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

NEW ORLEANS @ ORLANDO 117-123

Vince Carter (ORL)
48 pts, 0.76 2PT%, 0.60 3PT%, 100% FT%
64 z-pts (1.58), 0.82 z2PT%, 0.61 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

It was vintage Carter against the Hornets, as he scored 34 second-half points (18 pts in the 4th) to help Orlando come back from 17 behind and beat New Orleans handily.

WASHINGTON @ CHARLOTTE 92-94

Raymond Felton (CHA)
11 pts, 0.57 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
26 z-pts (0.83), 0.78 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Even when he’s playing hurt (recovering from a twisted right ankle), Felton shows tremendous poise and effectiveness in clutch situations. This time he hit a fade away jumper over Washington’s Randy Foye to give the Bobcats the lead with 1.9 seconds left. “I wasn’t even thinking about my ankle at the time. I was just thinking about trying to win the game, whatever it took,” Felton said. Raymond Felton is one of the league’s leaders in z-points per point (4th if we don’t consider outlier Sundiata Gaines).

Ronald Murray (CHA)
16 pts, 0.75 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
21 z-pts (0.66), 0.77 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.58 zFT%

Murray sank a clutch free throw to tie the game with 21 seconds remaining, but he missed his first one (giving him a lower zFT%).  Wizard Antawn Jamison missed a shot to tie the game at the buzzer, which explains his .19 z2PT% vs his .35 2PT%.

SACRAMENTO @ NEW YORK 118-114

Kevin Martin (SAC)
17 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.50 FT%
26 z-pts (0.73), 0.51 z2PT%, 0.40 z3PT%, 0.78 zFT%

The overtime belonged to Kevin Martin, who scored the first nine points of the extra period for the Kings. Overall, he went 3-of-5 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line in the extra period.

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
27 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
33 z-pts (0.92), 0.43 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.80 zFT%

With his team trailing by 8, Evans led the Kings rally in the 4th quarter, scoring 10 points in the last 3:14 of regulation.

Jason Thompson (SAC)
12 pts, 0.62 2PT%, 100% FT%
18 z-pts (0.51), 0.74 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

His dunk with 25 seconds left in regulation tied the game, capping the comeback initiated by Evans and sending the game to OT, where Kevin Martin took over right from the start.

OKLAHOMA CITY @ PORTLAND 89-77

James Harden (OKL)
13 pts, 0.50 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
19 z-pts (0.42), 0.61 z2PT%, 0.49 z3PT%, 0.75 zFT%

Strong 4th quarter for Harden, who scored all of his 13 points in the period.

PHILADELPHIA @ TORONTO 93-104

Jose Calderon (TOR)
10 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%, 100% FT%
21 z-pts (0.44), 0.78 z2PT%, 0.74 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

A huge 4-point play by the Spanish point guard broke the tie with 2 minutes left. The Raptors took off from there to win the game.

BOSTON @ NEW ORLEANS 85-93

Darren Collison (NOR)
25 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 0.80 FT%
30 z-pts (0.69), 0.71 z2PT%, 0.59 z3PT%, 0.73 zFT%

Collison scored 11 points in the 4th quarter and kept coming back at the Celtics every time they tried to spark a rally.

CHARLOTTE @ MINNESOTA 93-92

Nazr Mohammed (CHA)
21 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
42 z-pts (1.12), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.75 zFT%

Mohammed has been clutch lately. His dunk with 5 seconds remaining lifted the Bobcats over the Timberwolves.

L.A. CLIPPERS @ GOLDEN STATE 102-132

Craig Smith (LAC)
14 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.75 FT%
2 z-pts (0.02), 100% z2PT%, 0.49 zFT%

The Warriors literally rolled over the Clippers in this game. Smith got 14 points in garbage time, getting only 2 z-points as a result.

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.

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.

NBA Photos

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

MINNESOTA @ UTAH 110-108

Jonny Flynn (MIN)
28 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
45 z-pts (1.34), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.28 z3PT%, 0.60 zFT%

Clearly, from looking at the box score we can tell that Flynn was the man of the game. The disparity between his adjusted z-points and normal points (44.67 vs. 28) tells us that he did something in the clutch. Then, by looking at his z-point % we see a disparity in 2PT shots (0.776 vs. 0.538) and also see that most of his z-points come from 2PT range (0.95 out of 1.34). And since the final score is 110-108 Wolves, we can infer that Flynn must have scored the go-ahead basket with the game tied at 108. Which is, in fact, what happened. But we can also see a disparity in 3PT% (0.28 vs. 0.67), indicating that Flynn must have missed from beyond the arc in crunch time (he did, missing two crucial three-pointers in the last 1:45).

