For all you stat jockeys of the world, check this out:
Corey Maggette (17 points, 4-13 FG, 6 TO, 3 below scoring avg)
Paul Pierce (11 points, 4-9 FG, 1 TO, 7 below scoring avg)
Rudy Gay (17 points, 7-17 FG, 1 TO, 3 below scoring avg)
Shawn Marion (10 points, 5-11 FG, 5 TO, 1 below scoring avg)
Andre Iguodala (13 points, 5-15 FG, 2 TO, 4 below scoring avg)
Carmelo Anthony (21 points, 7-19 FG, 8 TO, 8 below scoring avg)
Danny Granger (9 points, 2-9 FG, 4 TO, 14 below scoring avg)
Dwayne Wade (27 points, 9-21 FG, 6 TO, 1 above scoring avg)
Over this stretch of eight games, Ron Ron bluntly showed why he has earned a reputation as a true defensive artist in the NBA. He held some of the league’s top scoring machines under their scoring averages at a rate of -4.9 points per game. More importantly, he literally had the majority hand in forcing 33 turnovers (4.1 per game) by his direct opposition, most of whom are trustworthy ball handlers, and his assignments combined, shot 43 for 114 from the field (38%).
It’s easy to argue that the Lakers went an unenviable 5-3 over that stretch of magnificent defense by Artest, but let’s remember that we’re talking about him individually. One player can only have so much of an effect even though he clearly sparked an incredible team lock-down situation against the Pacers last week.
If only the Lakers could play defense like that every night…but that is neither here nor there right now. We are all hoping that consistency will come during the playoffs.
This is also not to be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Ron has had an unquestionable impact on the Lakers defense from day 1 as the team has made marked improvements from last season in opponent points per game (13th to 7th) and opponent field goal percentage (6th to 4th). I am merely highlighting the recent stretch of eight games that he took it up a notch and impressed us all.
Whatever has changed, whether it’s been a general improvement in health, shedding weight, or as Ron proclaimed himself, “I wanted to come back stronger after the trade deadline”, watching his individual defense on a nightly basis has been as pleasant as watching Megan Fox in…well…just about anything.
I’m sure I speak for all Laker fans when I say that the EFFORT more than anything else is much appreciated, and he has earned our respect without debate.
NEXT: The Revelation
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