Prioritization, Allocation, and Other Industry Buzzwords
Posted by Rob Mahoney on May 6, 2011 under Commentary | 
2MG reader Tyler Copple dropped me an email with an interesting not on Pau Gasol’s performance in this series that is certainly worth passing along:
| MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 37.0 | 7.2-13.7 | .529 | 4.4-5.2 | .823 | 10.2 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 18.8 |
| Conf. Semis | 34.5 | 5.0-11.0 | .455 | 4.0-6.0 | .667 | 10.5 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 14.0 |
I recognize this is the layman “box score” which doesn’t show everything available, but even the advanced box score metrics are generally just aggregates of the basic stats. [Gasol's] TS% is down ~7% because he’s taking three fewer shots, of which he generally makes 2. That explains the dip in his points contributed number and his dip in PC/PU (points contributed/possessions used).
His rebounds are up marginally and his TRB% is up 2%, he’s getting to the line more, and he has more assists.
The only divergence in his shot chart is:
3-9 ft (reg): 1.7 FGM - 4 FGA
3-9 ft (semis): 1 FGM - 1.5 FGASo the three fewer shots per game are being sacrificed in the 3-9 foot range.
If Pau was scoring 4 more points per game would he still be receiving as much blame as he is? His numbers would be near identical to his season averages if he was.