Stats Insight of the Day: Pau Gasol, Mike D’Antoni and the Three-Point Shot

Following the Lakers’ 107-102 loss to the Clippers in the most recent battle for L.A, attention has yet again centered around Pau Gasol’s place in Mike D’Antoni’s offense. Gasol, who was benched for the majority of the fourth quarter, played only 27 minutes in the game and posted a -20 plus/minus. On a night when Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant all played well, the Lakers received little from Gasol, who shot 1-6 from the field and secured only 4 rebounds. As has been the case since Coach D’Antoni’s hiring, a vast majority of Gasol’s touches took place far from the rim and have led to jumpshots. In fact, Gasol has taken at least 1 three-pointer in 6 consecutive games. For perspective, there have been 5 full seasons in Gasol’s career during which he has attempted 6 or less three-pointers. Under D’Antoni , the seven-foot Spaniard has attempted 1.7 three-pointers per 48 minutes, raising his season average to 1.2. Before this season, Gasol’s career-high in three-pointers attempted per 48 minutes was only 0.53.