Looking at a box score is something anyone can do. Who lead my team in scoring? How'd we shoot from the field? And while that knowledge is useful, does it really earn you bonus points around the water cooler?
That's why I'm here. I'm bringing you the S.W.I.M: Statistics Worth Increased Media. Let Joe from accounting regurgitate what he heard on the way in this morning; you're better than that. Use these nuggets to gain a unique perspective about last night's Mavericks/Warriors game.
After winning the first three quarters they played against the Warriors this season, the Mavericks have lost seven of the last nine quarters (including six straight).
The 108 points Dallas gave up to Golden State actually lowered their average points allowed in losses over the last two months (from 113.1 to 112.6).
Jose Calderon created a very uncharacteristic six turnovers and now has more in March than he did in all of December.
The Mavericks have lost four of the last five games when Shawn Marion attempts a three pointer, yet they haven't lost since the first day of November when he doesn't.
Dallas has lost four straight when Vince Carter's field goal attempts reach double digits and won four straight when they don't.
The Mavericks are 4-6 in the last ten games when DeJuan Blair's PR total (points plus rebounds) is at least 15. Those four wins, however, have only come against the league's worst teams (Philadelphia, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee) while the losses come to some of the league's better teams (Golden State, Houston, Portland, and San Antonio).
Dallas' point total has dropped every time they've played Golden State, and that is in no small part due to the declining success of Dirk Nowitzki. He notched 23 points and three assists in game one, 21 and two in game two, and 12 and one last night.
Since losing on Halloween, the Warriors have rattled off seven straight victories when Klay Thompson attempts three or fewer triples.
Oddly enough, since the beginning of December, Golden State has won five of the six games in which Thompson has recorded at least four turnovers.
David Lee's six points were his fewest in a game (minimum ten minutes played) since Halloween 2010 (he scored three points in his second game as a Warrior) and his fewest in a win since February 27, 2008.
Even after this victory, the Warriors have a better winning percentage this season when Andrew Bogut does not record a double double than when he does.
The Warriors are a perfect 5-0 when Steve Blake makes a three pointer at home and 5-0 when he hands out at least four assists.
