Exactly when and why did basketball analysts, commentators, journalists, and talk show hosts begin using the silly phrase “score the basketball”? And how do we get them to stop?
Can a short sports phrase be any more redundant? “…he has the ability to score.” That’s the same as “…he has the ability to score the basketball.”
It sounds DUMB.
There isn’t anything else on the court to score with. If they were allowed to play the last two minutes of each half with a volleyball, then OK.
Yes, sometimes you hear baseball guys say “…he can really hit the ball,” instead “…he can really hit”. But that’s usually used in reference to where on the field the batter is hitting the ball. For example, “…he can really hit the ball outta the park”, or “…he will try to hit the ball to the right side of the infield”.
I cringe every time I hear it. I’m hoping it’s just a fad. But I’m now hearing fans at the bar, and sports talk callers say it.
Do your part. Stop saying it, and square anybody away that does. Berate them if needed.
We may have to go grassroots with this – educate the youth while you’re at it.
The Sports Cult 
March 2, 2012 at 10:34 PM |
It’s just a way for those stains to sound smart. Too many people watching who don’t get it, so the announcers get away with saying stupid shit.
March 2, 2012 at 10:37 PM |
That above comment wasn’t anonymous. It was me. Just hadn’t signed in. “Square anybody away that does.” Great line! Hahahaha. Hubie Brown needs to be squared away.
March 2, 2012 at 10:46 PM |
pre-sixers coach Doug Collins, Legler, Bilas…they all heard it a few times and now use it religiously. Lemmings
March 3, 2012 at 8:50 AM |
I think it comes from a Rafferty saying score the goal or something like that,
March 2, 2014 at 1:29 PM |
Really it’s not just redundant; it’s idiotic. You score points, score goals, score runs, and so on. You don’t “score” the implement used in that sport (puck, football, basketball, and so on).
May 12, 2014 at 9:42 PM |
The phrase is so stupid it drives me insane. Those that use it show a lack of intelligence.
October 10, 2017 at 11:18 PM |
I hate saying score the basketball with a passion as hot as the sun. Nobody has ever scored the basketball or puck or football. They utilize those to score POINTS.
April 25, 2018 at 9:37 PM |
I was watching the Wizards game and an announcer used that phrase. It drives me crazy when I hear it. Does Sidney Crosby score the puck when he gets a goal? I hate it. By the way, can they also stop saying, “50 50 ball.”