NEW YORK @ CHARLOTTE 87-94

Raymond Felton (CHA)
18 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 100% FT%
26 z-pts (0.74), 0.66 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Following the same logic, we can figure out that Felton was clutch in this game from 2PT range. 0.64 out of his 0.74 z-points came from that distance, and his z2PT% is also higher than his 2PT% (0.66 vs. 0.54). Felton scored back-to-back baskets in a 35-second span at the end of the 4th, then hit a couple of free throws with 17 seconds remaining to kill the game.

SACRAMENTO @ PORTLAND 88-95

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
25 pts, 0.48 2PT%, 100% FT%
33 z-pts (0.88), 0.56 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Aldridge scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, including 7 in the 4th quarter to help the Blazers pull away from the Kings. Worth noting that Brandon Roy also scored 25 points, but in terms of z-points he only got 22 for Aldridge’s 33, showing the difference in the overall contribution to the win (in terms of scoring, that is).

ORLANDO @ MIAMI 86-104

J.J. Redick (ORL)
13 pts, 0.60 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
3 z-pts (0.03), 0.91 z2PT%, 0.02 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Heat routed the Magic as they went on fire right from the beginning, outscoring Orlando 33-18 in the first quarter. Redick scored 11 of his 13 points in a 4th quarter that was all garbage time.

PHOENIX @ PORTLAND 102-105

Jerryd Bayless (POR)
29 pts, 0.56 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
42 z-pts (1.03), 0.58 z2PT%, 0.70 z3PT%, 0.73 zFT%

Blayless had a spectacular performance with 16 points in the 4th quarter, teaming up with Brandon Roy in crunch time to deliver a win for the Blazers. “Me and Bran talk about what I can do,” Bayless said. “He can be the LeBron [James] and I can be Mo [Williams], a guy that can make plays.”

PHILADELPHIA @ BOSTON 98-97

Elton Brand (PHI)
23 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.90 FT%
33 z-pts (1.06), 0.80 z2PT%, 0.92 zFT%

Brand’s tip shot with 7 seconds remaining ended the Celts’ winning streak at 11.

Andre Iguodala (PHI)
28 pts, 0.54 2PT%, 0.67 3PT%, 0.67 FT%
45 z-pts (1.34), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.28 z3PT%, 0.60 zFT%

Iguodala scored 7 points in the last 4:33, including a nice And-1 to put the Sixers ahead with 1:43 to go.

Marreese Speights (PHI)
17 pts, 0.37 2PT%, 0.62 FT%
23 z-pts (0.75), 0.20 z2PT%, 0.82 zFT%

Speights put up 9 of his 17 points in the 4th quarter, including two clutch free throws with 29 seconds left. However, he was pretty inefficient from the field, going 3-of-8 in the 4th (note how his z2P% is lower than his real 2PT%). On the other hand, his zFT% is higher than his FT%, reflecting the fact that he shot efficiently from the line when it mattered.

Ray Allen (BOS)
17 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.37 3PT%
23 z-pts (0.74), 0.38 z2PT%, 0.35 z3PT%

Allen had 7 points in the last 4:11 of the game, but he missed a potential winning-shot at the buzzer (which explains his lower z2PT%). To be fair, it was Pierce who was given the opportunity to win the game in the last possession of the game, and after he missed Allen got the rebound with just enough time to throw a desperate shot that didn’t go in.

Kevin Garnett (BOS)
21 pts, 0.36 2PT%, 100% FT%
24 z-pts (0.79), 0.17 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Garnett shot awfully in the 4th, missing all of his four field goals (hence his 0.17 z2PT%). However, he went 4-of-4 from the free throw line, two of them to put the Celtics ahead with 23 seconds remaining.

Paul Pierce (BOS)
9 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.33 3PT%
6 z-pts (0.20), 0.11 z2PT%, 0.43 z3PT%

Bad game from Pierce, who went scoreless in the last quarter on 0-of-3 shooting, including a missed jumper that could have won the game for Boston (which explains his terrible 0.11 z2PT%).

MILWAUKEE @ CLEVELAND 82-85

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
18 pts, 0.31 2PT%, 0.12 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.42), 0.33 z2PT%, 0.06 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

The Bucks rallied with a 14-2 run in the last 6:33, enough to give them a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer in the last possession. But Jennings, who has often been lethal in clutch situations, threw an airball from beyond the arc, ending Milwaukee’s hopes for a win in Cleveland. “Our last shot was a terrible shot,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “We needed a much better shot than that”.

L.A. CLIPPERS @ NEW YORK 91-95

Chris Duhon (NYK)
17 pts, 100% 2PT%, 0.40 3PT%, 0.83 FT%
27 z-pts (0.75), 100% z2PT%, 0.28 z3PT%, 0.59 zFT%

Duhon scored 9 of his 17 points in the last 4:41 of the game. He was perfect from the field, making all of his three shots and also going 3-of-4 from the free throw line. However, the one free throw that he missed was a clutch one (the Knicks were leading by just one point with 13 seconds remaining), and that lowered his zFT%.

