Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

WASHINGTON @ BOSTON 83-86

Ray Allen (BOS)
25 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
45 z-pts (1.28), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.88 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

A clutch 3-pointer by Allen gave the lead to the Celtics with 17 seconds remaining. The Celtics SG scored 8 points in the 4th quarter.

SAN ANTONIO @ CLEVELAND 95-97

Delonte West (CLE)
16 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 100% FT%
27 z-pts (0.77), 0.47 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

West scored 8 points in the last period, including a couple of free throws for a 93-91 Cavs lead with under a minute remaining.

Mo Williams (CLE)
17 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.20 3PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.71), 0.43 z2PT%, 0.33 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Williams also buried a couple of clutch free throws to give the Cavaliers a three-point lead with 9 seconds left.

ATLANTA @ NEW YORK 98-99

Al Harrington (NYK)
14 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.56), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Harrington sealed the win for the Knicks with a jumper with 50 seconds left in the game.

GOLDEN STATE @ NEW ORLEANS 131-135

Darren Collison (NOR)
16 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.00 FT%
23 z-pts (0.68), 0.67 z2PT%, 0.77 z3PT%, 0.00 zFT%

Collison’s layup with 9 seconds left gave the Hornets a three point lead and a great chance to win the game.

David West (NOR)
28 pts, 0.69 2PT%, 0.86 FT%
36 z-pts (1.07), 0.70 z2PT%, 0.96 zFT%

Likewise, David West cooly made his two free throws to get a three-point lead with 7 seconds remaining.

TORONTO @ L.A. LAKERS 107-109

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
32 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.91 FT%
51 z-pts (1.61), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.95 zFT%

Another buzzer beater by Kobe Bryant, this time to beat the Raptors with 1.9 seconds left. Kobe scored 12 of his 32 points in the 4th quarter.

Chris Bosh (TOR)
22 pts, 0.31 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
27 z-pts (0.84), 0.28 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Bosh’s three-pointer tied the game with 9 seconds left, setting up the stage for Kobe’s clutch play in the last possession.

DENVER @ NEW ORLEANS 102-95

Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
32 pts, 0.52 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
39 z-pts (0.97), 0.59 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Nuggets outscored the Hornets 12-4 between the 7:13 and 3:45 mark in the 4th quarter, led by Anthony’s 8 points during that stretch. Overall, Melo scored 12 of his 32 points in the 4th.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

PHOENIX @ SAN ANTONIO 110-113

Manu Ginobili (SAS)
21 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
35 z-pts (1.01), 0.45 z2PT%, 0.34 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Ginobili scored 9 of his 21 points in the 4th, including four clutch free throws in the las 1:16.

MILWAUKEE @ ATLANTA 102-106

Joe Johnson (ATL)
24 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 100% FT%
39 z-pts (1.29), 0.34 z2PT%, 0.52 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Johnson had a terrible 4th quarter, going 2 for 9 in the period, but still managed to score the tying basket with 32 seconds left. He later missed a potential game-winning shot though. Then in overtime he made up for it by scoring 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting.

Jamal Crawford (ATL)
14 pts, 0.25 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.89 FT%
24 z-pts (0.79), 0.15 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.99 zFT%

Crawford made three clutch free throws at the end of overtime to help the Hawks win this game.

DALLAS @ CHARLOTTE 89-84

Jason Terry (DAL)
20 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
28 z-pts (0.68), 0.61 z2PT%, 0.36 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Terry’s 13 points in the 4th were key as the Mavs pulled away from the Bobcats late in the game.

MEMPHIS @ NEW ORLEANS 104-100

Mike Conley (MEM)
26 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.60 FT%
34 z-pts (1.00), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.22 z3PT%, 0.33 zFT%

Conley scored 9 points in the 4th, including a basket that made it 98-95 Grizzlies with 26 seconds left. But he missed two free throws with 10 seconds remaining that could have been critical (his team was up 2). Note how his zFT% went down as a result.

Zach Randolph (MEM)
23 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
31 z-pts (0.90), 0.38 z2PT%, 0.86 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

Randolph scored another 9 points in the 4th quarter, including a key three-pointer with 1:20 remaining that gave Memphis the lead.

MINNESOTA @ DALLAS 109-112

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
22 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 100% FT%
29 z-pts (0.74), 0.48 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Nowitzki’s free throws at the end helped the Mavs seal the win. He scored 8 in the 4th.

SACRAMENTO @ HOUSTON 84-81

Carl Landry (SAC)
22 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 100% FT%
29 z-pts (0.78), 0.50 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Two clutch free throws by Landry with 4 seconds remaining made it 84-81 Kings.

L.A. LAKERS @ MIAMI 111-114

Quentin Richardson (MIA)
25 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.64 3PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (1.20), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.81 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Richardson only scored 3 points in the 4th quarter but they were clutch: a 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining for a Miami two-point lead.

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
39 pts, 0.62 2PT%, 0.29 3PT%, 0.58 FT%
50 z-pts (1.81), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.23 z3PT%, 0.75 zFT%

Of course, after Richardson’s trey Kobe responded with a jumper to tie the game and send it to overtime. Kobe scored 10 points in the 4th quarter (7 in the last 3 minutes) and added 6 more in the extra period.

UTAH @ PHOENIX 116-108

Mehmet Okur (UTA)
24 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
34 z-pts (0.92), 0.32 z2PT%, 0.73 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

Okur, who was hot from beyond the arc down the stretch, hit a 3 with 58 seconds left to give Utah a four-point lead.

SACRAMENTO @ DALLAS 100-108

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
31 pts, 0.46 2PT%, 100% FT%
38 z-pts (0.87), 0.47 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Nowitzki was great in the 4th quarter, scoring 15 of his 31 points on 5-of-7 in the period. His four free throws in the last minute were key.

ATLANTA @ MIAMI 94-100

Michael Beasley (MIA)
22 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%
38 z-pts (1.00), 0.82 z2PT%, 0.67 z3PT%

14 of Beasley’s 22 points came in the 4th quarter. With the Heat trailing by one late in the 4th, Beasley took over and outscored the Hawks 7-0 in less than a minute to grab the W for his team.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

SAN ANTONIO @ DETROIT 101-109

Manu Ginobili (SAS)
21 pts, 0.22 2PT%, 0.43 3PT%, 0.89 FT%
37 z-pts (1.04), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.53 z3PT%, 0.86 zFT%

Despite losing the game, Manu Ginobili was sensational at the end of the 4th, scoring 11 points in the last 2:19 of regulation (including the tying basket that sent the game to OT). However, he couldn’t stay hot in the extra period, where he only scored one point.

ATLANTA @ GOLDEN STATE 104-108

Monta Ellis (GSW)
26 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
38 z-pts (1.00), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.36 z3PT%, 0.82 zFT%

With the game tied at 101 and 2:43 remaining, the Warriors made a 7-3 run to top the Hawks. Monta Ellis led that run with 5 of the Warrior’s last 7 points.

UTAH @ PORTLAND 93-89

Carlos Boozer (UTA)
22 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 0.44 FT%
37 z-pts (0.89), 0.57 z2PT%, 0.64 zFT%

Boozer’s shot at the buzzer tied the game. He scored 6 points in the 4th quarter and 3 more in overtime.

