Samuel Lawler

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

*NBA FINALS DATA ANALYSIS*

To evaluate this year’s NBA Finals matchup between the Mavs and the Celtics, I scraped data from every Finals matchup this century and found indicators of what helps teams win. This is what I found.

[Football Analysis @FBallAnalysisYT]

Do you think Fernando Mendoza covered his eyes

[Degen CPA @DrewVento]

Dudes will ask where the bitches at but never look within

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

@DanWetzel @espn What a stupid take

Since there've been moral grievances in college sports in the past, any future ones are now completely fine?

Gambling is the most blatant sin in sports because it affects what makes sports great. Stop acting like there's any moral ambiguity

[conduct|r @conductr_]

please normalize having more fun in life.
everything that is playful to you has the potential to set you apart from everyone else

live by this for at least 1 week and you will see your life with new eyes. it’s definitely something we forget over time

[Work Retire Die @WorkRetireDie]

Make sure I update the project tracker so my broader team is up to date on deliverable timelines across the org

[Z @thomzay11]

how it feels sharing politics on your insta story

[Three Year Letterman @3YearLetterman]

If the Bible was written in English, there’s no reason the Super Bowl halftime shouldn’t be as well

[Julian Fijma @JulianFijma]

Has to be the loudest “Get Stupid” yet

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

@42Cyc No @GarrettWilson_V is fucking blasphemy

[Roo @haulinhundos]

I’m admitting what I’m about to say is pathetic..

Sam Darnold beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl would be the happiest I’ve been as a Jets fan in 15 years. Go Sam.

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

@DeanO_Lytics How is expected 3pt% calculated?

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

4 of those teams lost by double digits: 22 Dubs, 21 Bucks, 16 Cavs, 12 Heat. Interestingly enough, only 7 of the 24 Finals Game 1s played this century have been single-digit margins of victory. Lot of convincing victories in Game 1.

Still hope yet for DAL, but an uphill climb.

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

GAME 1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

Boston’s 18 point W vs Dallas ties the 3rd-largest Finals Game 1 margin of victory this century, trailing 2009 Lakers (25), 2017 Warriors (22), and tied with 2020 Lakers (18). Teams went on to win in 5, 5, 6 games.

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

In the last 24 NBA Finals, the winner of Game 1 has gone on to win 16 (2/3) of the time. Exceptions are 22 Dubs (very notable here…), 21 Bucks, 16 Cavs, 13 Heat, 12 Heat, 11 Mavs, 06 Heat, 01 Lakers.

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

You can count on one game where Luka/Kyrie/Dallas role players to shoot lights out, but Boston’s shooting and defense is no fluke, particularly with Porzingis back in the fold – they should keep it up. My prediction remains the same: CELTICS IN 5.

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

Celtics outdid the Mavs in all of the “Four Factors” in Game 1 (besides turnovers, which is not indicative of the eventual champ when studying past Finals). They shot better (eFG%), rebounded better (ORBN%), and werte more efficient at the free throw line (FT/FGA).

[Samuel Lawler @SamuelMLawler1]

BOS should continue to attack Lively to get to the line and force more Maxi Kleber minutes – because it appears Gafford will not be as much a part of the game plan this series. If they can do that, the rebounding (Dallas’ main edge) will neutralize, and Boston will be in control.