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

TORONTO @ MIAMI 94-97

Carlos Arroyo (DAL)
12 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 100% FT%
35 z-pts (0.89), 0.72 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Carlos Arroyo was fantastic in the clutch, scoring 8 points in the last minute of the game.

PHOENIX @ CHICAGO 111-105

Steve Nash (PHO)
22 pts, 0.35 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
31 z-pts (0.94), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 0.88 zFT%

Nash is warming up for the playoffs. Steve lighted up the Bulls with 7 points and 2 assists in the last 2 minutes of the game.

MILWAUKEE @ CLEVELAND 98-101

LeBron James (CLE)
23 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.70 FT%
36 z-pts (1.17), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

LeBron scored 9 of his 23 points in the 4th quarter, including the go-ahead basket with 17 seconds to go.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ BOSTON 109-104

Jeff Green (OKL)
17 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%
25 z-pts (0.69), 0.36 z2PT%, 0.91 z3PT%

Two back-to-back three-pointers from Green in the last two minutes were key to the Thunder beating the Celtics in Boston. Watch out for this team in the playoffs!

DALLAS @ MEMPHIS 106-102

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
28 pts, 0.35 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
59 z-pts (1.88), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.68 z3PT%, 0.96 zFT%

Great performance by the German, who scored 13 points in the 4th (8 in the last two minutes) and added 6 more in overtime.

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.

BOSTON @ SACRAMENTO 95-92

Paul Pierce (BOS)
17 pts, 0.27 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
31 z-pts (0.88), 0.32 z2PT%, 0.72 z3PT%, 0.95 zFT%

The great thing about z-points is that we don’t need to watch the game to figure out who made important contributions to win. Pierce stands out in the box score with 31 adjusted z-points (0.88 z-points), thanks to his 7 points in the last 3:24, including a key 3-pointer for the lead with 1:38 and a couple of clutch free throws with 2 seconds left.

Ray Allen (BOS)
15 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.17 3PT%, 100% FT%
23 z-pts (0.65), 0.38 z2PT%, 0.14 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The other great contributor for the Celtics was Ray Allen. Although he only got 4 of his 15 points from free throws (27%), his zFTM compared to his total z-points is .34 to .65 (52%), which shows clutchness from the free throw line. With 5 seconds remaining, Allen went to the line and cooly sank his two free throws for a three-point lead.

GOLDEN STATE @ L.A. LAKERS 94-104

Pau Gasol (LAL)
14 pts, 0.36 2PT%, 100% FT%
22 z-pts (0.51), 0.43 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Pau was the key down the stretch, as he scored 6 points (4 from free throws) in a 8-2 run by the Lakers late in the 4th quarter. Again, we see that while he only got 28% of his points from free throws, in terms of z-points that percentage jumps to 41%.

MINNESOTA @ WASHINGTON 99-108

Mike Miller (MIN)
17 pts, 0.00 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.59), 0.00 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

It was Miller who blew the game open for the Wolves down the stretch. With 4:30 remaining and a tied ballgame, Miller made three back-to-back-to-back treys to fuel an 11-2 run in just 2 minutes.

MEMPHIS @ TORONTO 109-102

Rudy Gay (MEM)
29 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
34 z-pts (1.06), 0.60 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.82 zFT%

Gay exploded in OT, scoring 8 of his team’s 12 points in the period on 4-of-5 shooting.

Zach Randolph (MEM)
24 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
27 z-pts (0.86), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.52 zFT%

With one second remaining in regulation, Randolph scored the tying bucket for the Grizzlies, sending the game to overtime.

MIAMI @ NEW JERSEY 87-84

Quentin Richardson (LAC)
16 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
27 z-pts (0.75), 0.42 z2PT%, 0.79 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

A 3-pointer and two free throws from Richardson sparked an 8-4 run for Miami in the last 1:52 to close out the 4th quarter and win this game.

UTAH @ NEW ORLEANS 98-90

Carlos Boozer (UTA)
16 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.64), 0.54 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

With 3 minutes left and the game tied, the Jazz went on a 7-2 run led by Boozer’s 6 points (a couple of buckets and two free throws) to finally shed the Hornets.

HOUSTON @ MILWAUKEE 127-99

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (MIL)
18 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
3 z-pts (0.04), 0.34 z2PT%, 0.39 zFT%

Plenty of garbage time in the Rocket’s trashing of the Bucks. Despite being the Buck’s leading scorer, z-points show the real impact of Mbah a Moute’s performance. 16 of his 18 points came in a fourth quarter that started with a dismal 100-66 score, a 34-point lead for the Rockets.

