Andrew Pace
Basketball is a game of numbers. Whether it's points per game, free throw percentages, rebounds, or assists, each statistic tells a story about a player's performance and impact on the game. One of the most intriguing calculations in basketball analytics is the Plus-Minus statistic, which has been published in official NBA box scores since the 2007-2008 season. This metric evaluates a player's contribution to their team's scoring and defence while they are on the court. For example, if a team outscores their opponents by 15 points while a certain player is on the court, but are then outscored by 5 points during their rest, that player would have a Plus-Minus of +10 for that game. Plus-Minus statistics can help identify players who consistently contribute to winning basketball without necessarily posting impressive traditional statistics. However, it is important to acknowledge that Plus-Minus has its flaws, as it can be heavily influenced by teammates and small sample sizes. Other calculations, such as Percentage of Available Rebounds (REB%), Player Efficiency Rating (PER), and assist percentages, also provide valuable insights into a player's performance and overall game strategy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plus-Minus | The difference between team points scored and team points conceded while a specific player is on the court. |
| Rebounds | The number of times a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot that doesn't go out of bounds or lead to a foul. |
| Points per game | The number of points scored in a game. |
| Free throw percentages | The percentage of free throws made out of all attempts. |
| Assists | When a player passes the ball to a teammate, who then scores. |
| Assist percentage | The percentage of teammate field goals a player assisted while on the floor. |
| 3-point field goal percentage | The percentage of 3-point shots made out of all 3-point attempts. |
| Box Plus-Minus (BPM) | An advanced metric that accounts for a player's impact on the game beyond traditional box score stats. |
| Player Efficiency Rating (PER) | A per-minute evaluation of a player's offensive skills. |
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What You'll Learn
- Field goals: 2 or 3 points for baskets made inside or outside the 3-point line
- Free throws: 1 point scored when a player is fouled
- pointers: shots made from long distance for 3 points
- Violations: player handling errors can result in violations, like travelling
- Game strategy: understanding points helps decide on focusing on 2 or 3-pointers
Field goals: 2 or 3 points for baskets made inside or outside the 3-point line
In basketball, a field goal is any shot or tap that is not a free throw and is worth two or three points. The value of the field goal depends on the location of the player when they take the shot. If the player shoots from beyond the three-point line, the field goal is worth three points. If the shot is taken inside the three-point line, it is worth two points.
Field goals can take many forms, including jump shots, layups, slam dunks, and tip-ins. A layup is when an offensive player drives to the basket and attempts a two-point field goal from inside the paint area without making contact with the rim. A slam dunk, on the other hand, occurs when a player jumps near the basket with possession and throws the ball down into the hoop while airborne.
The field goal percentage is an important statistic in basketball, used to evaluate the performance of players. It is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the number of field goal attempts and then multiplying by 100. For example, if a player attempts 10 shots and makes 4 of them, their field goal percentage would be 40%.
Some of the top players in NBA history, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Michael Jordan, are known for their high number of field goals and impressive field goal percentages.
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Free throws: 1 point scored when a player is fouled
Free throws, also known as foul shots, are a common way to score points in basketball. They are awarded when a player is fouled by an opposing team member, or when the opposing team commits a technical foul. Free throws are unopposed attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, with each successful throw being worth one point. The number of free throws awarded can vary between one and three, depending on the situation and the type of foul. For example, in the case of a flagrant foul, the fouled player receives two free throws and their team gains possession of the ball. If a player is injured due to a foul, their coach may select another player to take the free throws.
During a free throw, the shooter must stand behind the free-throw line, in the restricted area. Up to four players from each team line up on either side of the free throw lane, ready to capture the rebound if the shooter misses. These players must remain in position until the ball is released. The shooter must release the ball within five seconds (or ten seconds in the US) and must not step over the free-throw line before the ball touches the hoop. However, they are allowed to jump while attempting the shot, provided they do not leave the designated area.
If a defensive player violates the rules during a free throw, such as by crossing the lane line, and the shooter misses, the shooter is awarded a substitute free throw. If the violation is committed by the offensive team or the shot completely misses the hoop, possession passes to the defensive team. If the free throw is successful but is followed by another free throw, the ball is then put into play by a throw-in. If the free throw is not followed by another, play continues from that point.
Free throws provide a strategic element to basketball, as teams may intentionally foul players who are poor free-throw shooters to gain possession of the ball. This strategy is commonly used late in a close game, as it also stops the clock, similar to a timeout.
