Friday, February 5, 2010

More LeBron and Kobe

We seem to have opened a can of worms here at MYOS regarding the clutch play comparison of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Some readers have taken offense that I dare mention LBJ in the same sentence with Kobe as far as clutch play or "killer instinct". I really don't like reciting statistics over and over, but in a difference of opinion such as this it gives us something concrete to refer to in order to back up our arguments. So at the risk of sounding like a walking encyclopedia I will now list the players with the most game winning shots since LBJ has come into the NBA(this goes back to February of last season, or approximately one year ago. I apologize that I couldn't find a more updated list.) These shots are defined as shots taken with less than 24 seconds left in the game and your team tied or trailing by 1 or 2 points.



1- LeBron James 17-50 .340 percent

2- Vince Carter 16-51 .313 percent

3- Ray Allen 15-39 .385 percent

4-Kobe Bryant 14-56 .250 percent

5- Carmelo Anthony 13-27 .481 percent



I know statistics aren't everything in sports, but we need them at times to put our opinions into context. Although Kobe is a good finisher we can see LBJ at the top of this list once again. Interestingly enough Kobe's .250 FG percentage was below the league average of .290 percent. Opinions can be argued, and that's exactly why we are here at MYOS. But the numbers are what they are and you can take from them whatever you would like. One thing you can't take are Kobe's 4 championships, and I bet LBJ would like to be at the top of that list most of all.

9 comments:

  1. How about game-winning shots WHEN THEY MATTER MOST?? It's one thing to hit a game-winner against the Pacers or Bobcats in December or January...another hitting them during the playoffs. Kobe is the clear winner here (yes, he's had more chances). LBJ has a ways to go to catch up to Kobe in this department..it starts with winning the FIRST RING!! SHAQ-FU ROCKS!

    JT

    ReplyDelete
  2. I went to 82games.com as well and saw those statistics. But just like CNN MSNBC you only portray one side of the story. Here is who 190 fellow NBA players say they want to take the last shot

    With the game on the line, which NBA player would you want to take the last shot?

    Kobe Bryant, Lakers G…..76%
    Chauncey Billups, Nuggets G…..3%
    LeBron James, Cavaliers F…..3%
    Paul Pierce, Celtics F…..3%
    Dwyane Wade, Heat G…..2%

    [Based on a survey of 190 NBA players]

    76% to 3%. That was a poll taken last Feb. I would say that all 190 of those players who battle one another on almost a nightly basis are way more qualified than any of us to debate this subject! CASE CLOSED

    ReplyDelete
  3. Powerpex, you disappoint me. There is no bias among NBA players is there? Regardless, this is not very objective. They can vote you or I to take the last shot, doesn't mean were making it, well, maybe I would. Oh, and please, no references to MSNBC or CNN on this site, we are trying to aquire readers, not lose them!

    ReplyDelete
  4. you can ask your brother if i would make it or not!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would say if anything kobe would be more of a victim of bias if it was a popularity contest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We both know Anth is not making the shot, because no one is passing it to him!!!! Just kidding brother.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey Powerpex,

    You like apples? If so, see below and let me know how you like these apples.

    2009-10 GM Survey Results

    If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
    1. LeBron James, Cleveland 78.6%
    2. Dwight Howard, Orlando 14.3%
    3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 7.1%
    - Last year: LeBron James 66.7%

    I would venture to add that if a GM would select LJB to start a team with, it is so he can take the first shot, last shot and all the shots in between.

    So lets see, do we go with the GM's opinion, or the opinion of 190 guys - some of which my not be available because they were suspended for bringing guns to work?

    As you said, CASE CLOSED!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dr. Zero, I have read all the comments, and it seems Powerpex and myself are saying the same thing. LBJ is the best player, and would be our first pick, but Kobe is the one that is taking the last shot...Read Powerpex's post, it clearly states with the game on the line, who do you want taking the last shot. I don't think anybody is arguing your post of starting a franchise today, so you can keep your apples, since we are all in agreement with your survey. Next time compare apples to apples, before you close your case.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yeah zero, that is about how much your comments have been worth lately. I left my apples in the 90's when that saying was popular. We all know that your car is worth more than mine though, so at least you have that on me!

    ReplyDelete