DENVER @ CLEVELAND 118-116

Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
40 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.76 FT%
53 z-pts (1.92), 0.73 z2PT%, 0.35 z3PT%, 0.81 zFT%

Anthony’s motivation heading into this game was sky-high. Melo scored 11 points in the 4th period and added 6 more in overtime, on a combined 7-of-8 shooting. And to top it all, he ended his night with the game winning shot over LeBron.

LeBron James (CLE)
43 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.11 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
59 z-pts (2.13), 0.66 z2PT%, 0.10 z3PT%, 0.73 zFT%

To put things in perspective, the last time a player had at least 40 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in a game it was 1962 (the player was Oscar Robertson). The King scored 18 points in the 4th and added 6 more in OT, but he missed his share down the stretch, particularly from beyond the arc, as he missed his four 3-point attempts in the extra period (including a potential game-winner at the buzzer).

BOSTON @ L.A. LAKERS 87-86

Lamar Odom (LAL)
13 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
18 z-pts (0.42), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.66 z3PT%, 0.68 zFT%

Odom’s layup with 2:24 remaining cut the Celtics lead to one point, but the Lakers didn’t score again. The team missed Kobe Bryant’s leadership in crunch time.

MILWAUKEE @ DETROIT 91-85

John Salmons (MIL)
19 pts, 0.30 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
30 z-pts (0.79), 0.27 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 0.76 zFT%

Salmons’ clutch 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining gave the Bucks a four-point lead (see his z3PT%). Overall, he scored 8 of his 19 points in the 4th quarter to complete an excellent performance in his first game as a Buck.

WASHINGTON @ TORONTO 104-109

Hedo Turkoglu (TOR)
16 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.57), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Turkoglu made the difference down the stretch as he scored 5 points in a decisive 7-0 run by the Raptors late in the 4th.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ NEW YORK 121-118

Kevin Durant (OKL)
36 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.93 FT%
50 z-pts (1.85), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.50 z3PT%, 0.97 zFT%

KD stole the show in T-Mac’s return to action, scoring 36 points in this hotly contested matchup. Durant’s 3-pointer with 6 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game and sent it to overtime, where he added 7 points, including the go-ahead basket with 16 seconds to go.

Nick Collison (OKL)
10 pts, 0.56 2PT%
16 z-pts (0.60), 0.67 z2PT%

Collison helped his team with 4 key points in overtime, including a go-ahead basket with 32 seconds remaining.

Eddie House (NYK)
24 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
38 z-pts (1.38), 0.73 z2PT%, 0.48 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

On the Knicks side, newcomer Eddie House was the best player in crunch time with 12 points in the 4th quarter and 5 more in overtime.

MIAMI @ DALLAS 91-97

Jason Kidd (DAL)
21 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 0.89 FT%
31 z-pts (0.73), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.76 z3PT%, 0.99 zFT%

Fantastic 4th quarter from Kidd, who scored 14 of his 21 points on perfect shooting.

INDIANA @ HOUSTON 125-115

T.J. Ford (IND)
23 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
33 z-pts (0.80), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.72 z3PT%, 0.99 zFT%

T.J. was the top performer in this fast-paced game, with 12 of his 23 points coming in the 4th quarter.

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.

SAN ANTONIO @ UTAH 101-104

Deron Williams (UTA)
17 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%
28 z-pts (0.79), 0.70 z2PT%, 0.30 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Williams scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, but more importantly he put the Jazz ahead with 22 seconds on the clock.

Tim Duncan (SAS)
23 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 100% FT%
30 z-pts (0.86), 0.58 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Duncan had 4 points in the last minute, including two clutch FTs to put the Spurs one point ahead of the Jazz with 28 seconds to go.

Carlos Boozer (UTA)
27 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.78 FT%
27 z-pts (0.76), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.24 zFT%

With 10 seconds left and Utah up by one, Boozer went to the line to shoot two and missed them both. Note how his zFT% reflects those missed clutch free throws.

MILWAUKEE @ BOSTON 89-98

Rajon Rondo (BOS)
11 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.71 FT%
19 z-pts (0.48), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.71 zFT%

Rondo is not particularly known for being a scoring threat, but in this game he had all of his points in the 4th quarter to lead Boston’s final push.