David Lee (NYK)
25 pts, 0.67 2PT%, 100% FT%
32 z-pts (0.88), 0.81 z2PT%, 100% zFT%

Lee got some big z-points thanks to a tip shot that gave the Knicks the lead with 28 seconds remaining.

Rasual Butler (LAC)
9 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.25 3PT%, 100% FT%
5 z-pts (0.15), 0.23 z2PT%, 0.06 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Butler had a decent look in the last shot of the game, a 3 that would have won it for the Clippers, but missed it. That’s why his z3PT% is lower than his real, non-clutch-adjusted 3PT%.

HOUSTON @ DALLAS 116-108

Tim Thomas (DAL)
10 pts, 0.25 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
20 z-pts (0.55), 0.28 z2PT%, 0.73 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

With Nowitzki out of the game, Tim Thomas filled in the void in the clutch department by burying a three-pointer with 10 seconds left in regulation that sent the game to OT.

L.A. CLIPPERS @ PHILADELPHIA 112-107

Al Thornton (LAC)
12 pts, 0.42 2PT%
26 z-pts (0.77), 0.63 z2PT%

Thornton tied the game with 11 seconds remaining, forcing the extra period in which the Clippers would prevail.

Marreese Speights (PHI)
28 pts, 0.58 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
46 z-pts (1.35), 0.62 z2PT%, 0.64 zFT%

Speights had a big 4th quarter, scoring 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 4-of-5 from the line. His last bucket in regulation put the Sixers ahead with 20 seconds left in the game.

ATLANTA @ CHICAGO 98-101

Derrick Rose (CHI)
32 pts, 0.61 2PT%, 0.67 FT%
49 z-pts (1.59), 0.69 z2PT%, 0.97 zFT%

“I guess I did what I’m supposed to do out there tonight and we were able to win,” Rose said. The Bulls PG was impressive, scoring 16 points in the 4th quarter and overtime combined on 6-of-9 shooting. Rose tied the game in regulation and then hit two clutch free throws in overtime to seal the game. Luol Deng and Joe Johnson missed shots at the end of regulation that would have won the game for their teams (see how their z2PT% is lower that their real 2PT%, reflecting those misses in the clutch). Joe Johnson also missed a game-tying three-pointer at the end of overtime. His lower z3PT% shows that, too.

SACRAMENTO @ MILWAUKEE 96-95

Tyreke Evans (SAC)
24 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 100% 3PT%, 0.71 FT%
31 z-pts (1.18), 0.62 z2PT%, 100% z3PT%, 0.78 zFT%

He did it again. The rookie drove to the basket in the last possession of the game and made the winning layup. “Coach told me it was my time to go out and make a play, and I did it,” Evans said.

Jason Thompson (SAC)
22 pts, 0.53 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%, 0.75 FT%
32 z-pts (1.24), 0.68 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%, 0.83 zFT%

Thompson was big in the clutch, scoring 7 of his 22 points in the last 2:40 on 3-of-3 shooting. His last shot was a go-ahead basket for the Kings with 11 seconds to go.

Brandon Jennings (MIL)
15 pts, 0.33 2PT%, 0.50 3PT%, 100% FT%
22 z-pts (0.85), 0.18 z2PT%, 0.28 z3PT%, 100% zFT%

Evans got the best of Jennings in this Rookie of the Year showdown. Although Jennings scored in the clutch, he didn’t do it very efficiently, as shown by his awful z-shooting %. He missed all of his three field goal attempts in the 4th quarter, but made it up by going 4-of-4 from the line, including two clutch free throws to regain the lead with 20 seconds left in the game.

Ersan Ilyasova (MIL)
14 pts, 0.64 2PT%, 0.00 3PT%
23 z-pts (0.89), 0.84 z2PT%, 0.00 z3PT%

Almost a game-winner for the Bucks forward from Turkey. Ilyasova took advantage of pass from Jennings to put the Bucks one point ahead of the Kings with 5 seconds to go (see how Jennings is credited for the assist- 9 assists vs. 12.89 z-assists).

INDIANA @ SAN ANTONIO 99-100

Tim Duncan (SAS)
19 pts, 0.44 2PT%, 0.60 FT%
39 z-pts (1.11), 0.47 z2PT%, 0.70 zFT%

Duncan won the game for the Spurs with a dunk with 4 seconds remaining. Because of that clutch play, one would expect Duncan’s z2PT% to skyrocket. But he also missed his share in crunch time, getting his shot blocked twice in the final minute (both times by Roy Hibbert). The second time, he was lucky enough to get the ball back and slam the win home. T.J. Ford had a chance to win the game for the Pacers in the last play of the game, but missed his jumper despite getting a pretty decent look at the basket (his z2PT% reflects that miss).

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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.

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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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