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Stat of the Week
Week of April 28, 2008
(12)
The number of laps (12) Kyle Busch led during the running of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. Busch, who in six previous starts at the famed track had never placed in the top ten, took the lead for good with only three laps left in the race—and claimed his second victory of the season. Busch said, when asked about finally winning at Talladega, "It's been so long coming—I don't think I've ever finished a race here, or at least I don't think I've ever finished without a car all torn up."
Honorable Mentions
(1)
Mindy McCready was number (1) on Billboard's Hot Country chart on September 14, 1996, with her single "Guys Do It All The Time"—just one day after Roger Clemens beat the White Sox to pick up his ninth win of the season. It was actually a better year for McCready than Clemens—who was only 10-13 that year—but this year isn't looking too hot for The Rocket either.
(12)
The last time the Orlando Magic advanced into the second round of the post-season was (12) years ago—but after Dwight Howard scored 21 points, posted 21 rebounds, and blocked three shots, the Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 102-92 on Monday for a 4-1 series victory. Toronto forward Chris Bosh said of Howard after the game, "He's a phenom—he's the best center in the league."
(14)
Kobe Bryant scored (14) of his game high 31 points during the final 5:30 of regulation as he led the Lakers to a 107-101 victory and a first round sweep of the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Teammate Luke Walton said of Bryant, "He is unbelievable."
(35)
Joe Johnson scored (35) points for the Atlanta Hawks on Monday and suddenly the Boston Celtics are stirring up painful Super Bowl memories for fans throughout the New England area. Boston easily won the first two games of the series, but after losing game three in Atlanta, the outburst by Johnson in game four gave the Hawks a 97-92 victory and tied the series at two games each. Johnson scored 20 of his points in the final quarter—the Celtics got only 17 as a team—and now game five looms on Wednesday night.
(71)
Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam earned career victory number (71) on Sunday after making a par on the first playoff hole to beat Paula Creamer at the Stanford International. It was the second win of the season for Sorenstam, who failed to win on tour last season for the first time since she was a rookie in 1994. The former world number one said last year that her game would come back—and it has. Sorenstam said after her latest victory, "I'm very, very excited with the way this season has started."
Visit the Sports by the Numbers MLBlog to see the Stat of the Week for Major League Baseball and the New York Yankees.
Stat of the Week
Week of April 22, 2008
(18)
The number of Indy cars to take the green flag (18) during the running of the Indy Japan 300 last week—and the one that took the checkered flag was driven by none other than Danica Patrick, who became the first female driver to win on the Indy circuit. Patrick, who is one of the most frequently Googled females in all of sports for reasons that have nothing to do with her driving ability, said afterwards, "I'm glad it finally happened." Her victory came in career start number 50, and when asked about a female taking the checkered flag for the first time, Patrick, who has never lacked in confidence, replied, "I'd be lying if I told you I didn't think it would be me."
Honorable Mentions
(1)
Lorena Ochoa is the number (1)-ranked female golfer in the world for good reason—as she won again this past week. Her 3-under par 69 during the final round of the Ginn Open on Sunday gave her a three stroke victory, her fourth victory in as many weeks, and her fifth victory in six starts on the season, including the season's first major. No wonder she is bigger than rock star status in her native Mexico, but when asked of her success, she humbly said, "I'm very grateful—I'm just trying to enjoy my moment."
(5)
The number of days (5) the Washington Nationals led the National League East during the 2008 season. The Nationals began the season 3-0 and at the end of play on April 4 they held the division lead for a fifth consecutive day—but order in the universe was quickly restored when they lost their next nine games. The club is 5-14 after three full weeks of play—and while they will never recover and contend this season in their division, pay close attention to this club because how they play within their division could certainly impact the chances of teams like the Mets, Phillies, and Braves.
(30)
LeBron James closed out the season scoring (30) points per game to win the NBA scoring title—and he poured in 32 points in the Cavaliers 93-86 victory in the opening game of their playoff series against the Washington Wizards. Last month, Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson referred to James as being "overrated," so when asked after the game if he would like to offer a response to Stevenson's comments, James simply replied, "93-86 is all I need to say." You gotta love it.