SACRAMENTO @ NEW ORLEANS 94-96

Darius Songaila (NOR)
11 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
26 z-pts (0.86), 100% z2PT%, 0.50 zFT%

Songaila was perfect from the field, hitting all of his 5 shots. One of them was the winning layup with 11 seconds left in the game.

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
25 pts, 0.62 2PT%, 0.62 FT%
33 z-pts (1.09), 0.55 z2PT%, 0.75 zFT%

The rookie scored 9 points in the last two minutes, keeping the Kings’ chance to win this game alive until the end.

NEW JERSEY @ CHICAGO 103-101

Devin Harris (NJN)
17 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
29 z-pts (0.94), 0.76 z2PT%, 0.29 z3PT%, 0.72 zFT%

Harris hit the go-ahead shot with 14 seconds left. “I saw an opening and I knew what to do,” he said. “It was the same play they ran, we ran on the other end. Pretty much an isolation. It was my shot to take.”

Derrick Rose (CHI)
27 pts, 0.59 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.25 FT%
36 z-pts (1.14), 0.72 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.038 zFT%

Rose scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, including a running jumper with 19 seconds left that put the Bulls ahead. Note also how John Salmons has a really bad 0.15 z3PT% (vs. his real 0.40 3PT%) as he missed a critical 3 with 7 seconds left.

CLEVELAND @ MEMPHIS 109-111

Mike Conley (MEM)
12 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
26 z-pts (1.00), 0.81 z2PT%, 0.22 z3PT%, 0.88 zFT%

Conley scored only 12 against the Cavs but his last two points won the game. The PG from Ohio State drove to the basket, deceived Shaq with a little hesitation move and then took it all the way to the hole for the winning layup. “He gave me the Allen Iverson, carry-hessy move, and he got me,” O’Neal said.

LeBron James (CLE)
43 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.36 3PT%, 0.92 FT%
57 z-pts (2.21), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.17 z3PT%, 0.94 zFT%

When one looks at z-points, it’s good to see not only how many of them were ’scored’, but also how effectively (that is, zFG%). LeBron scored a ton of z-points in this game (2.21 is just insane!), which means that he SCORED in the clutch (he had 16 points in the 4th quarter and overtime combined). But did he miss also? Well, look at his z3PT% (0.17). That’s telling us that he missed some 3s in crunch time. He did indeed, missing potentially game-winning 3s at both the end of regulation and overtime.

PHOENIX @ DALLAS 101-102

Jason Terry (DAL)
15 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.20 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
28 z-pts (0.74), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.19 z3PT%, 0.49 zFT%

Same story for Terry. He scored a couple of big free throws at the end of OT to make it 99-102 Mavs with 6 seconds left, but then missed his next two free throws with 2 seconds left and the Mavs up by just one point. Note how his zFT% is much lower than his true FT%, showing that his scoring % in the clutch wasn’t that good because of those two missed free throws.

DETROIT @ PHILADELPHIA 90-86

Rodney Stuckey (DET)
27 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 100% FT%
38 z-pts (1.24), 0.52 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Rodney Stuckey is making the most of his minutes for the injury-plagued Pistons, scoring 8 points in the 4th including the winning shot. Pistons coach John Kuester said after the game, “No question I want the ball in his hands. You saw a lot of growth in a young man. I’ve been telling people about how good he can be. He can be one of the best guards in the league and he showed it tonight.”

NEW ORLEANS @ MINNESOTA 97-96

Chris Paul (NOR)
15 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.20 3PT%, 100% FT%
34 z-pts (0.89), 0.84 z2PT%, 0.16 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

With 4 seconds left and the Hornets trailing by one, Paul threw the inbounds pass to David West, then made a backdoor cut behind rookie Jonny Flynn – who completely missed it-, got the ball back from West and put it in to win the game.

PORTLAND @ CLEVELAND 99-104

Anderson Varejao (CLE)
22 pts, 0.59 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
29 z-pts (0.76), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.61 zFT%

Varejao was key for the Cavs in this game, scoring 12 of his 22 points in the 4th quarter on 6-of-7 shooting.

ORLANDO @ PHOENIX 103-106

Grant Hill (PHO)
12 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
16 z-pts (0.44), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

The talented veteran of the Phoenix Suns made the go-ahead jumper with 1:08 to go.

