Percentages

This may be a bit nerdy, but whatever...

A few days ago, I was looking at the NBA standings. I found one thing interesting.

The Lakers at 35 - 32 were behind the Nuggets, who were 34 - 31. This gives them a 0.5224 and 0.5230 winning percentage, respectively. So, the Lakers have one more win and one more loss, but were behind the Nuggets.

Then, I looked at the Warriors and the Clippers. At the time, the Warriors were 32 - 36, while the Clippers were at 31 - 35. This gave them a 0.4706 and 0.4697 winning percentage, respectively. The Warriors had one more win and one more loss, and were ahead of the Clippers.

I now understand why the situation changes for each case. In the first case, both teams were above a 0.5000 winning percentage. Therefore, a loss hurts more than the amount of help a win gives. In the second case, both teams were below a 0.5000 winning percentage. In that case, a win helps more than the amount a loss hurts.

Either way, I just want the Clippers to get the 8th seed, and the Nuggets to get the 7th seed. According to my schedule analysis, the Warriors will not make the playoffs. I have yet to check on the Nuggets, but just based on what I've seen, I do expect them to get the 6th seed. That's too bad, because I think the Nuggets would have a better than slim chance of knocking Phoenix out of the playoffs.

Also, I appreciate the assists statistic. I am a guy that likes to pass the ball and see a made shot. However, a 40-point game is better than a 20-point, 10-assist game. Well, only if the person didn't need 40 shots to get 40 points. If it's an efficient 40 points, it's something special.