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3-pointers: shots made from long distance for 3 points
A three-point field goal, often referred to as a 3-pointer, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw.
The three-point rule was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961, with the aim of adding excitement to the game and distinguishing the league from the NBA. The distance from the basket to the three-point line was initially set at 25 feet, but was later shortened to 22 feet. After the ABL shut down in 1963, the three-point rule was adopted by other leagues, including the Eastern Professional Basketball League and the American Basketball Association (ABA). The ABA used the three-point shot as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA, and it was eventually adopted by the NBA on a one-year trial basis in the 1979-80 season.
The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. In the NBA, the three-point line is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket. In other competitions, such as the FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, and NAIA, the distance is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in).
The three-point shot has become an important part of basketball strategy and has been popularized by players who are known for their ability to consistently make shots from beyond the arc. It gives smaller players a chance to score and can open up the defense, making the game more enjoyable for fans. There is even an exclusive group of players known as the "50-40-90 club", who have made at least 50% of field goals, 40% of three-pointers, and 90% of free throws in a season.
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Violations: player handling errors can result in violations, like travelling
While there are many ways to calculate a player's performance in basketball, one of the most common is the Plus-Minus statistic. This metric calculates the difference between team points scored and team points conceded while a specific player is on the court. For example, if the Rockets score 15 more points than their opponents while Alperen Sengun is on the court, but are outscored by 5 points during his 23 minutes of rest, Sengun's Plus-Minus for that game would be +10.
Now, onto violations: player handling errors can result in violations, like travelling. Travelling is a violation of basketball rules, where a player takes more steps than allowed while holding the ball. In the NBA and FIBA, a player is allowed two steps without the ball being dribbled, whereas the NCAA and NFHS do not allow any steps without a dribble. A pivot foot can be established, and a player can lift their non-pivot foot any number of times without it being a violation. However, if the pivot foot is lifted and returned to the floor, it is a violation. Additionally, if a player catches the ball with both feet on the court, they may pivot with either foot. If a player shifts their pivot foot, it is also deemed travelling.
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Game strategy: understanding points helps decide on focusing on 2 or 3-pointers
In basketball, points are scored when a player puts the ball through the basket. The number of points awarded is based on the shot type and the distance from the basket. The two most common types of scoring in basketball are two-pointers and three-pointers. A two-point basket is any shot made from inside the three-point line (22 feet), and can be achieved with a jump shot, layup, or dunk. The three-point line was introduced during the 1979-80 NBA season to reward players for making shots from longer distances.
Understanding the point system in basketball is crucial for developing effective game strategies. Coaches and players can use calculations to decide whether to focus on two-pointers or three-pointers. The two-point score ratio and three-point score ratio formulas can be used to analyse a team's performance and determine their offensive tendencies.
The two-point score ratio is calculated by dividing the number of two-point field goals scored by the total score and multiplying it by 100%. Similarly, the three-point score ratio is calculated by dividing the number of three-point field goals scored by the total score and multiplying by 100%. By comparing these ratios, coaches can identify if their team has a stronger offensive strategy with two-pointers or three-pointers.
For example, a team with a higher three-point score ratio may indicate a tendency to focus on outside offenses, which can be advantageous for increasing their scoring advantage. On the other hand, a team with a higher two-point score ratio may rely more on inside offenses, which can steadily increase their score but may be less effective against strong opponents.
Additionally, statistical analyses have shown that increasing the number of three-point offenses in a game can improve the probability of winning. However, too many two-point shots may decrease the team's winning probability. Therefore, understanding the breakdown of points and utilizing the appropriate calculations can help coaches and players make informed decisions about their offensive strategies and improve their performance.
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Frequently asked questions
To calculate a player's assist-to-turnover ratio, divide their number of assists by their number of turnovers. An assist is awarded when a player passes the ball to a teammate who then scores a basket. A turnover is when a player loses possession of the ball to the opposing team.
To calculate a player's field goal percentage, divide the number of field goals they have made by the total number of field goal attempts. A field goal is a basket that counts for a point that is not a free throw.
To calculate a player's free throw percentage, divide the number of free throws they have made by the total number of free throw attempts.
There are various metrics used to calculate a player's efficiency rating, including EFF (Efficiency), PER (Player Efficiency Rating), OER (Offensive Efficiency Rating), and DER (Defensive Efficiency Rating). To calculate EFF, add up the positives and then subtract the negatives.
To calculate the total number of points a team has scored, add up the number of two-pointers and three-pointers they have made.
