 2-0 series lead. Siakam, on the other hand, has been a scoring machine, leading all players with 36.5 points per game in the first two games.
As the playoffs continue, adjustments will be made, and teams will look to capitalize on their strengths while shoring up their weaknesses. It's still too early to make definitive predictions, but the early trends provide a glimpse into what could unfold in the remainder of the postseason.