Kyrylo Fesenko (UTA)
8 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.40 FT%
13 z-pts (0.32), 0.87 z2PT%, 0.28 zFT%

Fesenko scored 4 points in overtime, helping the Jazz take the lead early in the extra period.

PHOENIX @ OKLAHOMA CITY 104-102

Jason Richardson (PHO)
20 pts, 0.46 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
44 z-pts (1.25), 0.74 z2PT%, 0.49 z3PT%, 0.93 zFT%

Richarson beat the Thunder with this nice floater at the buzzer. See how his z2PT% is higher than his normal 2PT%, reflecting clutchness from two-point range.

L.A. LAKERS @ MEMPHIS 99-98

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
32 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 0.60 FT%
57 z-pts (1.67), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.93 z3PT%, 0.51 zFT%

Kobe, Kobe, Kobe! Another super clutch shot by the Lakers superstar. Kobe beat the Grizzlies with a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left in regulation. Just before that, he had tied the game with another trey.

PHILADELPHIA @ GOLDEN STATE 110-102

Lou Williams (PHI)
26 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.62 3PT%, 100% FT%
37 z-pts (0.67), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

When the Warriors cut the Sixers lead to 3 with just 3:55 remaining, Williams responded with 6 straight points to close the game out.

DETROIT @ L.A. CLIPPERS 91-97

Rasual Butler (LAC)
16 pts, 0.29 2PT%, 0.30 3PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (1.01), 0.24 z2PT%, 0.52 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Butler made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 25 seconds left, then made two free throws to make it 91-95 Clippers with 10 seconds remaining.

Richard Hamilton (DET)
21 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.43 3PT%, 0.22 FT%
30 z-pts (0.94), 0.24 z2PT%, 0.78 z3PT%, 0.31 zFT%

Hamilton made three consecutive 3-pointers down the stretch, the last one to give the Pistons the lead with 44 seconds left.

DALLAS @ ATLANTA 111-103

Jason Kidd (DAL)
19 pts, 0.37 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
36 z-pts (0.99), 0.13 z2PT%, 0.65 z3PT%, 0.50 zFT%

In just 2 minutes of play at the end of regulation, Kidd made three consecutive three pointers to keep the Mavs in the game.

Mike Bibby (ATL)
16 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%
24 z-pts (0.66), 0.29 z2PT%, 0.61 z3PT%

Bibby responded to Kidd 3s with his own couple 3-pointers during the same stretch.

NEW YORK @ WASHINGTON 118-116

Al Harrington (NYK)
37 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.62 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
49 z-pts (1.68), 0.61 z2PT%, 0.55 z3PT%, 0.61 zFT%

Terrific 4th quarter by Harrington, who scored 17 points in the period. He also hit a couple of clutch free throws at the end of overtime.

David Lee (NYK)
25 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.83 FT%
43 z-pts (1.46), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.81 zFT%

Lee scored 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the 4th quarter, then added 4 more in overtime, including the winning layup.

CLEVELAND @ TORONTO 126-118

LeBron James (CLE)
36 pts, 0.70 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.94 FT%
48 z-pts (1.48), 0.73 z2PT%, 0.13 z3PT%, 0.97 zFT%

LeBron was great in the 4th, scoring 12 points and tying the game in two consecutive plays at the end of regulation.

Hedo Turkoglu (TOR)
18 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%
28 z-pts (0.88), 0.72 z2PT%, 0.27 z3PT%

Turkoglu scored 9 of his 18 points in the 4th, 5 of which came in a key 5-0 run by the Raptors down the stretch.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

L.A. LAKERS @ BOSTON 90-89

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
19 pts, 0.41 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
37 z-pts (1.06), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.31 z3PT%, 0.78 zFT%

Another game-winner by Mr. Clutch. In the Lakers last possession, Bryant faced Ray Allen one-on-one and beat him with a fall-away jumper.

ORLANDO @ DETROIT 91-86

J.J. Redick (ORL)
17 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.68), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.37 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Redick made three clutch free throws to give Orlando a four-point lead with 1:15 remaining.

Rashard Lewis (ORL)
15 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 100% FT%
23 z-pts (0.66), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.46 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

With 9 seconds left in the game, Lewis cold-bloodedly sank a couple of free throws to take a three-point lead and help the Magic beat the Pistons.

PHOENIX @ HOUSTON 115-111

Aaron Brooks (HOU)
24 pts, 0.36 2PT%, 0.36 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
32 z-pts (1.05), 0.34 z2PT%, 0.38 z3PT%, 0.72 zFT%

Brooks scored 15 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter and overtime (9 and 6, respectively) but couldn’t stop the Suns from winning this game.

PHOENIX @ NEW ORLEANS 109-100

Grant Hill (PHO)
13 pts, 0.86 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.40), 0.91 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

With 1:19 left and the Suns leading by two, Hill went on to score 5 consecutive points to put the game away for good.

L.A. LAKERS @ MEMPHIS 93-95

Zach Randolph (MEM)
22 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.80 FT%
30 z-pts (0.87), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.93 zFT%

Randolph scored the go-ahead basket with 1:07 left, then hit a couple of free thows for a four-point lead with 52 seconds remaining. Crucial win for the Grizzlies’ confidence heading into the second half of the regular season.

SACRAMENTO @ DENVER 109-112

Chauncey Billups (DEN)
23 pts, 0.20 2PT%, 0.30 3PT%, 0.89 FT%
27 z-pts (0.86), 0.33 z2PT%, 0.13 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Billups scored 6 points in the last seven minutes of regulation (half of the Nuggets points in that stretch) but missed a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer that would have won it for Denver (note how his z3PT% is lower than his 3PT%). In OT he only scored 3 points on 1-of-4 shooting. An off shooting night for Mr. Big Shot, depite the W.

Arron Afflalo (DEN)
12 pts, 0.80 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
23 z-pts (0.75), 0.89 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.81 zFT%

Afflalo, on the other hand, was the key in OT. He scored 6 points in the extra period – on perfect shooting-, including the go-ahead bucket with 18 seconds remaining.

Spencer Hawes (SAC)
23 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
30 z-pts (0.96), 0.44 z2PT%, 0.71 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Spencer Hawes scored 6 points in the 4th, including the game-tying basket with 27 seconds remaining, but he missed a shot to win the game at the end of regulation (see how his z2PT% shows that). In OT, Hawes hit a three to make it 109-107 Kings with 1:36 remaining (see how his z3PT% shows that).

DETROIT @ NEW JERSEY 97-93

Richard Hamilton (DET)
22 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
36 z-pts (1.07), 0.64 z2PT%, 0.53 z3PT%, 0.84 zFT%

Rip scored half of his points in the last six minutes of the game. Overall, he went 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from the line in the 4th quarter. His free throws with 21 seconds left gave the Pistons a four-point lead.

L.A. CLIPPERS @ ATLANTA 97-103

Al Horford (ATL)
16 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.86 FT%
22 z-pts (0.58), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.84 zFT%

With 2:38 remaining and the Hawks up by two, Horford scored five consecutive points to help his team pull away from the Clippers late in the 4th.

