The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks are among the SLB’s most efficient shooters, yet their low offensive volume keeps them from maximising this precision. Sheffield’s offence is falling short of its full potential, leaving valuable points on the table.
Three-Point Efficiency: Quality Over Quantity
Among SLB teams, Sheffield holds the highest three-point shooting percentage at 37.6%, yet their low attempt volume places them behind league leaders in points from deep, despite boasting a clear advantage in accuracy.
| Team | 3P PTS Per Game | 3PA Per Game | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester Riders | 10.44 | 28.286 | 36.9% |
| Cheshire Phoenix | 10.00 | 28.250 | 35.4% |
| Manchester Basketball | 9.22 | 27.444 | 33.6% |
| B. Braun Sheffield Sharks | 8.80 | 23.400 | 37.6% |
| Bristol Flyers | 8.72 | 25.571 | 34.1% |
| Caledonia Gladiators | 8.32 | 27.111 | 30.7% |
| Surrey 89ers | 7.00 | 22.286 | 31.4% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 6.55 | 21.556 | 30.4% |
| London Lions | 6.13 | 22.125 | 27.7% |
For comparison, Leicester Riders shoot 36.9% on 28.3 attempts per game, translating their precision into consistently higher offensive output. For Sheffield, an uptick in three-point attempts could make a measurable difference, particularly if players like Rodney Chatman III (40%) and Drake Jeffries (34.6%) maintain their shooting form. By establishing a stronger perimeter presence, Sheffield could maximise their shooting efficiency and add more reliable point sources, lifting some of the pressure off their close-range game.
Free Throw Precision: Strength at the Line
In addition to their success from beyond the arc, Sheffield excels at the free-throw line. With a team free throw percentage of 82.1%, they rank as the SLB’s second-best free-throw shooters, just behind Surrey 89ers.
| Team | FT PTS Per Game | FTA Per Game | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheshire Phoenix | 18.62 | 24.375 | 76.4% |
| Leicester Riders | 16.87 | 22.429 | 75.2% |
| London Lions | 16.86 | 24.125 | 69.9% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 15.43 | 21.556 | 71.6% |
| Caledonia Gladiators | 15.22 | 19.667 | 77.4% |
| B. Braun Sheffield Sharks | 14.70 | 17.900 | 82.1% |
| Bristol Flyers | 12.28 | 15.000 | 81.9% |
| Surrey 89ers | 12.01 | 14.571 | 82.4% |
| Manchester Basketball | 9.12 | 13.667 | 66.7% |
This free throw efficiency is led by players like Chatman III (91.7%) and Prentiss Nixon (88.4%), who consistently make the most of their opportunities at the line. However, Sheffield’s free throw volume at 17.9 attempts per game falls behind league leaders Cheshire Phoenix and London Lions, who both average over 24 attempts per game.
This disparity highlights a missed opportunity for Sheffield, who could generate higher scoring and increase game control with more trips to the line. A more aggressive approach, with increased trips to the line, would help them leverage this free-throw efficiency for a more substantial impact on the scoreboard.
Points in the Paint: Driving to Unlock Potential
Sheffield’s offence is at its best when players are driving to the basket. Penetration into the paint not only leads to higher-value shots at the rim but pressures opponents into fouling and creates space for open shots on the perimeter.
Currently, they score 36.8 points per game in the paint, amounting to about 44% of their total points—a relatively low ratio compared to the league’s top-performing teams in this area, such as the Lions, who score 51.7% of their points in the paint.
| Team | PTS in Paint Per Game | % PTS from Paint |
|---|---|---|
| London Lions | 41.75 | 51.7% |
| Cheshire Phoenix | 41.25 | 47.5% |
| Manchester Basketball | 40.44 | 49.4% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 39.11 | 51.6% |
| Bristol Flyers | 37.43 | 48.7% |
| Caledonia Gladiators | 36.89 | 45.5% |
| B. Braun Sheffield Sharks | 36.80 | 43.8% |
| Leicester Riders | 34.86 | 39.4% |
| Surrey 89ers | 31.14 | 46.0% |
Sheffield has players like Chatman III and Nixon who excel in driving to the paint, ranking first and second in the team in both assists and free-throw percentage. With the combination of both driving and outside shooting talent, Sheffield has all the tools they need to expand their offensive versatility—it just isn’t being fully unlocked.
Looking Forward: Potential Paths to Consistency
Sheffield can unlock their full potential by focusing on volume: increasing three-point attempts and maintaining an aggressive approach to driving. Building on the playmaking and shooting skills of Chatman III, Nixon, and Jeffries, Sheffield has a clear path to one of the league’s most efficient offences. As they approach the next phase of the season, their ability to capitalise on these strengths will be key in contending within the SLB’s competitive landscape.
Sheffield has the pieces and potential; now, it’s about translating efficiency into sustainable scoring power.
