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

L.A. LAKERS @ TORONTO 105-106

Hedo Turkoglu (TOR)
9 pts, 0.00 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
27 z-pts (0.81), 0.00 z2PT%, 0.49 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Turkoglu’s free throws with 1.2 seconds left lifted the Raptors over the Lakers. “I was surprised. I thought I wasn’t going to go to the line,” Turkoglu said. “Usually I don’t rely on that because sometimes you get calls and sometimes you don’t.”

Andrea Bargnani (TOR)
22 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.17 3PT%, 100% FT%
28 z-pts (0.82), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.12 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Italian scored 12 of his 22 points in the 4th quarter. His last three points came from an And-1 with 1:15 remaining to put the Raptors one point behind the Lakers, setting up the stage for Turkoglu’s clutch free throws at the end. The Lakers only scored two points in the last 3:23.

INDIANA @ PHILADELPHIA 109-98

Dahntay Jones (IND)
18 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
25 z-pts (0.64), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.81 zFT%

In a two-minute span late in the 4th quarter, Jones scored 7 points (And-1 included) to help the Pacers pull away from the Sixers. 11 of his 18 points came in the 4th quarter.

CHICAGO @ SAN ANTONIO 98-93

Joakim Noah (CHI)
11 pts, 0.80 2PT%, 0.60 FT%
18 z-pts (0.55), 0.93 z2PT%, 0.40 zFT%

With the game tied at 93 and 37 seconds left, Noah finished strong as he scored Chicago’s last five points to give the Bulls their third win in a row.

PHOENIX @ UTAH 115-124

Wesley Matthews (UTA)
21 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.86 FT%
30 z-pts (0.66), 0.42 z2PT%, 0.55 z3PT%, 0.92 zFT%

Matthews scored 10 points in the last quarter and sparked the late run that ultimately put the game away for the Jazz.

NEW ORLEANS @ PORTLAND 98-97

Chris Paul (NOR)
24 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
41 z-pts (1.17), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.50 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Blazers made a defensive mistake leaving Paul open in the last seconds of the game. He made them pay as he hit a clutch jumper with 3.8 left to win the game. David West gets credit for the assist (2 assists vs. 10.23 z-assists).

CHARLOTTE @ PHOENIX 114-109

Stephen Jackson (CHA)
30 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
37 z-pts (1.09), 0.49 z2PT%, 0.53 z3PT%, 0.70 zFT%

Jackson wasn’t great in crunch time, scoring 6 points in the 4th quarter and OT combined on just 2-of-8, but his three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game and forced the extra period (in the last possession of regulation, Jared Dudley missed a trey that would have won it for Phoenix – see how his z3PT% drops as a result).

Steve Nash (PHO)
23 pts, 0.15 2PT%, 0.56 3PT%, 100% FT%
29 z-pts (0.85), 0.20 z2PT%, 0.61 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Bad shooting night for Nash, who still managed to score 8 points in the last minutes of regulation to keep the Suns in the game.

GOLDEN STATE @ SACRAMENTO 96-99

Beno Udrih (SAC)
24 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
31 z-pts (0.62), 0.50 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Udrih scored Sacramento’s last five points – in the last 20 seconds of the game- from the free throw line, going 5-of-5 as the Kings escaped alive the Warriors’ late run.

MEMPHIS @ DETROIT 99-93

Marc Gasol (MEM)
15 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.49), 0.56 z2PT%, 0.34 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

A sensational Marc Gasol scored the Grizz’s last 8 points (6 of them from the free throw line) to beat the Pistons in Detroit.

PHILADELPHIA @ MILWAUKEE 88-91

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
18 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 0.33 FT%
28 z-pts (0.76), 0.63 z2PT%, 0.40 z3PT%, 0.27 zFT%

With the game tied and 22 seconds remaining, Jennings scored the go-ahead bucket for Milwaukee. Those two points alone are worth 46% of the rookie’s total z-points.

TORONTO @ NEW YORK 106-104

Jarrett Jack (TOR)
9 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
20 z-pts (0.60), 100% z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.77 zFT%

Jack was key in the last minute as he scored the go-ahead basket with 50 seconds remaining and later hit a free throw for a two-point lead with 7 seconds to go.

BOSTON @ ORLANDO 94-96

Rashard Lewis (ORL)
23 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
40 z-pts (1.23), 0.85 z2PT%, 0.78 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Good stuff from Lewis, who drove past Kevin Garnett to make the winning layup in the last second. Rasheed Wallace had a great look to win it for Boston in the ensuing possession but missed the shot (see how his z3PT% shows that).