CHICAGO @ PHILADELPHIA 103-106

Andre Iguodala (PHI)
25 pts, 0.77 2PT%, 0.17 3PT%, 0.29 FT%
38 z-pts (1.27), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.44 z3PT%, 0.39 zFT%

Iguodala’s free throw with 6 seconds left in regulation tied the game, but he missed the second free throw that could have won it for the Sixers. In overtime, Andre hit a huge trey with 1:19 remaining to give his team a three-point lead, and scored again later to make it 100-105 Philadelphia with 27 seconds left.

CHARLOTTE @ L.A. LAKERS 97-99

Nazr Mohammed (CHA)
23 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.71 FT%
28 z-pts (0.77), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.67 zFT%

Mohammed scored 6 of the last 8 Bobcat points of the game in the last two minutes, keeping Charlotte’s hopes of beating the Lakers alive until the very end.

SAN ANTONIO @ PORTLAND 93-96

Martell Webster (POR)
21 pts, 0.25 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
32 z-pts (0.86), 0.10 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

10 of Webster’s 21 points came down the stretch, as he made a couple of clutch treys (one to make it 91-87 Blazers with 22 seconds left) on 2-of-2 shooting, and four clutch free throws in the last 10 seconds of the game.

WASHINGTON @ ORLANDO 92-91

Caron Butler (WAS)
31 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.89 FT%
55 z-pts (1.79), 0.75 z2PT%, 0.20 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

Butler capped his 14-point 4th quarter performance with a few decisive plays down the stretch. Caron scored 6 of the Wizards last 7 points in the game, including the winning shot.

Rashard Lewis (ORL)
12 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%
33 z-pts (1.09), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.85 z3PT%

Lewis almost won the game for Orlando with a three-pointer that gave his team a one-point lead with 4 seconds remaining. Rashard scored all the Magic’s points in the last 3:18 (7 points).

MINNESOTA @ DALLAS 117-108

Corey Brewer (MIN)
14 pts, 0.14 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.65), 0.17 z2PT%, 0.84 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Brewer was key down the stretch for the Wolves, scoring six points (a 3 plus three clutch free throws) in one minute.

NEW JERSEY @ DETROIT 92-99

c (DET)
13 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.48), 0.73 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Maxiell scored 9 points in the 4th quarter on 4-of-6 and was a key factor in the Pistons late run. “Max really had it going at the end, and that’s why we rode him instead of going back to Jonas (Jerebko)”, Detroit coach John Kuester said. Jerebko scored 20 points on 9-for-9 shooting in the first three quarters.

MEMPHIS @ MINNESOTA 102-109

Al Jefferson (MIN)
23 pts, 0.65 2PT%, 0.25 FT%
34 z-pts (0.91), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.26 zFT%

Excellent game by Jefferson, who scored 16 of his 23 points in the 4th quarter (on perfect shooting) to rally the Timberwolves past the Grizzlies.

PHILADELPHIA @ HOUSTON 102-95

Andre Iguodala (PHI)
14 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.59), 0.26 z2PT%, 0.64 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Iguodala scored 10 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter without a miss. His three-pointer with 1:37 remaining made it 97-91 Philly and the Sixers never looked back from there.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ ATLANTA 94-91

Jeff Green (OKL)
15 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
20 z-pts (0.49), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.34 z3PT%, 0.78 zFT%

Oklahoma beat one of the best teams in the league thanks to Jeff Green’s And-1 with 12 seconds left and the Thunder up by two. On top of that, he did it in style.

MILWAUKEE @ HOUSTON 98-101

Carl Landry (HOU)
12 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.59), 0.48 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Landry outscored Milwaukee 5-0 in the first minute of overtime, and the Rockets never looked back. He’s the kind of player any team would love to have, able to score and go to the line (and hit’em) down the stretch.

PHILADELPHIA @ MINNESOTA 103-108

Al Jefferson (MIN)
23 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 100% FT%
31 z-pts (0.88), 0.53 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Jefferson scored 11 points in the 4th quarter as the Timberwolves tried to come back and beat the Sixers after trailing by 17 at the half.

Damien Wilkins (MIN)
13 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
19 z-pts (0.52), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Wilkins scored 8 of his 13 points in the 4th quarter on 4-of-5 shooting. Since this was a game that only started to be competitive in the 3rd quarter, he gets more z-points than some of his teammates as he scored mostly when it mattered.

Andre Iguodala (PHI)
17 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
26 z-pts (0.73), 0.21 z2PT%, 0.85 z3PT%, 0.62 zFT%

Iguodala scored 8 points in the 4th quarter, but he missed a clutch free throw down the stretch and a potentially game-winning shot at the end of regulation. Note how both his z2PT% and zFT% are lower as a result (Jonny Flynn also missed a clutch two-pointer at the end of the 4th and gets a lower z2PT%).

PORTLAND @ PHILADELPHIA 98-90

Jerryd Bayless (POR)
18 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.69), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Blayless went 5-of-8 in the 4th quarter for 14 points that were key to the Blazer’s win against Philly.

MEMPHIS @ NEW ORLEANS 111-113

James Posey (NOR)
6 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
23 z-pts (0.72), 0.94 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Just by looking at the box score we know it must have been Posey who won this game for the Hornets. First thing that jumps to the eye is the difference between points and adjusted z-points (6 vs. 23) – we don’t see such a huge disparity in any of his teammates. Next thing we see is that his z2PT% is much higher than his 2PT%. As a matter of fact, Posey hit the game-winner as he drove to the basket in the waning moments of regulation. Watch the recap here.

Chris Paul (NOR)
21 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
36 z-pts (1.12), 0.75 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.96 zFT%

Paul had another tremendous game in the clutch, scoring 10 points on perfect shooting in the last 4:20 and handing out key assists to his teammates when it mattered (the one that gives him big z-assists is his pass to David West to take the lead with 1:21 remaining). Note how his z-shooting % is higher than his normal shooting %, reflecting efficiency in the clutch.

Rudy Gay (MEM)
26 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
35 z-pts (1.11), 0.74 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.90 zFT%

First Rudy Gay’s appearance in our Sunday Beat, as he takes charge in the clutch department against the Hornets. Gay scored 7 points in the last 1:32 without a miss, including a trey to tie the game with 6 seconds left. The way Memphis is playing, I’m sure we’ll see him here again pretty soon.

DENVER @ GOLDEN STATE 123-118

Chauncey Billups (DEN)
37 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
48 z-pts (1.73), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.67 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Mr. Big Shot honored his name by scoring 10 points in the 4th plus another 10 in OT on a combined 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. Super clutch. And super efficient, too.

J.R. Smith (DEN)
14 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%
23 z-pts (0.84), 0.37 z2PT%, 0.58 z3PT%

J.R. Smith gets his z-points thanks to a huge 3 with 29 seconds remaining in OT that gave Denver a two-point lead.

Monta Ellis (GSW)
39 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.43 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
48 z-pts (1.72), 0.37 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 0.65 zFT%

Ellis hit a big 3 to tie the game with 28 seconds remaining in regulation. Then Anthony missed Denver’s last shot, sending the game to overtime (see how low Melo’s z2PT% is because of this). In OT, Ellis hit another big 3 with 45 seconds left to give Golden State the lead. We can easily notice that he was clutch from beyond the arc just by looking at his z3PT%. But he also missed one clutch free throw that would have tied the game with 25 seconds left in OT (he made 1 of 2), and we can also notice this as his zFT% is lower than his real FT%.

