Last minute in NBA games

Abstract

Apparently the behavior during a basketball game, as in other team sports, shows tremendous variability manifested in both individual and collective ways. However, when a significant number of games are studied, we can observe the unpredictability that characterizes the game. The degree of complexity of the game is not stable. Patterns change during all the game time, but the last minute is completely different reality. Our aim was to test and evaluate the existence of these patterns and their apparent complexity, by analyzing the NBA games scoring and substitution dynamics. Therefore, we examined the difference between the last minute and the rest of the game from the collected scores (1, 2 and 3 points), substitutions and timeouts. The underlying chaotic behavior of nonlinear interactions is inherent in Complex Systems. The data showed the existence of symmetries and repeated patterns of play during basketball games of the NBA but the last minute, which can be considered a completely different game.