One bellwether stat for every NBA team
By Luke Anton
What are the key stats for NBA teams in the Southwest Division?
Dallas Mavericks: Is LukaMagic in the air?
When Luka Doncic scores 30+ points, the Mavs are 21-7 this season. In all other games, the Mavs are 2-11. And when Luka hits four or more 3-pointers, the Mavs are 10-1.
Bonus: When Tim Hardaway Jr. scores double digits, the Mavs are 19-6.
Memphis Grizzlies: Is Ja dishing the rock?
When Ja Morant has 7+ assists, the Grizzlies are a fantastic 17-3. In all other games, the Grizz are below .500 at 9-10.
Like a lot of other stars, the Grizzlies have a better record in Ja’s big-assist games than his high-scoring games. When Ja scores 30+ points, the Grizz are 8-7.
New Orleans Pelicans: Is the defense respectable?
When the Pelicans’ defense allows fewer than 119 points, the Pelicans are 22-5. In all other games, the Pels are 2-11.
Bonus: When Zion scores 32+ points, the Pellies are a perfect 6-0.
Houston Rockets: Green light or red light?
When Jalen Green scores 25+ points, the Rockets are 8-5 this season. When Green scores less than 25 points, the Rox are a lowly 2-25.
Bonus: When Kevin Porter Jr. scores 20+ points, the Rockets are 3-16.
San Antonio Spurs: Is the offense humming or sputtering?
When the Spurs score more than 110 points, they are currently a .500 team at 12-12. But when the Spurs offense can’t hit their angel number of 111, they don’t stand a chance — a horrendous record of 1-15.
Losing Devin Vassell to knee surgery makes it more difficult for the Spurs to get to 111 points, but it does make it easier to tank for Victor Wembanyama.