John Hollinger, a renowned figure in the world of advanced basketball analytics, developed several advanced metrics to quantify player performance and game dynamics, with one of the key metrics being the Game Score.
This metric gives a better understanding of a player’s statistical contributions during a game compared to traditional stats like points, rebounds, and assists.
Game Score Metric
The Game Score was created as part of Hollinger’s wider efforts to create a simplified yet effective method for evaluating player performance in a single game context.
Hollinger, who has worked as both a sportswriter and a front office executive in the NBA, sought to devise a formula that encapsulates all of a player’s contributions into one number.
The intent was to have a measure that could quickly communicate how well a player performed in a game, reflecting both their productivity and efficiency.
How To Calculate The Game Score Metric
The formula for Game Score is:
Game Score =
PTS + 0.4 × FG − 0.7 × FGA − 0.4 × (FTA−FT) + 0.7 × ORB + 0.3 × DRB + STL + 0.7 × AST + 0.7 × BLK − 0.4 × PF − TO
Where:
- PTS are points scored
- FG is field goals made
- FGA is field goals attempted
- FTA is free throws attempted
- FT is free throws made
- ORB is offensive rebounds
- DRB is defensive rebounds
- STL is steals
- AST is assists
- BLK is blocks
- PF is personal fouls
- TO is turnovers
The Game Score formula considers both positive contributions like points, rebounds, and assists, and negative impacts like missed shots and turnovers, giving a balanced perspective on performance.
Examples of Game Score in an NBA Game
To show Game Score in action, consider a hypothetical NBA game where “Player A” scores 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including two three-pointers, grabs 8 rebounds, dishes out 5 assists, steals the ball twice, blocks a shot, commits 2 turnovers, and picks up 4 fouls.
Using the Game Score formula, Player A’s performance would be calculated as follows:
- Points (28)
- Field Goals Made (10) contribute an additional +4 (0.4 x 10)
- Field Goals Attempted (15) deduct -10.5 (0.7 x 15)
- Free Throws (let’s assume 6 made out of 8 attempted) contribute +2.4 and deduct -0.8
- Rebounds (3 offensive, 5 defensive) contribute +2.1 and +1.5 respectively
- Assists (5) add +3.5
- Steals (2) add +2
- Blocks (1) add +0.7
- Turnovers (2) deduct -2
- Fouls (4) deduct -1.6
Adding all these contributions and deductions, Player A’s Game Score would be 30.3, showing a highly effective performance.
Broader Use Of Game Score
Game Score is useful for spotting standout performances and can be used alongside other metrics to gauge a player’s true impact.
It’s a favorite tool among analysts, coaches, and front offices for quick assessments post-game. For example, high Game Scores by players consistently through a season can highlight candidates for NBA awards or more strategic roles in team plays.
Game Score can also serve as a basis for fan discussions and debates about player performances (you’ll notice most podcasters discuss these metrics ad nauseam), lifting engagement with the sport through a much better understanding of what numbers can tell us about basketball games.
Check out some more advanced metrics including Player Efficiency Rating, Usage Rate, True Shooting Percentage and Box Plus/Minus.
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