While you're waiting for the game, here's a must read article from today's New York Times magazine.

If you're a fan of Michael Lewis (Moneyball, the Blind Side), here's the NBA version you have been waiting for.

The focus of the article is Shane Battier.  If you're looking for a well stated case that box scores don't reveal very much about a player's impact on winning and its likelihood, Lewis will show you the way.

But there's a more important point:  when it comes to decision making (draft picks, strategy, or choosing how to defend Kobe), process is more important than outcome.  Make the right decision, in the right way, and you'll still get the wrong outcome sometimes for reasons you can't control.  But your goal is to improve your odds. 

If you're suffering through Durant envy, this article will help.