WASHINGTON @ NEW JERSEY 81-79

Earl Boykins (WAS)
15 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.50 FT%
32 z-pts (0.97), 0.66 z2PT%, 0.50 zFT%

The little guy hit another big shot. With .4 seconds left Boykins took advantage of a screen to get off a shot and bury the Nets’ hopes for a win.

Brook Lopez (NJN)
17 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.62 FT%
25 z-pts (0.75), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.57 zFT%

Lopez’s layup tied the game at 79 with 13 seconds left, but Boykins last-second heroics sentenced the game.

PORTLAND @ HOUSTON 100-104

Carl Landry (HOU)
21 pts, 0.46 2PT%, 0.64 FT%
35 z-pts (0.87), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.78 zFT%

Landry scored 15 of his 21 points in the 4th and was the key to the Rockets’ win over the Blazers.

PORTLAND @ DALLAS 114-112

Andre Miller (POR)
52 pts, 0.70 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.78 FT%
65 z-pts (2.53), 0.82 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.90 zFT%

Terrific game by Miller, who scored 18 points in the 4th quarter on 7-of-8 shooting and added 7 more in overtime on 3-of-3 shooting, to highlight the Mavs with an amazing 2.53 z-points.

Juwan Howard (POR)
2 pts, 0.33 2PT%
7 z-pts (0.26), 0.76 z2PT%

Howard scored the go-ahead basket with 44 seconds left in overtime to lift the Blazers over the Mavs in this highly contested game.

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
28 pts, 0.47 2PT%, 100% FT%
38 z-pts (1.44), 0.32 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Nowitzki scored 14 fourth-quarter points on 5-of-8 but missed a potentially game-winning shot at the end of regulation. In OT, Dirk went cold as he made only one of five shots, including a missed fade-away jumper to tie the game at the buzzer.

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.

CHICAGO @ CHARLOTTE 108-113

Stephen Jackson (CHA)
25 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
31 z-pts (0.86), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.89 zFT%

With 17 seconds left, Jackson hit a couple of free throws to give the Bobcats a three-point lead and seal the game.

DETROIT @ DALLAS 93-98

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
22 pts, 0.45 2PT%, 100% FT%
31 z-pts (0.83), 0.44 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Facing a similar situation, Nowitzki hit two clutch free throws to put Dallas three points ahead with 10 seconds remaining.

MEMPHIS @ PORTLAND 109-105

O.J. Mayo (MEM)
27 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
47 z-pts (1.35), 0.60 z2PT%, 0.62 z3PT%, 0.65 zFT%

Mayo scored 10 of his 27 points in the 4th quarter, including a layup to tie the game with 30 seconds left and two points more from the line to help Memphis beat the Blazers in Portland.

PHOENIX @ SACRAMENTO 113-109

Amare Stoudemire (PHO)
24 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (0.89), 0.56 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Stoudemire scored 8 points in the 4th quarter, four of them in the last 1:09, as the Suns pulled away from the Kings down the stretch.

Beno Udrih (SAC)
8 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
19 z-pts (0.50), 0.52 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Udrih scored all of his 8 points in the 4th quarter. He went 3-of-5 and added a couple of free throws.

BOSTON @ MIAMI 112-106

Rajon Rondo (BOS)
25 pts, 0.90 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
36 z-pts (1.25), 0.89 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.88 zFT%

Rondo beat the buzzer to tie the game in regulation thanks to a perfectly executed play with just .6 seconds left, then he scored 4 points in the last minute of overtime to seal the game.

Ray Allen (BOS)
22 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.75 3PT%, 0.87 FT%
27 z-pts (0.93), 0.46 z2PT%, 0.90 z3PT%, 0.74 zFT%

Allen wasn’t bad himself. He scored 9 points in the 4th quarter without missing a shot or free throw, then added 4 more at the end of overtime to help the Celtics win this game.

Dwyane Wade (MIA)
44 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.63 3PT%, 0.69 FT%
58 z-pts (1.98), 0.54 z2PT%, 0.32 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Wade was having a hard time in the 4th quarter (0-of-7), until the last 5 seconds of regulation: first he hit a couple of free throws to tie the game, then he stripped the ball from Ray Allen at midcourt and finished with a dunk that gave Miami a 101-99 lead with just .6 seconds to go. He added 5 points in OT but that wasn’t enough to overcome Rondo & Co.

