Latest news with #turnovers
Irish Times
7 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Galway expertly forced mistakes from Dublin, and then had quality to punish them
Galway's superior efficiency and defensive steel helped them overcome Dublin at Parnell Park. While the raw scoreboard shows only a seven-point margin (0-29 to 3-15), the turnover battle told a much deeper story — one of Galway's structured intensity and ruthless transition play. An analysis of both halves through turnover maps reveals how Galway dominated key moments, especially through pressuring puckouts, blocking shots, and converting opposition mistakes. The high number of turnovers that Galway created on Dublin's puckouts helped set the tone for the game - six Galway points came directly off turnovers. First half – Galway set the tone From the outset, Galway displayed an aggressive and coordinated press on Dublin's puckouts. Their setup forced numerous mistakes, with turnovers from Dublin restarts notably clustered around the central third. These puckout wins formed the foundation for Galway's dominance in the opening 35 minutes. READ MORE Galway pressed up on Dublin puckouts while remaining zonal on long puckouts. Galway's turnovers were not just numerous — they were productive. The graphic's white dots show that six of these led directly to points, inside or just outside the D. Their ability to regain possession and convert quickly into scores was a key pillar of their first-half control. However, both sides lacked cohesion in the first quarter with both sets of players struggling with the breeze and distribution of deliveries to inside lines. Dublin in particular looked disjointed, with their backs hitting too much ball from too deep, as we can see below. Their inability to build play through the lines meant the Galway half backs were able to sit deeper and cut out deliveries. Too often Dublin went long with balls that suited the Galway defence rather than trying to work it short. With just two puckout wins from Galway restarts, they failed to establish any meaningful momentum off Galway's mistakes. Dublin's inefficiency was also evident in their conversion rate from play, with a 46% conversion rate (12/26) really hurting them, especially in the first half. While they did manage two scores from turnovers, many more ended in wides or were turned over again in contact. Galway's spatial awareness and anticipation often allowed them to collapse on ball carriers and force errors without overcommitting. David Burke's game sense and intelligence stood out, and his delivery of good ball to Anthony Burn's and Brian Concannon yielded scores in both halves for their inside line. Second half – Galway's discipline and execution The second-half turnover map highlights Galway's capacity to sustain their pressure while also defending with increasing composure. Once again, Galway forced multiple turnovers from Dublin puckouts − six yellow dots can be seen below − and, more importantly, they converted these into a string of scores. The turnover map for the second half again illustrates Galway's dominance Galway's attacking structure made full use of broken play. Their middle third operated as a pressing trap − forcing Dublin into panic decisions − while their forwards were consistently first to react to loose ball or mis-hit clearances. Galway's top three shooters from play − Concannon 0-5, Tom Monaghan 0-4 and Conor Whelan 0-3 − left Galway with a total shot count of 43, which yielded 29 scores. A 67% return was impressive on a breezy day, but Kilkenny backs won't be as generous with no-pressure shots in the Leinster final. One area of note for Galway's forwards was a lack of goal threat, however the numbers suggest that Galway have improved in shot creation and conversion over the course of the Leinster championship. And since the Offaly game there has been an improvement in the forward unit when it comes to winning ball and turning ball over. The pressing by the Galway forwards has improved in recent weeks. Here we see them attempt to close down Dublin bringing the ball out of defence - the aim is to use the sideline as a 'defender' and force Dublin down a tight channel. The Galway full back line of Fintan Burke, Daithi Burke and Pádraic Mannion seemed to enjoy the tight confines of Parnell Park. Their defensive organisation undermined Dublin's attempt at a late resurgence. With four blocked shots (black dots) visible near the D, Galway's defenders refused to yield even under heavy pressure. Time after time, Dublin broke through only to be met by a wall of maroon jerseys. These blocks were often as impactful as scores at the other end — denying Dublin crucial momentum. Conclusion This turnover numbers underline why Galway were fully deserving of the victory. Post-match possession stats reveal that Galway turned over just 42% of their possessions, compared to Dublin's 57% — a stark indicator of the latter's struggles with build-up play, decision-making, and team cohesion. Galway's superior pressure on puckouts, swift transitions, and scoring efficiency overwhelmed Dublin's system. Just as significant was their aforementioned defensive work, which denied Dublin any route back into the game. Although Dublin improved after the interval and converted more turnovers into points, they continued to falter in front of goal. Galway, by contrast, operated with clinical intent. The numbers tell us that this game was decided on turnovers − and Galway dominated those turnovers. Jeffrey Lynskey managed Galway to three All-Ireland minor hurling titles. He is also a former Galway under-20 manager and is currently an MSc student in Sports Performance Analysis at Setu Carlow.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 40, Thunder defense forcing 23 turnovers has OKC one win from NBA Finals
It was the two words in all caps and red ink at the top of the scouting report for Minnesota going into the Western Conference Finals: Limit turnovers. The Timberwolves had to break even in the possession game to upset the Thunder in this series. They failed at that in the biggest moment of their season Monday night — Minnesota turned the ball over 23 times and allowed 19 Oklahoma City offensive rebounds in Game 4. The result was the Thunder getting up 11 more shots in the game. Advertisement That was the difference in what an epic, high-level playoff game, one of the best of the postseason. Well, turnovers and a career playoff high 40 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City hung on at the end for a 128-126 Game 4 win that puts them up 3-1 in the series. The Thunder can close the series out Wednesday night at home. This is a gut-punch loss for the Timberwolves because they played well enough to win: • Minnesota created better looks most of the night. • Minnesota shot better, including 18-of-41 (43.9%) from 3. • Minnesota grabbed 19 offensive rebounds themselves. • Minnesota got 64 points from their bench behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Donte DiVincenzo scoring 21, including five 3-pointers, and 11 points from Naz Reid. Advertisement 'Definitely sucks being that close…' Alexander-Walker said postgame. 'Everything is out there, there are no secrets — they know how to beat us and we know how to beat them.' What hurt the Thunder was a slow start and rough night from Anthony Edwards, who scored 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Which was better than Julius Randle, who struggled again with five points on 1-of-7 shooting (but nine rebounds). Not only did SGA step up for the Thunder, but so did their next stars: Jalen Williams had 34 points, including six 3-pointers, while Chet Holmgren had 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, including a critical one late. After coming out flat and getting blown out in Game 3, the Thunder came out Monday with increased defensive ball pressure and activity — looking like themselves again — except it didn't work. For example, the Thunder defense forced the ball to Jaden McDaniels, but he responded with 10 early points. Minnesota shot 63.2% in the first quarter but trailed 37-30 after one because of their seven turnovers in the frame. That was the theme of the night. Advertisement So was Oklahoma City taking a small lead (never more than 11) and then Minnesota walking them down. It was a physical, intense, high-level game of basketball played well by both teams. The last time the Thunder got one of those small leads they held on, and now they have a commanding lead in the series.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Higgo 'excited' to play against PGA Tour's best
Rick Carlisle discusses preparations for Game 2 against the Cavaliers After watching film of Sunday's win, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted the need for fewer turnovers, better rebounding and better paint defense. 6:03 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