L.A. LAKERS @ CLEVELAND 87-93

LeBron James (CLE)
37 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.11 3PT%, 0.77 FT%
47 z-pts (1.36), 0.83 z2PT%, 0.18 z3PT%, 0.75 zFT%

LeBron James was hitting jumper after jumper in crunch time against the Lakers, some of them with Kobe (surprisingly) on the bench. The King went 5-of-7 to score 12 points in the last 6:22, including a key jumper with 40 seconds remaining to give Cleveland a two-point lead.

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
31 pts, 0.30 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
30 z-pts (0.87), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.87 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Kobe was no match for LeBron this time, although we have to acknowledge that he’s been playing through a finger injury that is probably affecting his shooting touch. Somehow he still managed to put up some points in crunch time, as he scored four consecutive points to tie the game at 87 with 1:31 left. But then he missed a key layup that would have tied the game again with 26 seconds remaining. It seems that the Cavs got the Lakers’ number this season, maybe this is finally the King’s year?

Pau Gasol (LAL)
13 pts, 0.36 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
9 z-pts (0.25), 0.19 z2PT%, 0.19 zFT%

Pau was bad, bad, bad down the stretch. Last minute of the game, game tied at 87, Pau gets the ball in the low post… and gets his shot blocked twice. Then LeBron takes the ball to the other end of the court and hits a jumper to put his team two points up. Gasol had an opportunity to redeem himself in the next possession, as he got fouled and went to the line, but ended up missing both free throws. See how both his z2PT% and zFT% reflect this.

PORTLAND @ BOSTON 95-98

Ray Allen (BOS)
9 pts, 0.22 2PT%, 0.20 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
17 z-pts (0.51), 0.12 z2PT%, 0.44 z3PT%, 0.40 zFT%

Ray Allen’s three with 41 seconds left gave the Celts a one-point lead at the end of overtime. See how his z3PT% shows the clutchness of this shot. However, this was an awful shooting night for Allen, as he went 3-of-14 overall.

Tony Allen (BOS)
8 pts, 0.80 2PT%
15 z-pts (0.46), 0.89 z2PT%

Tony Allen’s dunk with 12 seconds left in OT sealed the win for the Celtics. Ray Allen gets credit for the assist (4 assists vs. 6.53 z-assists).

Martell Webster (POR)
19 pts, 0.30 2PT%, 0.29 3PT%, 0.78 FT%
27 z-pts (0.82), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.38 z3PT%, 0.76 zFT%

With the Blazers trailing by five in the last two minutes of regulation, Webster took matters into his own hands and scored five consecutive points (a two-point shot and a trey) to send the game to overtime.

NEW ORLEANS @ MINNESOTA 96-94

James Posey (NOR)
6 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
22 z-pts (0.72), 100% z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

Second game-winner for Posey this week! Just as he beat the Grizzlies two days before, this time he stunned the Timberwolves with a layup at the buzzer.

Peja Stojakovic (NOR)
6 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.68), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Stojakovic was clutch from the free throw line, sinking four free throws without a miss in the last 12 seconds of the game.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ MEMPHIS 84-86

Rudy Gay (MEM)
25 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
40 z-pts (1.14), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.74 zFT%

What did I say? Here’s Rudy Gay again, for the second time this week (just like James Posey… I guess the hot hand thing works after all!). Gay hit the winning J over Kevin Durant with 1.3 seconds left to lift the Grizzlies over the Thunder. His z2PT% is hardly much higher than his real 2PT% just because he shot an awful 1-of-4 down the stretch. Watch the recap and the game-winner here.

ORLANDO @ CHARLOTTE 106-95

Vince Carter (ORL)
21 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.60 FT%
31 z-pts (0.98), 0.61 z2PT%, 0.34 z3PT%, 0.59 zFT%

Carter helped his team down the stretch by scoring 7 of the Magic’s last 11 points in regulation.

Jameer Nelson (ORL)
21 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
26 z-pts (0.82), 0.79 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Nelson gave the Magic a two-point lead with 37 seconds left in regulation, then added 6 points in overtime to help his team pull away from the Bobcats. “We had some bad matchups in overtime and they did a great job,” Charlotte coach Larry Brown said. “Jameer got them started.”

OKLAHOMA CITY @ CLEVELAND 99-100

Daniel Gibson (CLE)
13 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.37 3PT%
38 z-pts (1.12), 0.57 z2PT%, 0.68 z3PT%

With 8.7 seconds left, Gibson hit a big three to give the Cavs a two-point lead. LeBron James gets credit for the assist (12 assists vs. 18.67 z-assists).

PORTLAND @ DETROIT 97-93

Andre Miller (POR)
11 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.83 FT%
24 z-pts (0.71), 0.50 z2PT%, 0.97 zFT%

Martell Webster was the best Blazer in terms of z-points (0.85 for 29 adjusted z-points) but he also got help from Andre Miller, who sunk four clutch free throws in the last 1:42.

SACRAMENTO @ MIAMI 84-115

Omri Casspi (SAC)
13 pts, 0.86 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.33 FT%
3 z-pts (0.03), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.49 zFT%

The rookie from Israel got his points in garbage time in a game that had plenty of it as the Heat routed the Kings 115-84.

CHICAGO @ HOUSTON 104-97

Derrick Rose (CHI)
20 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
25 z-pts (0.57), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.73 zFT%

With the Rockets mounting a comeback late in the 4th, Rose stepped up and scored four consecutive points in the last 30 seconds to annihilate Houston’s hopes.

NEW ORLEANS @ DENVER 110-116

Chauncey Billups (DEN)
20 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.43 3PT%, 100% FT%
31 z-pts (1.01), 0.31 z2PT%, 0.69 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Apparently Billups is back in true form. With the Nuggets trailing by one in the last minute of regulation, Chauncey hit a huge 3 to give Denver a two-point lead with 24 seconds left.

Chris Paul (NOR)
26 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
41 z-pts (1.31), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.37 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

Although Paul wasn’t the top scorer in this game, he was in terms of z-points. The Hornets superstar scored 11 points in the 4th quarter and 7 more in OT but it wasn’t enough to contain Denver’s late charge in the extra period. In the last minute of regulation, Paul made a couple of clutch plays. First he gave his team the lead with 38 seconds remaining, and later he tied the game at 101 with a great layup over Kenyon Martin.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

NEW ORLEANS @ PHILADELPHIA 92-96

Samuel Dalembert (PHI)
6 pts, 0.60 2PT%
14 z-pts (0.41), 0.86 z2PT%

With 25 seconds remaining Andre Iguodala assisted Dalembert, who scored the go-ahead basket for the Sixers. Iguodala gets credit for the clutch assist (8 assists vs. 13.83 z-assists).

Chris Paul (NOR)
13 pts, 0.30 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.61), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.87 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Paul scored 5 of the last 7 points of his team in the last 3:14, but that wasn’t enough to keep up with Philly at the end of the game.

Peja Stojakovic (NOR)
9 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.14 3PT%, 100% FT%
6 z-pts (0.18), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.05 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Stojakovic missed a go-ahead 3 with 17 seconds to go (see how his already awful 3PT% -1 of 7- gets even more awful in terms of z3PT%, clearly showing that he missed from beyond the arc down the stretch). “It’s my shot,” Stojakovic said. “I thought I had a good look, but Iguodala came flying at me.”