Anthony Johnson (ORL)
11 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.55), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.21 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Johnson scored all of his 11 points in the 4th quarter, but he missed a 3 in the last minute with the score 103-104 Suns. Note how his z3PT% is lower than his 3PT%. The same goes for Rashard Lewis, who missed a potentially-tying 3 at the buzzer.

INDIANA @ WASHINGTON 114-112

Mike Dunleavy (IND)
24 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.77 FT%
37 z-pts (1.16), 100% z2PT%, 0.51 z3PT%, 0.95 zFT%

Dunleavy sank four free throws in the last 13 seconds to give the Pacers the win on this one. Note how his zFT% is higher than his real FT%.

Earl Boykins (WAS)
14 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
27 z-pts (0.84), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

Boykins went 5-of-7 to score 10 of his 14 points in the last quarter, including a bucket with 22 seconds to go that put the Wizards two points ahead of the Pacers.

Gilbert Arenas (WAS)
22 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.57 FT%
18 z-pts (0.55), 0.53 z2PT%, 0.25 z3PT%, 0.13 zFT%

See how low Arenas’ zFT% is (0.13)? Agent Zero missed both of his free throws with 6 seconds left and the Wizards trailing by one. “It’s really frustrating,” he said. “I’m shooting them all day. I mean, I don’t even know why I’m sitting here talking about some free throws. I never fathomed that I’d be missing free throws again. Maybe it’s just mental, because I’m making them in practice.”

CHARLOTTE @ DALLAS 97-98

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
36 pts, 0.42 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
60 z-pts (2.32), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.90 zFT%

Dirk was once again super-clutch for the Mavs, lighting up the Bobcats with 36 points worth an astounding 2.32 z-points. After a rough start, Nowitzki scored half of his points in the 4th quarter and overtime. He had 6 points in the last 1:16 of regulation, including a jumper to tie the game and send it to OT with 10 seconds left. Then he went on and scored four points in the last 24 seconds of overtime, including the winning jumper over Boris Diaw. “The definition of a franchise player is one who wants the responsibility for winning or losing,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. “He wants the ball in his hands when the game is being decided, and the only thing he’s thinking about when he gets the ball is finding a way to win the game.”

Gerald Wallace (CHA)
23 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
34 z-pts (1.30), 0.32 z2PT%, 0.64 z3PT%, 0.94 zFT%

Wallace was clutch from the free throw line, making four FTs in the last 34 seconds of overtime. The last two  gave the Bobcats the lead with 13 seconds remaining, but then would come Nowitzki to hit the winner in the last play of the game.

PORTLAND @ MILWAUKEE 101-108

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
18 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
32 z-pts (1.11), 0.45 z2PT%, 0.48 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Brandon Jennings hit a jumper to put Milwaukee ahead with 19 seconds left in regulation, then tied the game at 95 in overtime to send the game to a second OT.

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
31 pts, 0.59 2PT%, 0.71 FT%
40 z-pts (1.39), 0.70 z2PT%, 0.88 zFT%

Aldridge was huge late in the 4th quarter, scoring 5 points in the last 1:16, then added 6 more in the first overtime on 3-of-3 shooting.

Brandon Roy (POR)
23 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
30 z-pts (1.05), 0.33 z2PT%, 0.36 z3PT%, 0.71 zFT%

Roy tied the game at 87 with 12 seconds left in the 4th to force the OT, but he wouldn’t be very effective after that, going 2-of-7 in the extended periods.

NBA Photos

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

PHOENIX @ PHILADELPHIA 119-115

Jared Dudley (PHO)
18 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.8 3PT%, 0.5 FT%
26 z-pts (0.65), 100% z2PT%, 0.87 z3PT%, 0.5 zFT%

Great game by Dudley, who scored 13 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter, including three 3s (two of them in a 30-second span).

UTAH @ NEW YORK 95-93

Toney Douglas (NYK)
21 pts, 0.86 2PT%, 0.43 3PT%
27 z-pts (0.62), 0.6 z2PT%, 0.37 z3PT%

The rookie from Florida State was just a jumper away from being the Knicks hero against the Jazz. He scored back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 93, but missed a shot with 2 seconds on the clock that would have sent the game to overtime.

DENVER @ CHICAGO 90-89

Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
20 pts, 0.35 2PT%, 0.5 3PT%, 100% FT%
26 z-pts (0.86), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.48 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Melo was far from great against the Bulls, going 3 of 9 in the 4th, along with two offensive fouls, two turnovers and two of his shots blocked in consecutive plays by Luol Deng. But he still managed to score 6 points in the 4th quarter, including the bucket that put the Nuggets ahead with 13 seconds left in the game.

