TY - JOUR
T1 - The Effect of Technical Fouls on Momentum Change in Basketball
T2 - A Comparison of Regular Season vs. Playoffs in the NBA
AU - Tenenbaum, Gershon
AU - Maymon, Yaniv K.
AU - Ben-Zion, Tomer
AU - Lev, Assaf
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the authors.
PY - 2025/4
Y1 - 2025/4
N2 - Spanning two decades (2000–2021), this study delves into how TF-induced momentum shifts differ between regular season and playoff matchups, factoring in home-court advantage and team score status at the time of the call. Analyzing 4196 cases of technical fouls (TFs) called against coaches, we employ big data analytics to uncover distinct patterns in momentum shifts and their strategic implications. Using advanced statistical modeling, we identify how these effects vary across game contexts, demonstrating how big data enhances decision-making in competitive sports. Logistic regression revealed a significant season-by-location interaction (p < 0.03). The findings revealed that, in the regular season, TFs in home games were associated with a 44%-win rate, compared to 28% in away games. However, in the playoffs, this shifted to 50% at home and 23% away. These results provide valuable insights into the TF–momentum shift phenomenon. Leveraging game analytics to identify patterns in TF-related momentum shifts can help coaches make more informed decisions, including pinpointing the optimal moments for TFs and other strategic actions.
AB - Spanning two decades (2000–2021), this study delves into how TF-induced momentum shifts differ between regular season and playoff matchups, factoring in home-court advantage and team score status at the time of the call. Analyzing 4196 cases of technical fouls (TFs) called against coaches, we employ big data analytics to uncover distinct patterns in momentum shifts and their strategic implications. Using advanced statistical modeling, we identify how these effects vary across game contexts, demonstrating how big data enhances decision-making in competitive sports. Logistic regression revealed a significant season-by-location interaction (p < 0.03). The findings revealed that, in the regular season, TFs in home games were associated with a 44%-win rate, compared to 28% in away games. However, in the playoffs, this shifted to 50% at home and 23% away. These results provide valuable insights into the TF–momentum shift phenomenon. Leveraging game analytics to identify patterns in TF-related momentum shifts can help coaches make more informed decisions, including pinpointing the optimal moments for TFs and other strategic actions.
KW - basketball
KW - coaches
KW - momentum shift
KW - playoffs
KW - technical fouls
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105003559988&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/info16040307
DO - 10.3390/info16040307
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AN - SCOPUS:105003559988
SN - 2078-2489
VL - 16
JO - Information (Switzerland)
JF - Information (Switzerland)
IS - 4
M1 - 307
ER -