Great Spike Week(s) of the Regular Season

What is a spike week(s)? A spike week, as defined by yours truly, is a period of play, sustained over a week or longer, that is significantly above the player�s typical output in a similar number of minutes.

Spike weeks could occur because of any reasons � examples being, a hot streak, a change in roll, change in team strategy, exploiting particular opponents, injuries to teammates, easy schedule, or a combination of these factors. Perhaps they had played poorly in the previous weeks, and this was the correction to bring the play/numbers back to the statistical mean? Either way, it�s fun and uplifting to see someone catch fire and make you look twice.

This list isn�t exclusive, by any means. I was trawling and came across these players. Comment anyone deserving who I have missed and perhaps they can make it into the next edition.

Kyle Kuzma Week 18
Regular season statistics   10.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg in 21.2 minutes
Spike statistics   35.3 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.8 apg in 38.3 minutes

What caused the spike? Kyle drew the start at centre during this week, with the offense running through him for the majority of the game. Kuz welcomed the role, lapping up extra shots for the offensively stunted Wolves. He played significantly more minutes, almost double, but his points output went up over 300%. Small ball C looks good on him, putting up Hall of Fame statistics. However, they lost three-of-the-four games. He took advantage of bigger opponents at will, scoring in a variety of ways.

Russell Westbrook Weeks 14�17

Regular season statistics   22.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 7 apg, 1.8 spg in 28.3 minutes
Spike statistics   36 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 8.8apg, 2 spg in 36 minutes

What caused the spike? Injuries, injuries and a huge usage surplus at the top of the Blazers� food chain. Russell was the �last Star standing� for Portland for about a month, with not many others capable of scoring or commanding Westy to pass to them. The offense changed dramatically, with Russell usage skyrocketing and him having the ball for the whole game. His minutes increased by about 25%, but his scoring increased by 160%, which can be attributed to the amount of shots that were up for grabs with Leonard, Harden sidelined and the offense turning to him. During this period of time, the Blazers were 14-3.

DeMarcus Cousins Week 17

Regular season statistics   11.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 bpg in 27 minutes
Spike statistics   17.5 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.8 spg in 28.8 minutes

What caused the spike? This was Boogie�s third week in Charlotte, and a change in offensive strategy saw increased usage go his way, as not only did he score more, but he almost doubled his assists, all in just 1.8 extra minutes above his average. Also, there was no Chris Boucher or Jerami Grant. Upon closer inspection, it was the matchup with Orlando, who lack size and brawn, that is responsible for the spike week. In that game, he scored 29 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished six dimes. Vintage line from Cousins, in what could be the last great game from him. The Hornets went 2-2 during the week.

Blake Griffin Week 18

Regular season statistics   10.6 ppg, 6 rpg in 25 mpg
Spike statistics   20 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg in 41 mpg

What caused the spike? Tank-mode in Utah! Blake was thrust into the starting centre role for the last month of the season. For the majority of the time (i.e. all the weeks not week 18), he was fairly abysmal, average at best. However, for this one special week, Blake harkened back to the glory days with a classic Lob-City Griffin stat line. He even shot well! Utah even won a game that week, with Blake putting up 25 and 12 with some other great counting stats, prompting the GM to have a �stern word� with Griffin about team values. The rise in statistics can�t be accounted for with just an increase in minutes; ya did good, Blake. Ya did, good.

Dillon Brooks: Week 13
Regular season statistics   9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.7 apg in 20.5 minutes
Spike statistics   18.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.8 apg in 29.5 minutes

What caused the spike? Dillon! If there ever as a player deserving of a spike week, it�s Mr Dillon Brooks. He loves an ill-timed shot and is never afraid to take on big moments of the game. In what was a very average season in terms of output and efficiency, it all came together in week 13. The main reasons behind the spike are his three-point shooting, which was at 55%, close to 20% above his season�s numbers. Also, wing minutes opened up due to Lavine playing at point guard. Brooks looks to enjoy the shooting guard spot more, as in 45% more minutes he increased his scoring by over 100%.