The NBA Game Score, introduced by John Hollinger, is a simplified metric for basketball analytics, focusing solely on individual player performance during a game. It serves as an alternative to the Player Efficiency Rating (PER) but is more straightforward to calculate. The game score provides a numerical value that helps quantify a player’s contribution, considering various actions such as field goals, rebounds, assists, and more.

Components and Weights:

The formula incorporates positive and negative components, each assigned a specific weight. Positive contributors include points scored, field goals made, free throws scored, offensive and defensive rebounds, steals, assists, and blocked shots. On the other hand, negative contributors involve field goal attempts, free throw attempts, personal fouls, and turnovers.

Game Score Formula:

The game score (GS) is calculated using the following formula:

GS=P+0.4×FG−0.7×FGA−0.4×(FTAFT)+0.7×OR+0.3×DR+S+0.7×A+0.7×B−0.4×PFT

Interpretation:

A game score of 10 represents an average performance, while a score of 40 or higher is considered extraordinary. This single number facilitates comparisons across players and can be averaged over a season for a broader assessment.

Weightage Table:

For a detailed breakdown of weightages for each component, a table is provided, indicating the positive or negative impact of specific actions on the game score.

Calculating Game Score:

To use the NBA Game Score Calculator, input the relevant player statistics, such as field goals, points, assists, etc. The calculator dynamically updates the game score as you enter the data.

Example Calculation:

An illustrative example involves a player who made 18 points, 7 field goals, 11 field goal attempts, 6 free throws, 17 free throw attempts, 15 assists, 7 personal fouls, and 3 turnovers. Plugging these values into the formula yields the game score.

FAQs:

What is Game Score?

Game Score is a metric assessing individual player performance in basketball, often averaged over several games for a season-wide evaluation.

What is a Good Game Score?

A score of 10 is average, while 40 or higher is considered exceptional.

Factors Affecting Game Score:

Positive factors include scoring, assists, steals, and rebounds, while negative factors involve turnovers and fouls.

All-Time Highest Game Score:

Michael Jordan holds the record with a game score of 64.6, achieved on March 28, 1990.