NBA STATS | Plus Minus & Impact Metrics in Basketball Explained (2024)

FAQs

How does +/- work in basketball stats? ›

+/- – the plus/minus statistic is a measure of the point differential when players are in and out of a game. It is calculated by taking the difference in the score when the player enters the game and subtracting it from the score when the player exits the game.

Plus-Minus, a.k.a. +/-, simply keeps track of the net changes in the score when a given player is either on or off the court. The NBA has been publishing plus-minus values in official box scores since the 2007-2008 season.

+2.0 is a good starter. +0.0 is a decent starter or solid 6th man. -2.0 is a bench player (this is also defined as "replacement level") Below -2.0 are many end-of-bench players.

Generally, having a positive plus-minus value is the best outcome for most players. That means those skaters have been on the ice for the most amount of goals. A positive plus-minus value also means that players aren't a defensive liability and aren't giving up too many even-strength goals.

Basketball positions with the numbers as they are known: 1–Point guard.

Thanks, Susan. Dear Susan, “And one” is a phrase that's used when someone is fouled while taking a shot in basketball – either a jump-shot (farther away from the basket) or a layup or dunk (right at the basket).

A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it. A player in control of a dribble who steps on or outside a boundary line, even though not touching the ball while on or outside that boundary line, shall not be allowed to return inbounds and continue his dribble.

Passing. Passing has to be the hardest skill to work on individually. Passing is not so much about making an accurate pass--the hard part is getting it there on time and under pressure. Yes, you need to get it there on time on target, but everyone should be able to get the ball there on target.

Dribbling is one of the easiest skills to practice because it does not require a court, a partner, or much space. The more time you spend with a ball in your hand the better your ball control will be, but the only way to improve and go to the next level, is to practice outside of your comfort zone.

A +2.5 spread means the underdog will need to win outright or lose by 1 or 2 points to cover.

What does +8.5 mean in NBA? ›

By betting on the spread, you wager on whether you think that Team 1 will win by more than 8.5 points (so 9 points or more). Conversely, if you wanted to bet on Team 2 +8.5, you are wagering that Team 2 will either win or only lose by fewer than 8.5 points (so 8 points or fewer).

Plus/Minus (PM): The PM stat is "Plus/Minus", and reflects how the team did while that player is on the court. If a player has a +5 PM, it means his team outscored the opponent by 5 points while he was on the court. If he has a -3, then the opposing team outscored his team by 3 points while he was on the court.

On March 28th, 1990, Jordan's Chicago Bulls were playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers when he got hammered by Cleveland's defense. His reaction to the foul was as expected. He went on a tear and ended up scoring an incredible 69 points.

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain tallied 100 points for the Warriors in a 169-147 win. Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points to set a single-game NBA record.

Legendary Moments In NBA History: Michael Jordan scores 69 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.

In fact, the following numbers have never been worn: 58, 59, 64, 69, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 82, 87 and 97.

Shooting is among the five fundamental basketball skills, and it is the primary attribute that includes earning points, which is the game's major goal.

Manny Harris has the lowest plus-minus in a game, at -57 versus the Lakers on January 11, 2011.

If a shot is successfully scored from inside of the three-point line, two points are awarded. If a team is awarded a technical foul then they will receive between one and three free shots. Each shot scored will be awarded with one point.

5. Point Guard. The Point Guard is usually the shortest but the best ball handler on the team. Also known as the 'coach on the floor' or the 'floor general', a point guard is responsible for directing plays.

What does ISO mean in basketball? ›

Definition of Isolation in basketball

In basketball jargon, ISO basketball refers to a play in which one offensive player has the ball with other offensive players nearby but not in close enough proximity to where the ball handler can pass.

M = Made. A = Attempted. % = Field goal percentage.

The 1-3-1 zone defense is a defensive basketball formation. It was originally utilized by legendary basketball coach, Red Sarachek. This defense is named for its formation since there is one defender at the point, three defenders at the free throw level, and one defender at the base line.

A 1-3-1 zone defense is a defensive formation that basketball teams use to create turnovers, which occur when the offensive team loses possession of the ball before attempting a field goal, or basket.

It's been a rule in college ball for a long time. It's meant to make it easier for a ref to signal to the scorers table who a foul is on. Using only the first five digits and zero means a ref can use both hands to signal a number even if it's a two digit number.

What is the over-38 rule? It's a provision in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement that limits teams from offering contracts lasting four or more years to any player who is at least 38 years old or will turn 38 during the contract.

If you have been a fan of the radio show or the site for awhile, you have heard of the “Rule of 71.” The rule says that the first team to score 71 points in a game will win.

Dribbling. Dribbling is the art of bouncing the ball up and down off the floor with one hand, in order to advance the ball up the court. It is illegal to touch the ball with both hands simultaneously, a.k.a double dribbling.

Dribbling is a fundamental skill that all basketball players should master. This ability enables a player to move up and down the court, around defenders, and execute plays.

Generally speaking, basketball IQ refers to the ability to just instinctively play the game and adapt to any situation that comes up. Knowing how to put the right play into motion at the right time is a skill that many players don't instinctively possess.

What are the 3 most important skills to be successful in basketball? ›

Mastering dribbling, passing, and jumping can go a long way, making you a more successful basketball player who is worthy of playing on a college or professional team one day.

The team must lose by 2 points or less or win the game in order for the bet to win. For example, let's say the Buffalo Bills (-2.5) and the New England Patriots (+2.5) are playing each other. Patriots +2.5 would win if the Patriots win or lose by 2 or less.

NBA ATS Example:

If you bet the Kings that means the Kings can lose the game by 5 points or less because remember this spread was set at +5.5 for the Kings. At the end of the game you can add 5.5 points to the Kings final score and if they have more points than the Spurs that means your bet won!

A typical point spread betting line will look something like this: Los Angeles Lakers +3.5. @ Toronto Raptors -3.5. With a point-spread line of 3.5, the Lakers must win the game outright or lose by three points or less to cover the spread and be graded as a win.

G. Guard. Any point guard, shooting guard, guard, or guard/forward.

Why does the rule exist for college basketball players? Since officials are supposed to communicate the jersey number of a player who committed a foul using two hands to indicate the entire number, there are numbers like six that would cause confusion.

L10:Record last 10 games.

2PM. 2-Point Field Goals Made. The number of 2-point field goals that a team or player makes. 3P% 3-Point Field Goal Percentage.

3PM. Name 3 Point Field Goals Made Definition The number of 3 point field goals that a player or team has made Type Traditional Contexts Box ScoreClutchShootingDefensive DashboardPlayer.

A team shall not be in continuous possession of a ball which is in its backcourt for more than 8 consecutive seconds. EXCEPTION (1): A new 8 seconds is awarded if the defense: (1) kicks or punches the ball, (2) is assessed a personal or technical foul, or (3) is issued a delay of game warning.

What does F mean in basketball? ›

F. Forward. Any small forward, power forward, forward, guard/forward, or forward/center. C. Center.

POB - POSSESSION OUT OF BOUNDS: As soon as game starts draw point on first arrow on left page toward team with upcoming possession out of bounds, and enter their shirt color code on the left. At time of each jump ball enter playing period and time on game clock.

Power forward (4): The power forward on a basketball team is usually responsible for rebounding and some scoring in the paint. A power forward should be big and strong and able to clear out some space under the basket.