Monday, January 5, 2009

O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose and their scoring averages

More than 30 games into the NBA season, and O. J. Mayo leads all rookies in scoring average (19.7), nearly three points per game more than CHI guard Derrick Rose.

So what's the reason for Mayo's big numbers?

"You've got these big guys who set great screens," Mayo said. "It's a longer game. Things are a little more spread out and there are good players around you. Defenses have to pay attention to those players or they can have a 20-point night and hurt you. That makes it a little easier. The most important thing is for us to get better."

In the meantime, could Rose's numbers be bigger? According to his coach, Vinny Del Negro, absolutely.

"Derrick is a guy who doesn't talk about stats," said Coach Del Negro. "He wants to win. If he needs to score 30 for us, he'll try to score 30. If we need him to score two, he will. That's his makeup, probably his best and strongest quality."