The +/- statistic is a fairly new statistic in the NBA, but it has quickly become one of the most important and telling stats to measure a player’s impact on the game. It’s a simple statistic that measures a player’s net points scored for their team while they were on the floor. When it comes to the highest +/- in a game in NBA history, there are a few players who stand out.
What is the +/- Statistic?
The +/- statistic was first introduced in the early 2000s and has since become a staple of NBA analytics. It is a measure of a player’s net points scored for their team while they’re on the floor. It takes into account both points scored and points allowed. The higher the number, the better the player’s impact on the game. For example, if a player scores 20 points and their team allows 15 points while they’re on the floor, their +/- would be +5.
The +/- statistic is a great way to measure a player’s impact on the game, as it accounts for both their offensive and defensive contributions. It’s also a great way to compare players from different eras, as it can be used to measure a player’s performance against the league average.
Highest +/- in a Game in NBA History
The highest +/- in a game in NBA history belongs to LeBron James, who had a +43 in a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2017. James scored 27 points and added 15 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 steals in the game. He was able to completely dominate the game and lead his team to a comfortable victory.
The second highest +/- in a game in NBA history belongs to Michael Jordan, who had a +42 in a game against the Boston Celtics in 1988. Jordan scored 35 points and added 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in the game. He was able to single-handedly carry his team to victory and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
The third highest +/- in a game in NBA history belongs to Kobe Bryant, who had a +41 in a game against the Phoenix Suns in 2006. Bryant scored 44 points and added 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in the game. He was able to completely take over the game and lead his team to a thrilling victory.
Conclusion
The +/- statistic is a vital tool for measuring a player’s impact on the game. It is a great way to compare players from different eras and measure their performance against the league average. When it comes to the highest +/- in a game in NBA history, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are the three players who stand out. All three of these legendary players were able to completely dominate the game and lead their teams to victory.
No matter who holds the record for the highest +/- in a game in NBA history, it’s clear that the +/- statistic is an invaluable tool for measuring a player’s impact on the game.