Game Score Calculator
Definition – What is Game Score?
“Game Score” (GmSc) is a metric developed by basketball statistician John Hollinger. It is an extension of Player Efficiency Rating (as well as a simpler alternative).
The intention is to give a “total value” on a player’s statistical performance in a basketball game. It takes every statistic listed on a player’s box score into account. Where most players are judged only on scoring ability, Game Score includes other contributions such as rebounds, steals, blocks, turnovers, and other actions.
Game Score is intended for use in a single game. It represents a parallel number, but an alternative to points scored. 40 is a fantastic game score, and ten an average performance.
Formula – How to calculate game score
Game Score = Points Scored + (0.4 x Field Goals) – (0.7 x Field Goal Attempts) – (0.4 x (Free Throw Attempts – Free Throws)) + (0.7 x Offensive Rebounds) + (0.3 x Defensive Rebounds) + Steals + (0.7 x Assists) + (0.7 x Blocks) – (0.4 x Personal Fouls) – Turnovers
Example
In a game, a player has made: 26 points, 6 field goals, 21 field goal attempts, 14 free throws, 21 free throw attempts, 1 offensive rebound, 4 defensive rebounds, 1 steal, 10 assists, 1 block, 1 personal foul, and 7 turnovers.
Game Score (GmSc) = 26 + (0.4 x 6) – (0.7 x 21) – (0.4 x (21 – 14)) + (0.7 x 1) + (0.3 x 4) + 1 + (0.7 x 10) + (0.7 x 1) – (0.4 x 1) – 7
Game Score (GmSc) = 26 + 2.4 – 14.7 – (0.4 x 7) + 0.7 + 1.2 + 1 + 7 + 0.7 – 0.4 – 7
Game Score (GmSc) = 26 + 2.4 – 14.7 – 2.8 + 0.7 + 1.2 + 1 + 7 + 0.7 – 0.4 – 7
Game Score (GmSc) = 14.1
Therefore, this player has a game score of 14.1.
More resources
- Wikipedia – John Hollinger Game Score
- Boxscore Geeks – FAQ – What are “Wins Produced?” – Includes reference to the Game Score formula.
- Glossary Entries on Game Score from Basketball-Reference.com and SportingCharts.com.
- Statistical entries including GmSc all time leaders from Basketball-Reference.com,