Game Score Calculator

Game Score Calculator – Basketball Performance Indicator

Evaluate a basketball player’s single-game performance with our Game Score Calculator. Developed by ESPN analyst John Hollinger, Game Score is a simple but powerful metric that quantifies individual impact using box-score stats like points, rebounds, assists, and turnovers.

Unlike team-based metrics, Game Score focuses purely on what one player did—making it perfect for comparing legendary performances across eras.

What Is Game Score?

Game Score is a single-number summary of a player’s performance in one basketball game. It was designed as a more accessible alternative to the complex Player Efficiency Rating (PER).

It rewards positive contributions (points, rebounds, steals) and penalizes negative ones (missed shots, turnovers, fouls). A score of **10 is average**, while **40+ is historic**.

Game Score Formula & Component Weights

Game Score =
Points +
0.4 × Field Goals Made −
0.7 × Field Goal Attempts −
0.4 × Free Throw Attempts +
0.7 × Offensive Rebounds +
0.3 × Defensive Rebounds +
Steals +
0.7 × Assists +
0.7 × Blocks −
Turnovers −
0.4 × Personal Fouls

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the player’s box score stats from any game:

• Field Goals Made (FG) and Attempts (FGA)
• Free Throws Made (FT) and Attempts (FTA)
• Total Points (P)
• Offensive (OR) and Defensive Rebounds (DR)
• Then expand 'Other stats' to add: Assists, Steals, Blocks, Turnovers, Fouls

The calculator updates instantly and shows performance level (Poor → Legendary).

Real Example: Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Game

On Jan 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points with:
FG: 28, FGA: 46, FT: 18, FTA: 20, Rebounds: 6 OR + 1 DR,
Assists: 2, Steals: 3, Blocks: 1, Turnovers: 3, Fouls: 1
→ Game Score = 63.5 (2nd highest ever)

What Is a Good Game Score?

• < 0: Very poor
• 0–9: Below average
• 10: League average
• 20–29: Strong starter
• 30–39: All-Star level
• 40+: Historic, legendary performance

Game Score vs. Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

• Game Score: Simple, per-game, no pace/team adjustment.
• PER: Complex, season-long, adjusts for team pace and league averages.
Game Score is ideal for quick, single-game comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the highest Game Score?
Michael Jordan (64.6 in 1990).

Is Game Score official in the NBA?
No—but widely used by analysts and fans.

Why is Points included separately?
Because it already includes FG and FT value, but extra weight ensures scoring impact isn’t diluted.

Final Thoughts

Game Score turns box scores into stories. Use it to relive classics, scout prospects, or settle debates about the greatest individual performances in NBA history.

One number. One game. Total clarity.