ATLANTA @ BOSTON 102-96

Jamal Crawford (ATL)
8 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
19 z-pts (0.50), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Crawford was on fire late in the 4th, scoring the last 6 points of his team to lead Atlanta to another victory over the Celtics.

Glen Davis (BOS)
13 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.83 FT%
19 z-pts (0.51), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.93 zFT%

Big Baby scored 9 of his 13 points in the 4th, including Boston’s last three points of the game. But the Celtics didn’t score in the last 2:33.

MILWAUKEE @ PHOENIX 101-105

Steve Nash (PHO)
30 pts, 0.71 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
40 z-pts (0.94), 0.84 z2PT%, 0.45 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Steve Nash was perfect in the 4th, making his four shots (all of them from 2-point range) and hitting the two free throws that he attempted. See how his z2PT% shows his clutchness.

HOUSTON @ CHARLOTTE 94-102

Stephen Jackson (CHA)
43 pts, 0.71 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 0.91 FT%
53 z-pts (1.27), 0.61 z2PT%, 0.69 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

S-Jax was all over the place in this game, including crunch time. He scored 16 of his 43 points in the 4th quarter on 6-of-8 shooting. As Bobcats coach Larry Brown said, “He’s about as bright as anybody I’ve ever coached. He’s in that difficult category, but he loves his teammates and he loves to play. And he’s made everybody better.” Sounds pretty good.

PHOENIX @ INDIANA 114-122

Danny Granger (IND)
33 pts, 0.46 2PT%, 0.56 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
44 z-pts (1.03), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.63 z3PT%, 0.81 zFT%

Granger was key for the Pacers, hitting 4-of-5 for 11 points out of his 33 points in the 4th quarter.

Steve Nash (PHO)
20 pts, 0.70 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 100% FT%
30 z-pts (0.70), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.34 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Great 4th quarter by Nash, who scored 14 of his 20 points in the 4th quarter alone on an astounding 6-of-7 shooting.

NEW YORK @ PHILADELPHIA 93-92

David Lee (NYK)
24 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
38 z-pts (1.27), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.66 zFT%

Lee was clutch against the Sixers as he made the go-ahead basket twice in the last minute. The last one won the game for the Knicks with 14 seconds remaining.

Marreese Speights (PHI)
10 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
24 z-pts (0.80), 100% z2PT%, 0.50 zFT%

Speights scored all of his 10 points in the last 8:40 (his only playing time in the game).

BOSTON @ NEW JERSEY 111-87

Devin Harris (NJN)
15 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
6 z-pts (0.04), 0.16 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.63 zFT%

The Celtics crushed the Nets, as we can see for the low z-points scored (Pierce, who was Boston’s leading scorer, only had 0.23 z-points). Harris scored 15 points but they are good for only 6 adjusted z-points (0.04 z-points), as he got most of them in garbage time.

SAN ANTONIO @ OKLAHOMA CITY 109-108

Richard Jefferson (SAS)
13 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
24 z-pts (0.81), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.49 z3PT%, 0.50 zFT%

With 9 seconds left in overtime, Jefferson scored the winning basket for the Spurs. The merit of the play goes -in no small part- to Ginobili, who dived for a loose ball in the last possession, making possible Jefferson’s last shot.

L.A. LAKERS @ DALLAS 100-95

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
10 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
20 z-pts (0.55), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

Playing through injuries, Kobe somehow found his groove to deliver in crunch time- as usual. Bryant made the go-ahead jumper with 28 seconds left to give the Lakers a hard-fought win. “In the second half I said, ‘Are you OK?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, I’m good now,’” teammate Ron Artest said. “But Dallas didn’t know that, so they played him one-on-one and he hit that big shot.” Watch it here.

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
30 pts, 0.48 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
40 z-pts (1.12), 0.50 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Nowitzki was also amazing down the stretch, scoring half of his 30 points in the 4th quarter. Dirk tied the game to 95 with 42 seconds left, right before Kobe’s winning J.

MINNESOTA @ HOUSTON 114-120

Aaron Brooks (HOU)
43 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
51 z-pts (1.85), 0.19 z2PT%, 0.65 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

Brooks scored 27 of his 43 points in the 4th quarter and three overtimes combined. 14 in the 4th, and 5 pts, 2 pts and 6 pts in each of the OTs.

Wayne Ellington (MIN)
17 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%
26 z-pts (0.94), 0.32 z2PT%, 0.94 z3PT%

Ellington scored 11 of his 17 points in the extra periods. His trey with 8 seconds left in the second OT tied the game and forced the third overtime.

CLEVELAND @ UTAH 96-97

Sundiata Gaines (UTA)
9 pts, 100% 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
28 z-pts (0.90), 100% z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.64 zFT%

The rookie, who is on a 10-day contract, hit a game-winning 3 at the buzzer to beat LeBron and the Cavs. “I knew if I caught the ball I was going for the win. Once it left my hand it felt good. Just to beat Cleveland, this was a big game”, Gaines said.

LeBron James (CLE)
36 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
46 z-pts (1.46), 0.64 z2PT%, 0.84 z3PT%, 0.67 zFT%

Lebron did everything in his hand to win this ballgame. James scored 20 of his 36 points in the 4th quarter, including 9 points in the last 1:15. Quite a performance by the King.

PHOENIX @ ATLANTA 101-102

Jamal Crawford (ATL)
21 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.29 3PT%, 100% FT%
37 z-pts (1.18), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.65 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Crawford hit a 3 at the buzzer to beat the Suns. He had 9 points in the 4th quarter on 3-of-5 shooting.

Amare Stoudemire (PHO)
28 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.71 FT%
36 z-pts (1.15), 0.49 z2PT%, 0.61 zFT%

Stoudemire scored 11 of his 28 points in the 4th quarter. With 6 seconds left, he went to the line to shoot two free throws, missed one and made one, putting the Suns up two. Had he made both FTs, Crawford’s 3 at the buzzer wouldn’t have beat the Suns. See how his zFT% is lower than his FT%.

WASHINGTON @ CHICAGO 119-121

Derrick Rose (CHI)
37 pts, 0.48 2PT%, 0.71 FT%
51 z-pts (2.08), 0.45 z2PT%, 0.65 zFT%

Rose scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, including a bucket to tie the game with 26 seconds left, but he later missed a shot at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime. In the second overtime of the game, and with 5 seconds remaining, Rose hit the winning shot to finally beat the Wizards.

NEW ORLEANS @ DETROIT 104-110

Rodney Stuckey (DET)
8 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
19 z-pts (0.50), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Stuckey was key in the Pistons win over the Hornets, scoring 8 of Detroit’s 14 points in overtime.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ DALLAS 98-99

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
32 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.93 FT%
47 z-pts (1.46), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.96 zFT%

Nowitzki and teammate Jason Terry led the charge in the 4th quarter for the Mavs. Dirk scored 9 points down the stretch for Terry’s 7, including a jumper to give Dallas a 3 point lead with 6 seconds remaining. With 4 seconds left and the Mavs up by one, Terry missed a couple of free throws, giving the Thunder the chance to win the game in the final seconds (see Terry’s zFT% compared to his FT%).

