They’re right in that it is not likely to be sustainable for the entire season but I take issue with a couple of their points. First issue is weak schedule. We’ve played more and traveled more than any team in the nba so just speaking from a that standpoint our schedule has been challenging. Also, using opponents winning percentage can be tricky to determine strength of schedule. Part of why the Jazz opponents have poor winning percentage is because the Jazz are beating them. Next is the shooting argument, specifically with regards to Clarkson. Whenever a player sees a sharp increase or decrease in shooting percentage you should look for any logical explanation as to why the change happened. In Clarkson’s case his role has been revamped as a starter and his ultra green light that he had on the bench has transformed into a more normal green light with an emphasis on playing as part of the offense instead of strictly iso and shots off the dribble. He is shooting a higher percentage because his shots are more often assisted, catch and shoot so I don’t think this is a mirage. Overall I’d have to agree that I don’t think we finish at .750 (62 wins) but I’d no longer be shocked by 45-50 wins.
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They’re right in that it is not likely to be sustainable for the entire season but I take issue with a couple of their points.
First issue is weak schedule. We’ve played more and traveled more than any team in the nba so just speaking from a that standpoint our schedule has been challenging. Also, using opponents winning percentage can be tricky to determine strength of schedule. Part of why the Jazz opponents have poor winning percentage is because the Jazz are beating them.
Next is the shooting argument, specifically with regards to Clarkson. Whenever a player sees a sharp increase or decrease in shooting percentage you should look for any logical explanation as to why the change happened. In Clarkson’s case his role has been revamped as a starter and his ultra green light that he had on the bench has transformed into a more normal green light with an emphasis on playing as part of the offense instead of strictly iso and shots off the dribble. He is shooting a higher percentage because his shots are more often assisted, catch and shoot so I don’t think this is a mirage.
Overall I’d have to agree that I don’t think we finish at .750 (62 wins) but I’d no longer be shocked by 45-50 wins.
About to be .800 tomorrow.