NEW ORLEANS @ OKLAHOMA CITY 97-92

Chris Paul (NOR)
14 pts, 0.38 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
25 z-pts (0.67), 0.45 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Paul stole the ball and then made a key layup with 11 seconds left to give the Hornets a 95-92 lead.

CHARLOTTE @ NEW YORK 93-97

Danilo Gallinari (NYK)
17 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.45 3PT%
23 z-pts (0.62), 0.18 z2PT%, 0.57 z3PT%

Gallinari hit back-to-back treys in a 30-second span down the stretch to give the Knicks a three-point lead with 44 seconds left. His higher z3PT% reflects the clutchness of these shots.

TORONTO @ PHILADELPHIA 108-106

Chris Bosh (TOR)
29 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
50 z-pts (1.58), 0.83 z2PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Bosh scored 8 of his 29 points in the 4th, including an And-1 for a two-point lead with 8 seconds left.

Lou Williams (PHI)
23 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
28 z-pts (0.88), 0.86 z2PT%, 0.29 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Williams scored 9 points in a 4th quarter in which he missed only one shot. Unfortunately that was a potentially game-winning 3 at the buzzer – that he missed despite getting a decent look (note how his z3PT% goes down as a result).

NEW JERSEY @ NEW ORLEANS 99-103

Chris Paul (NOR)
11 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.40 FT%
35 z-pts (0.98), 0.81 z2PT%, 0.50 z3PT%, 0.81 zFT%

Paul’s And-1 with 7 seconds left gave the Hornets a two-point lead and eventually the game. “Whoever was on me, I just knew I was going to try to drive, get contact and either get a good shot up or try to draw a foul,” Paul said. “Pretty much put your head down and try to get to the rim.”

Courtney Lee (NJN)
28 pts, 0.43 2PT%, 0.71 3PT%, 100% FT%
37 z-pts (1.04), 0.43 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Courtney Lee was clutch from the free throw line down the stretch. We can see that because most of his z-points come from free throws (.64 out of 1.04, which is much higher than the % of his real points that came from FTs: 7 out of 28). Lee scored 5 points from the line in the last 23 seconds, the last two to give the Nets the lead with 11 seconds left.

UTAH @ MEMPHIS 89-91

O.J. Mayo (MEM)
14 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
33 z-pts (1.00), 0.83 z2PT%, 0.18 z3PT%, 0.57 zFT%

Mayo hit the game-winning jumper with 5 seconds left in the game. “The play was for O.J. to make whatever play it was, whether he got the shot, got to the basket or passed it,” Memphis coach Hollins said. “He made a big shot himself.”

Ronnie Brewer (UTA)
10 pts, 0.56 2PT%
17 z-pts (0.53), 0.63 z2PT%

Ronnie Brewer’s dunk tied the game with 23 seconds remaining.

CHICAGO @ MILWAUKEE 93-96

Michael Redd (MIL)
24 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
32 z-pts (0.89), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.37 z3PT%, 0.70 zFT%

Redd scored 14 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter, including a jumper for a five-point lead with 1:07 to go.

MIAMI @ PHOENIX 109-105

Jermaine O’Neal (MIA)
13 pts, 0.40 2PT%, 0.83 FT%
28 z-pts (0.84), 0.59 z2PT%, 0.90 zFT%

The veteran Heat forward scored the go-ahead basket with 29 seconds left, then hit a couple of free throws to seal the game.

MEMPHIS @ CHARLOTTE 87-89

Gerald Wallace (CHA)
18 pts, 0.61 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
32 z-pts (0.99), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.50 zFT%

His tip shot at the buzzer gave the Bobcats the W against the Grizzlies.

DENVER @ SACRAMENTO 100-102

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
27 pts, 0.69 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
46 z-pts (1.63), 0.85 z2PT%, 0.60 z3PT%, 0.91 zFT%

Another game winner for Evans. The rookie, who had 10 points in the 4th quarter, hit a jumper with 11 seconds remaining to put the Kings ahead. “Coach [Paul Westphal] gave me the opportunity and that’s what I wanted to do, I wanted to be the guy with the ball in my hands,” said Evans. “I had worked on that move a lot. I stopped in the lane, pump faked, and was fading away. I had a good look at the basket. I thought it was going in.”

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.

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