PHOENIX @ CHARLOTTE 99-125

Leandro Barbosa (PHO)
17 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
0.43 z-pts (0.00), 0.01 z2PT%, 0.43 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Bobcats trashed the Suns: 43-22 at the end of the first quarter and 74-47 at the half. Barbosa scored 17 points in this game, but since z-points adjust for garbage time he only gets 0.43 adjusted z-points.

SAN ANTONIO @ MEMPHIS 86-92

Zach Randolph (MEM)
23 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.58 FT%
36 z-pts (0.87), 0.32 z2PT%, 0.87 zFT%

11 of Randolph’s 23 points came in the 4th quarter. The Grizzlies forward was clutch at the end of the game, especially from the free throw line, as he sunk 5-of-6 free throws in the last minute to help Memphis escape with the win.

Roger Mason (SAS)
17 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%
27 z-pts (0.66), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.33 z3PT%

The Spurs started the 4th quarter trailing the Grizzlies by 12 points. Then Mason fueled a run that put San Antonio one point behind with 41 seconds remaining. Overall, Mason scored 10 of his 17 points in the 4th, but he also missed a crucial three-pointer to tie the game with 18 seconds left (see how his z3PT% is lower, reflecting the fact that he missed from beyond the arc in the clutch).

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

BOSTON @ L.A. CLIPPERS 90-92

Baron Davis (LAC)
24 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
40 z-pts (1.22), 0.90 z2PT%, 0.47 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Clippers beat the Celtics, courtesy of Mr. Baron Davis buzzer-beater. “I’ve been in that situation before. Every time I get in that situation, I feel like I can make that shot. You’ve just got to prepare your mind for it when you go out there to take that shot”, Davis said.

Rasual Butler (LAC)
8 pts, 0.25 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%
16 z-pts (0.48), 0.17 z2PT%, 0.80 z3PT%

It was only because of Butler’s game-tying three-pointer that Davis would have the opportunity to win the game in the last possession. Note how his z3PT% is higher than his true 3PT%.

WASHINGTON @ MEMPHIS 111-116

Zach Randolph (MEM)
23 pts, 0.41 2PT%, 100% FT%
32 z-pts (1.08), 0.49 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Randolph sank a couple of free throws to tie the game in regulation, then scored 6 points in overtime to help the Grizzlies overcome the Wizards.

Caron Butler (WAS)
24 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
36 z-pts (1.20), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.52 z3PT%, 0.96 zFT%

Butler made two clutch free throws with 9 seconds left in the 4th quarter to give the Wizards a two-point lead.

ATLANTA @ CLEVELAND 101-106

Anderson Varejao (CLE)
14 pts, 0.71 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.33 FT%
34 z-pts (0.94), 0.77 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.25 zFT%

Varejao’s first career 3-pointer couldn’t have come at a better time. With the game tied at 101 and 17 seconds left, the Brazilian made the trey to deliver a W for LeBron James on the superstar’s birthday. The Kings had the opportunity to tie the game on a Mike Bibby’s 3, but the PG missed the shot (see how his z3PT% drops as a result).

CHARLOTTE @ TORONTO 103-107

Chris Bosh (TOR)
33 pts, 0.55 2PT%, 100% FT%
37 z-pts (1.03), 0.59 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Bosh scored 12 points in the 4th quarter on 3-of-7 shooting and was perfect from the line, making all of his six free throws. He scored four points in the last 1:23 that were key to the Rap’s win.

Andrea Bargnani (TOR)
28 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
34 z-pts (0.96), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.52 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Bargnani made a big trey with 10 seconds left to put the Raptors four points up in the scoreboard.

MIAMI @ NEW ORLEANS 91-95

David West (NOR)
21 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 0.83 FT%
31 z-pts (0.86), 0.57 z2PT%, 0.94 zFT%

David West was key in this game, putting up 10 points in the last quarter. He scored six in the last minute, including four clutch free throws.

DALLAS @ HOUSTON 94-97

Carl Landry (HOU)
15 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.53), 0.54 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Landry is one of the best players in this surprisingly effective Rockets squad. This time he had nine 4th-quarter points on 4-of-5 shooting.

UTAH @ OKLAHOMA CITY 86-87

Nick Collison (OKL)
11 pts, 0.80 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
31 z-pts (1.02), 0.90 z2PT%, 0.83 zFT%

The Thunder forward scored the go-ahead basket with 1:05 to go, then hit two clutch free throws with 4.5 seconds left to hand the victory to his team. “We’re finding a way to win games,” Collison said. “We’ve been talented for a long time and now we’re finding a way to win even when we don’t play well.”

Deron Williams (UTA)
14 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
27 z-pts (0.88), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Good game down the stretch from Williams, who scored 10 of his 14 points in the last 5 minutes, including an And-1 with 58 seconds left to give Utah the lead. “We played good enough defense the whole game to win the basketball game. Just offensively, we didn’t have everybody going”, he said. Ronnie Price had a chance to win the game for the Jazz but missed his jumper as the clock expired (see how his already terrible 2PT% gets even worse in terms of z2PT%).

NEW YORK @ ATLANTA 112-108

Nate Robinson (NYK)
41 pts, 0.79 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 0.40 FT%
67 z-pts (1.99), 0.79 z2PT%, 0.58 z3PT%, 0.37 zFT%

Amazing performance from the Knicks point guard after 14 games without seeing any playing time. Robinson scored 14 points in the 4th quarter and added 11 more in overtime, making 18 out of 24 shots in the game. What a comeback.

Marvin Williams (ATL)
11 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%
10 z-pts (0.30), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.08 z3PT%

Williams had the opportunity to win the game in the last possession of regulation but his three-point shot was off. See how his z3PT% is much lower than his real 3PT%.

SACRAMENTO @ L.A. LAKERS 108-109

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
39 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.71 3PT%, 0.73 FT%
53 z-pts (1.64), 0.50 z2PT%, 0.77 z3PT%, 0.56 zFT%

“These players — I don’t know how they get themselves into those positions, but they do an unbelievable job of hitting shots that are remarkable shots, marvelous shots. He’s right there with Michael in that kind of breath you look at.” That’s Phil Jackson praising Kobe, after (once again) Bryant hit the game-winner at the buzzer. Unreal. Kobe went 4-of-6 in the 4th for 11 points in the last period, capped by his amazing buzzer-beater. Pau Gasol gets credit for the assist in the clutch play (4 assists vs. 12.15 z-assists).

CHARLOTTE @ MIAMI 107-97

Stephen Jackson (CHA)
35 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.57 3PT%, 100% FT%
41 z-pts (1.06), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.65 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Jackson had 13 points in the 4th quarter, going 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Bobcats shot extremely well in the last quarter and overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Heat.

D.J. Augustin (CHA)
13 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%
20 z-pts (0.53), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.86 z3PT%

Augustin was the perfect backup for Jackson, scoring 11 points in the 4th quarter, including four 3s on perfect shooting.

HOUSTON @ NEW ORLEANS 95-99

Chris Paul (NOR)
28 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.90 FT%
41 z-pts (1.11), 0.54 z2PT%, 0.45 z3PT%, 0.94 zFT%

Paul scored 10 in the 4th, including 5 points in the last 1:21, to help the Hornets come back from a seven-point deficit in the last minutes of the game.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ MILWAUKEE 97-103

Luke Ridnour (MIL)
12 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
23 z-pts (0.74), 0.74 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

With 1:59 left in overtime, Scott Skiles put Ridnour in the game and the decision paid off. The Bucks PG made two key baskets to help Milwaukee win this game.