Chauncey Billups (DEN)
17 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.0 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
25 z-pts (0.83), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.0 z3PT%, 0.71 zFT%

Chauncey Billups hit one of his two free throws with the game tied at 89 and less than 1 second left in the game to give the Nuggets the W. Note how most of his z-points (0.58 out of 0.83) come from FTs, indicating that he was clutch from the free throw line.

Derrick Rose (CHI)
22 pts, 0.59 2PT%, 0.0 3PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (1.09), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.0 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Rose stepped up for the Bulls in the 4th quarter, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. He tied the game at 87 with a jumper and then again at 89 with a couple of clutch free throws with 10 seconds remaining.

Luol Deng (CHI)
21 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
15 z-pts (0.50), 0.51 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.57 zFT%

Despite scoring nearly as many points as Derrick Rose, Deng was a non-factor in crunch time. He scored his only 4 points in the 4th at the beginning of the quarter and was invisible offensively down the stretch. That’s why he’s got fewer z-points than Rose (15 vs. 33).

OKLAHOMA CITY @ SACRAMENTO 98-101

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
20 pts, 0.36 2PT%, 100% FT%
29 z-pts (0.78), 0.33 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

The rookie showed nerves of steel as he sank a couple of free throws with 3 seconds remaining, sealing the game for the Kings.

DENVER @ MILWAUKEE 102-108

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
32 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 100% FT%
44 z-pts (1.12), 0.54 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Another rookie that doesn’t cease to amaze. Second consecutive appearance by Mr. Brandon Jennings on our weekly Sunday Beat, this time courtesy of a 4th quarter performance that included 14 points and a couple of three-pointers that helped the Bucks pull away late in the game. I bet some GMs must be pulling their hair now, but who could possibly know back in June that the kid would be so darn good?

HOUSTON @ SACRAMENTO 100-109

Shane Battier (HOU)
23 pts, 0.8 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
30 z-pts (0.72), 0.72 z2PT%, 0.71 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

11 points from Battier helped the Rockets stay in the game in the 4th quarter, but in the end that wouldn’t be enough to beat the Kings.

DETROIT @ WASHINGTON 106-103

Ben Gordon (DET)
29 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.62 3PT%, 0.8 FT%
49 z-pts (1.41), 0.65 z2PT%, 0.48 z3PT%, 0.85 zFT%

Gordon scored eight of the Piston’s final 10 points, showing once again his ability to perform in the clutch and getting credit for it with 49 z-pts (1.41).

UTAH @ CLEVELAND 103-107

LeBron James (CLE)
21 pts, 0.35 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
40 z-pts (1.19), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.75 zFT%

LeBron scored the Cavs final eight points over the last 52 seconds, including a three-point play that put Cleveland two points up with 28 secs to go.

GOLDEN STATE @ MILWAUKEE 125-129

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
55 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.87 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
62 z-pts (1.79), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.91 z3PT%, 0.86 zFT%

After going scoreless in the first period, Brandon Jennings scored 55 points to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s franchise rookie record. Brandon scored 29 points in the third quarter and 16 in the fourth, putting up an unbelievable performance that is already one of the best ever by a rookie.

Corey Maggette (GSW)
25 pts, 0.62 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 100% FT%
37 z-pts (1.06), 0.67 z2PT%, 0.56 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Great game by Maggette, who scored 21 of his 25 points in the 4th. All in all, he went 6-of-9 in that period -including a couple of 3’s- and was perfect from the line (7 of 7).

NEW JERSEY @ MIAMI 80-81

Dwyane Wade (MIA)
22 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.2 3PT%, 0.72 FT%
27 z-pts (1.09), 0.5 z2PT%, 0.69 z3PT%, 0.7 zFT%

Wade was pretty bad from behind the arc, going 1 of 5, but the one he hit was super-clutch, giving Miami the victory over the Nets. Note the difference between his real 3PT% and his z3PT%, as the latter accounts for clutchness.

Brook Lopez (NJN)
17 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.33 FT%
28 z-pts (1.10), 0.66 z2PT%, 0.33 zFT%

A tip shot by Lopez with 4 seconds remaining would have won the game for the Nets if it weren’t for Dwyane Wade’s last second shot on the next play.

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