Re: Spurs v Fortson

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

Joe,

I think you must have used NBA.com's game-by-game stats to do your
analysis and missed that they list the games in reverse chronological
order =) So he actually played more and better against the Spurs during 
the later games of the season, and had limited playing time in the 
beginning of the season, not the end (because of the LaFrentz injury).

So with this new "reversed" perspective, you see that he finished the
season on a terrific tear, playing about 35 minutes per game, and 
averaging around 5 offensive rebounds per game. I've listed his 
fantastic April stats; in May, he averaged 16.7 ppg, 14.7 rpg, 50% fg,
and 92% ft. OK, it was only three games...

I love that this guy improved his play every month of the season though.
His stats as a starter, for 38 games:
  31.3 mpg, 12.1 ppg (49.2% fg), 12.4 rpg (4.3 off)

Actually, the stats of the Twin Towers against Denver don't cause me to
worry about Fortson's defense. 36-40 points and 20 rebounds is par for 
the course for these two. Nobody in the NBA knows how to beat these guys
right now, but if I were to hazard a guess, you probably have to shut down 
their other players.

Alex


> Upon reading the above, I checked out how Fortson did against the NBA
> champion Spurs last year, and it's clear Messrs Robinson and Duncan
> totally shut him down offensively in all four blowout games (average
> winning margin was 22.8 points). In fact, Fortson barely got into the
> game for the last two encounters (34 minutes total) despite never being
> in foul trouble.
> 
> In his first game, Fortson managed 16 rebounds (3 offensive) with 3
> fouls in 29 minutes. Duncan and Robinson combined for 40 points and 19
> rebounds in 61 minutes. The following night Fortson had 9 rebounds (4
> offensive) with 3 fouls in 25 minutes. Duncan and Robinson combined for
> 36 points and 14 rebounds in 62 minutes.
> 
> One thing you can say for Fortson is that he was remarkably consistent
> last year. He opened the season with an18 rebound game and finished with
> a 17 rebound statement - despite getting drastically less playing time
> (I don't know why) in the final eight games of the season (just 15.3
> mpg). Up until that very point, Fortson had accumulated double-figure
> rebounding games with just unbelieveable regularity. You look at it, and
> it's really surprising! It will make you happy all day.
> 
> So by way of conclusion, let me just say that the Celtics will surely
> struggle against the Spurs if we meet in the playoffs next year. But
> don't forget that David Robinson (34-years-old) is not going to be
> around forever.
> 
> Joe
> 
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>