Russell Westbrook (OKL)
17 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.62 FT%
28 z-pts (0.91), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.59 zFT%

Westbrook led the charge for the Thunder in the OT, scoring 7 points that at the end wouldn’t be enough to beat Milwaukee.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

PORTLAND @ MIAMI 102-95

Brandon Roy (POR)
28 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
34 z-pts (0.93), 0.74 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Roy had an amazing 4th quarter, scoring 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting in the last 4:28, a couple of threes included. “I know for a fact, the last 3 he hit, D-Wade was in his face. I’m talking about centimeters away from the ball and it just dropped. It was a tough shot. Great shot. Not too much you can do about those”, said Heat’s forward Michael Beasley.

CHARLOTTE @ NEW YORK 94-98

Danilo Gallinari (NYK)
21 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.29 3PT%, 0.70 FT%
34 z-pts (0.94), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.50 z3PT%, 0.55 zFT%

Nine 4th-quarter points from the Italian, including a couple of treys, were key to the Knicks victory.

SACRAMENTO @ CHICAGO 102-98

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
23 pts, 0.39 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
61 z-pts (1.00), 0.53 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.63 zFT%

Evans scored 9 of his team’s last 11 points to complete one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history.

PHILADELPHIA @ WASHINGTON 98-105

Gilbert Arenas (WAS)
31 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (0.91), 0.53 z2PT%, 0.40 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Arenas went 5-of-11 in the 4th quarter, scoring 12 points and, this time, making his free throws at the end of the game.

Caron Butler (WAS)
14 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.56), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Butler scored 10 points in the last quarter to help the Wizards win the game down the stretch.

INDIANA @ BOSTON 94-103

Paul Pierce (BOS)
21 pts, 0.23 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.92 FT%
31 z-pts (0.72), 0.30 z2PT%, 0.57 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

After missing his first 10 shots, Pierce scored 14 of his 21 points in the 4th quarter, including seven consecutive points to give the Celtics the lead in the game for good. “That’s the difference between the average player and the great player. The average player stops shooting and turns it into a bad game. The great players are thinking after every miss, the next one has to go in”, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. Pierce went 3-of-5 from 2PT, 1-of-2 from 3PT and hit all of his 5 free throws in the last quarter.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ L.A. LAKERS 108-111

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
40 pts, 0.61 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.86 FT%
46 z-pts (1.29), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

This game highlights the importance of having players that can go to the line and hit their free throws in crunch time. Kobe had 11 points in the 4th quarter, 9 of which came from the line on 9-of-10 shooting. His last two free throws were especially clutch, giving the Lakers a 109-106 lead with 19 seconds remaining.

Derek Fisher (LAL)
15 pts, 0.25 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
22 z-pts (0.62), 0.22 z2PT%, 0.62 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Fisher’s only two points in the 4th quarter were clutch. The Lakers veteran PG sank two free throws to give the Lakers a three-point lead with 14 seconds left.

MINNESOTA @ NEW JERSEY 103-99

Corey Brewer (MIN)
17 pts, 0.70 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
26 z-pts (0.75), 0.79 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

Brewer gave the Timberwolves a 99-96 lead with 39 seconds left, then hit two free throws to make it 101-97 Wolves with 24 seconds remaining. His higher z2PT% and zFT% reflect the clutchness of his last shots.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ PHOENIX 117-113

Kevin Durant (OKL)
38 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 0.73 FT%
49 z-pts (1.26), 0.54 z2PT%, 0.68 z3PT%, 0.73 zFT%

Durant scored 11 of his 38 points in the 4th, including a jumper that put the Thunder four points ahead of the Suns with 14 seconds left in the game.

HOUSTON @ NEW JERSEY 98-93

Aaron Brooks (HOU)
17 pts, 0.30 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
29 z-pts (0.86), 0.44 z2PT%, 0.62 z3PT%, 0.85 zFT%

Brooks scored six consecutive points in the last minute of the game, hitting all of his four free throws to give Houston the win against the Nets.

L.A. LAKERS @ SACRAMENTO 112-103

Pau Gasol (LAL)
24 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.60 FT%
31 z-pts (0.89), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.31 zFT%

Gasol made a tip shot with .04 seconds left to send the game to a second overtime. Then Kobe took over, hitting two consecutive three-pointers to close the game out (almost half of Kobe’s z-points come from 3PT range). Gasol’s game was, however, kind of shaky down the stretch. He missed a couple of FT at the end of regulation that would have won the game for the Lakers (see how low his zFT% is compared to his real FT%). Overall, Pau went 3-of-7 in field goals and 3-of-6 from the line in the 4th quarter and two overtimes combined.

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Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-points-wise.

MEMPHIS @ L.A. CLIPPERS 88-98

Al Thornton (LAC)
18 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.40 FT%
31 z-pts (0.61), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.55 zFT%

Thornton scored 8 of his 18 points in the last 2:26 to help the Clippers pull away from the Grizzlies in crunch time.

HOUSTON @ OKLAHOMA CITY 100-91

Aaron Brooks (HOU)
21 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
28 z-pts (0.73), 0.52 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Brooks scored 18 of his 21 in the second half, including 9 points in the last 4:39.

Carl Landry (HOU)
21 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
26 z-pts (0.67), 0.48 z2PT%, 0.75 zFT%

Landry was also key to the Rockets winning this game, scoring 17 of his 21 points in the second half on 7-of-13 shooting.

PHILADELPHIA @ DALLAS 102-104

Jason Terry (DAL)
7 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%
27 z-pts (0.63), 0.95 z2PT%, 0.23 z3PT%

Terry hit a fadeaway jumper over Willie Green with 1 second left to win this game. But we don’t need to watch the game to know what happened. Look at Terry’s stat line: he only scored 7 points but he’s got 27 (0.63) z-points, so he was clearly clutch in this game. From where? Look at his 2PT% vs. z2PT%: 0.67 vs. 0.95, which shows that he won it for the Mavs with a 2-point shot.

CHICAGO @ MILWAUKEE 97-99

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
15 pts, 0.18 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.72), 0.27 z2PT%, 0.82 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Brandon Jennings hit two clutch free throws to make it 98-95 Bucks with 13 seconds to go. Although those two free throws account only for 13% of his points, they amount to as much as 44% of his z-points, showing how z-scores are heavily tilted towards clutchness.

WASHINGTON @ TORONTO 106-102

Jarrett Jack (TOR)
18 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.67), 0.42 z2PT%, 0.56 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Jarrett Jack gets credit for keeping the Raptors close in the game. He scored 5 points in 38 seconds to put Toronto two points behind with 58 seconds left in the game.

PHOENIX @ NEW YORK 99-126

Alando Tucker (PHO)
14 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.62 FT%
0.17 z-pts (0.00), 0.38 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.53 zFT%

z-points are helpful to determine clutch plays, but also to expose all those points scored in garbage time. Alando Tucker got all of his 14 points in a 4th quarter that started with the Suns 24 points behind the Knicks.