(66)
The Boston Celtics closed out the regular season with a (66)-16 record—easily the best in the NBA. Now that the post-season is here we get to find out if they will mimic the Red Sox or the Patriots—and so far, so good. Boston pummeled Atlanta 104-81 in game one of their first round playoff series, led by a balanced scoring effort from Ray Allen (18), Rajon Rondo (15), Kevin Garnett (16), and Paul Pierce (16). Coach Doc Rivers took the opening win in stride, later saying, "We'll take the win—but we did some things I know we can do better on both ends of the floor."
(500)
The Atlanta Braves have a (.500) winning percentage after posting a 9-9 record during the first 18 games of the new season—but they are 0-7 in games decided by a single run. The Braves suffered one run losses to Washington, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Colorado, Washington, and Florida—a trend that has to stop if the Braves are going to contend for a division title this season. Of course, as I say that, I'm reminded that last season the world champion Red Sox were only 22-28 in the regular season in games decided by a single run—but the difference is the Red Sox also posted an astounding 36-17 record in games decided by 5 or more runs.
Visit the Sports by the Numbers MLBlog to see the Stat of the Week for Major League Baseball and the New York Yankees.
Stat of the Week
Week of April 7, 2008
(4)
The number of teams remaining (4) that will compete for a National Championship this week. On the men’s side of the house, Memphis and Kansas go head to head to decide who gets to bump chests and which college gets a bundle of money to put into their general college scholarship fund. Both teams are coming off convincing performances after KU beat the Tar out of the Heels and Memphis showed no Love to Kevin Love and the Bruins. Should be a good matchup. Both these teams can run and gun like Loyola Marymount used to.
On the women’s side of the casa, Tennessee slipped past LSU 47-46 after Alexis Hornbuckle put back a missed shot with .7 seconds remaining on the clock. The 93 combined points in this game made history. This was the lowest scoring Final Four game in the history of the Women’s NCAA tournament. Tennessee could care less! In the other bracket, mighty UConn fell down… and they fell hard. The Cardinal of Stanford blitzed the #1 seeded Huskies 82-73 as Candice Wiggins recorded a double-double. The 35-3 Cardinal match-up with the Vols in what may be a great Final. A Final that will motivate young women everywhere. I know my daughter will be watching.
Honorable Mentions
(3)
The number of games (3) it took the Arizona Diamondbacks to sweep the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field this weekend. For Diamondbacks fans, this may have taken the edge off their disappointing loss in last year’s NLCS. On the other hand though, we all know it’s the beginning of the season and the Rockies supporters still can take pride in knowing that their boys earned those pennant rings… Bling-Bling!
(9)
The day in April (9th) that hell breaks lose in the NHL world. That’s right folks, it’s Stanley Cup time and on April 9th of 2008, the Rangers take on New Jersey, Ottawa visits the Penguins, there will be an Avalanche in Minnesota and Calgary takes on San Jose. It’s crazy and its’ cold. Only one team will stand and be able to hoist the Cup. Who is it going to be?????
(193)
The ranking (193) of Johnson Wagner on the PGA money list before entering the Houston Open. He will definitely move up that list after winning his first PGA tour title on Sunday. More importantly, the win qualifies Wagner for the Masters. Congrats Johnson. Go out and buy your wife something really nice. Now, you think you can keep up with Tiger in Augusta? The SBTN Guys will be cheering for you.
(1)
The number of Final Four appearances (1) Bill Self will have made in his coaching career after next weekend. The Kansas coach finally got the monkey off his back after going 0-4 in regional finals games. More important to KU fans in Lawrence is that the team is heading back to the Final four for the first time since 2003.
(100,000)
The amount of hard cold cash ($100,000) that Paul Elias won during the Bassmaster Elite Lone Star Shootout on Sunday. Elias beat his closest competitor by 4 ounces to claim the title. His total weight checked in at 132-8. “I had the best day on the water that I've had in 32 years of tournament fishing" Elias said. I got news for you and anyone out there. Any day on the water is a great day. Congrats on your win!
Visit the Sports by the Numbers MLBlog to see the Stat of the Week for Major League Baseball and the New York Yankees.
Previous 'Stat of the Week' Posts
Enjoy these previously posted statistics that help capture some very memorable moments in sports...
 Stats in March, 2008
Stats in February, 2008
Stats in January, 2008
Stats in December, 2007
Stats in November, 2007
Stats in October, 2007
Stats in September, 2007
Stats in August, 2007
Stats in July, 2007
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