Statistical analysis proving Olajuwon the best playoff player

Which was another interesting takeaway - I looked this up to agree with you and then @kevC posted something that sounded like the opposite. But no - both true. Robinson's usage was over 1% lower in the postseason than regular season, which kind of goes with his reputation for shrinking in May and June. Hakeem, meanwhile, increased his usage by 1.8% compared to regular season.

 

Well different officiating could lead to Robinson shooting less because he's not getting the calls. I don't think it's officiating though as much as it's just playoff basketball.

I'm not saying the same thing will happen to Harden, because Harden has much more ability than Robinson or Malone to create a good shot that he can hit, whereas those guys charged the basket a lot.

Harden has the fadeaway and step back 3 to go to if he isn't getting calls.

 

He did have a low FT rate against Blazers and Warriors last year, but higher in the playoffs against the Thunder and our WCF run two years ago.

 

You might also be shooting less because you are being held and mugged and having much more difficulty getting to the paint, not to mention how exhausting it is to fight your way to the rim, get mugged, and not get the call you are used to getting. I think this is a pretty difficult stat to draw conclusions with.

 

But the rates bare out that when he did shoot, he got fouled at a higher rate. I just don't think there is enough data to show that officials actually swallow their whistle in the playoffs, there are plenty of examples both ways. Harden has been alternating years getting calls in the playoffs. Coincidentally, if the trend continues of alternating years, this year he should get a lot of calls!

 

It could just be teams making a more concerted effort not to foul, or to double more or whatever