MILWAUKEE @ WASHINGTON 102-104

Earl Boykins (WAS)
13 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.70 FT%
41 z-pts (1.38), 0.72 z2PT%, 0.92 zFT%

Huge game in crunch time by Boykins, who scored 10 of his 13 points in the 4th quarter including four free throws on 4-of-4 in the last 17 seconds. His two last FTs came with the game tied and just one second left, virtually giving the Wizards the W in this one.

TORONTO @ WASHINGTON 109-107

Hedo Turkoglu (TOR)
20 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
30 z-pts (1.11), 100% z2PT%, 0.22 z3PT%, 0.75 zFT%

Turkoglu scored the last 6 points of the game for the Raptors, including a baseline fadeaway jumper to put Toronto ahead 109-107 with 8 seconds left in OT.

Chris Bosh (TOR)
31 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.62 FT%
40 z-pts (1.48), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.78 zFT%

Bosh scored 13 of his 31 points in the 4th quarter, including two clutch free throws with 19 seconds left in regulation to put his team 96-94 ahead of the Wizards.

Gilbert Arenas (WAS)
34 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 0.45 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
40 z-pts (1.47), 0.49 z2PT%, 0.56 z3PT%, 0.58 zFT%

Agent Zero hit the jumper that sent the game to OT, then sank a 3 to tie the game at 107 with 30 seconds left in the extra period.

NEW YORK @ ATLANTA 114-107

Larry Hughes (NYK)
16 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
23 z-pts (0.49), 0.54 z2PT%, 0.65 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Hugues scored 10 of his 16 points to help the Knicks pull away in a 4th quarter that started with New york trailing the Hawks by one.

MIAMI @ L.A. LAKERS 107-108

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
33 pts, 0.45 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
49 z-pts (1.65), 0.37 z2PT%, 0.93 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

Kobe hit an amazing 3 off the glass to win the game at the buzzer. “It was the luckiest shot I’ve ever taken, by far,” Bryant said. “It felt good, but I just couldn’t believe this ball might go in on this shot.”

Dwyane Wade (MIA)
26 pts, 0.35 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
42 z-pts (1.44), 0.49 z2PT%, 0.66 zFT%

Wade scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, 7 of them in the last 1:25. However, that wouldn’t be enough as Kobe hit that unbelievable 3. “The basketball gods were with him on that one, but we did a great job and did what we’re supposed to do on the road — give ourselves a chance to win”, Wade said. “But a great player hit an unbelievable shot. There are a couple of guys around the league that make big shots, but there ain’t many, and he’s one of them.”

PHILADELPHIA @ CHARLOTTE 105-106

Raymond Felton (CHA)
18 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
36 z-pts (1.16), 0.71 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Bobcats PG took it to the hole to make the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left. Felton scored 9 of his 18 points in the last 4 minutes.

Boris Diaw (CHA)
28 pts, 0.83 2PT%, 0.83 3PT%, 100% FT%
36 z-pts (1.17), 0.94 z2PT%, 0.85 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The French man had a very effective game, as shown by his shooting %. He was also clutch down the stretch, scoring 10 points in the last seven minutes. That included a big 3 to put the Bobcats one point behind Philly with 1:22 left in the game, and a layup to take the lead with 17 seconds left.

Andre Iguodala (PHI)
22 pts, 0.29 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
33 z-pts (1.06), 0.23 z2PT%, 0.49 z3PT%, 0.93 zFT%

It wasn’t a great shooting night for Iguodala, who started the 4th quarter missing his first four shots, but he was there at the end to sink a couple of clutch free throws with 13 seconds left. However, he missed a potential winning shot at the buzzer (hence his lower z2PT% and his higher ZFT%).

TORONTO @ CHICAGO 110-78

Brad Miller (CHI)
11 pts, 0.29 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
3 z-pts (0.02), 0.00 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.63 zFT%

This game was over from the first quarter, in which the Raptors outscored the Bulls 40 to 16. Miller got his points in garbage time and that’s why he put up only 3 z-points and a dismal 0.002 shooting percentage from z2PT range.

HOUSTON @ PORTLAND 89-90

Brandon Roy (POR)
28 pts, 0.61 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
51 z-pts (1.88), 0.81 z2PT%, 0.36 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The high z2PT% together with his big z-points show that Roy was huge in the clutch from 2-point range. In fact, that was the case as Roy made an incredible layup with 3 seconds left to win this one for the Blazers. Overall, he scored 12 points in the 4th on 5-of-6 shooting.

Carl Landry (HOU)
23 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.82 FT%
31 z-pts (1.14), 0.39 z2PT%, 0.93 zFT%

Landry kept going to the line in the 4th quarter, hitting 9-of-10 in the quarter. 70% of his z-points came from free throws.

Luis Scola (HOU)
21 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
26 z-pts (0.97), 0.70 z2PT%, 0.81 zFT%

With 9 seconds left, Scola made a jumper to put the Rockets one point ahead, but Brandon Roy’s layup in the last play would take this game away from the Rockets.

NBA Photos

Sunday Beat is a weekly post featuring the most remarkable performances of the week, z-point-wise.

MEMPHIS @ SACRAMENTO 116-127

Zach Randolph (MEM)
30 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.86 FT%
40 z-pts (1.38), 0.67 z2PT%, 0.86 zFT%

Zach Randolph made a shot to put Memphis ahead with 6 seconds left in regulation.

Beno Udrih (SAC)
16 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%
24 z-pts (0.83), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.19 z3PT%

Beno Udrih tied the game with a layup with just one second remaining in regulation, but he followed it up with a missed three-pointer that would have won the game for the Kings. See how his z3PT% goes down because of that last shot.

BOSTON @ PHILADELPHIA 105-74

Lester Hudson (BOS)
6pts
0 z-pts (0.00)

Hudson got his points in garbage time and that shows in his zero z-points.

Willie Green (PHI)
7 pts
0 z-pts (0.00)

Same for Green, getting his numbers with the game already decided for the Celtics.

L.A. LAKERS @ OKLAHOMA CITY 101-98

Kobe Bryant (LAL)
31 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.86 FT%
42 z-pts (1.33), 0.45 z2PT%, 0.07 z3PT%, 0.93 zFT%

Kobe delivered in this game, although he didn’t shoot particularly well down the stretch. He made some big buckets but also missed a few of them. At the end that was enough to get the Lakers the W.

Kevin Durant (OKC)
28 pts, 0.62 2PT%
19 z-pts (0.59), 0.35 z2PT%

The flip side of Kobe was Kevin Durant, who had a terrible game in the clutch. He missed shots and had turnovers that made it really tough for the Thunder to win this game.

ATLANTA @ PORTLAND 97-91

Joe Johnson (ATL)
19 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.2 3PT%
27 z-pts (0.74), 0.64z2PT%, 0.43z3PT%

Not a superb game for Johnson overall but he scored well in the 4th, putting up seven points that helped Atlanta win the game.

UTAH @ DALLAS 85-96

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
40 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.94 FT%
54 z-pts (1.28), 0.67 z2PT%, 0.52 z3PT%, 0.94 zFT%

Well, you already know about it. Dirk Nowitzki exploded for 29 points in the 4th quarter, setting up a new franchise record for most points in a single quarter (Mark Aguirre had the previous record since 1984, with 24 points in one quarter).