Basketball statistics compress hundreds of decisions into a small table. They help identify patterns, but every number has a definition and limitation. Two scorekeepers can also differ on judgement statistics such as assists.
Use the box score to find questions, then use film to answer them. Ten assists may reflect brilliant creation, strong teammate shooting or both; six turnovers can come from very different types of decisions.
Common box-score abbreviations
| Stat | Meaning | Important context |
|---|---|---|
| PTS | Points | Volume should be paired with efficiency |
| REB | Total rebounds | Includes offensive and defensive rebounds |
| AST | Assists | Credited under scorekeeper definitions |
| STL | Steals | Does not capture every forced turnover |
| BLK | Blocked shots | Does not capture altered shots |
| TO | Turnovers | Review cause, pressure and possession value |
| +/- | Team scoring margin while player is on court | Highly lineup- and sample-dependent |
Shooting percentages
Field-goal percentage divides made field goals by attempts but treats two- and three-pointers alike. Effective field-goal percentage adjusts for the extra value of threes. True shooting percentage also incorporates free throws, giving a broader estimate of scoring efficiency.
No percentage explains shot difficulty, late-clock attempts or the space a player creates for teammates. Compare similar roles and sufficient samples before drawing conclusions.
A better post-game review
- Identify the possessions behind unusual totals.
- Separate live-ball turnovers from dead-ball turnovers.
- Review potential assists as well as recorded assists.
- Pair rebounds with box-out and positioning footage.
- Avoid treating one-game plus-minus as an individual rating.
Official rules and related Trackd guides
Frequently asked questions
What counts toward a triple-double?
Double figures in any three of points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.
Do turnovers count toward a triple-double?
No. Turnovers are not one of the five positive categories used for the achievement.
Is plus-minus an individual performance score?
No. It is the team's scoring margin during a player's minutes and is heavily affected by teammates, opponents and small samples.
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