Tonight against the Thunder, Monta Ellis scored 31 points on approximately 31 possessions and had nine turnovers. Not the most efficient night imaginable, but it is important to note that Monta used 40 percent of the team’s possessions that game. Not 40 percent of the possessions when he was on the floor, but 40 percent total. That distinction is useless in this case as Ellis played 48 for what seems like the 10th game in a row.
Monta’s season usage rate was 28.8 percent before tonight, 12th highest in the league. The league leader is Dwayne Wade at 34.6 percent for comparison. After the departure of Stephen Jackson, and the injuries to Azubuike, Biedrins, Wright, Turiaf, Bell and others, Monta has been forced to raise his usage significantly.
Usage rate does not tell the whole story, though. Tonight, it was very clear that no one else on the floor was able to create besides Monta. Percentage of Field Goals Unassisted was the best raw stat I saw available to evaluate creation. Monta’s Percentage of FG’s Unassisted is 67, a very high number. LBJ is also at 67. Wade, who like Ellis is a high scoring guard lacking a great supporting cast, has a percentage of ...
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Article written by Chris Finocchio
Monta Ellis: Elite Warriors Guard with No Help
December 8th, 2009 by Chris Finocchio Leave a reply »
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