NBA and WNBA Turnover Records: The Most Frequent Ball Losses
In professional basketball, a turnover occurs when a team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team before a shot is attempted. While turnovers are generally viewed as negative statistics, they often correlate with players who handle the ball most frequently and take the most risks in creating plays.
NBA Single-Game and Playoff Records
The record for the most turnovers committed by a single player in an NBA game is shared by two athletes. Jason Kidd reached this mark on November 17, 2000, while playing for the Phoenix Suns against the New York Knicks. Similarly, John Drew committed 14 turnovers on March 1, 1978, while representing the Atlanta Hawks in a game against the New Jersey Nets.
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The intensity of the postseason brings its own set of records. The most turnovers in a single NBA playoff game is 13, a record set by James Harden on May 27, 2015, during a matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors.
NBA Career Milestones
When looking at longevity and total volume, LeBron James holds the record for the most career turnovers in both the regular season and the playoffs. James has committed 5,621 turnovers in regular-season play and 1,047 during the playoffs.
While total numbers reflect a long career, averages highlight a player's per-game impact. Russell Westbrook holds the record for the highest career turnover average in the NBA regular season, averaging 3.91 turnovers per game.
WNBA Turnover Statistics
The WNBA also tracks these metrics, revealing high-volume playmaking in the women's game. The record for the most turnovers committed by a single WNBA team in one game stands at 33.
On an individual level, Ticha Penicheiro holds the record for the most turnovers by a player in a single season, committing 135 turnovers during the 1999 season. For career totals, Diana Taurasi holds the WNBA record with 1,520 turnovers.
Key Facts
- NBA Single-Game Record: 14 turnovers (shared by Jason Kidd and John Drew).
- NBA Playoff Record: 13 turnovers (James Harden).
- NBA Career Leader: LeBron James (5,621 regular season; 1,047 playoffs).
- NBA Average Leader: Russell Westbrook (3.91 per game).
- WNBA Team Record: 33 turnovers in one game.
- WNBA Season Record: 135 turnovers (Ticha Penicheiro, 1999).
- WNBA Career Record: 1,520 turnovers (Diana Taurasi).
| Category | Record Holder | Statistic | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Turnovers (Single Game) | Jason Kidd / John Drew | 14 | NBA |
| Most Turnovers (Playoff Game) | James Harden | 13 | NBA |
| Most Career Turnovers (Regular Season) | LeBron James | 5,621 | NBA |
| Highest Career Average | Russell Westbrook | 3.91 per game | NBA |
| Most Career Turnovers | Diana Taurasi | 1,520 | WNBA |
| Most Turnovers (Single Season) | Ticha Penicheiro | 135 | WNBA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the record for the most turnovers in a single NBA game?
The record is shared by Jason Kidd and John Drew, who both committed 14 turnovers in a single game.
Which NBA player has the most career turnovers?
LeBron James holds the record for the most career turnovers in both the regular season (5,621) and the playoffs (1,047).
Who has the highest career turnover average in the NBA?
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the highest career regular-season average with 3.91 turnovers per game.
What is the WNBA record for turnovers by a team in one game?
The record for the most turnovers by a WNBA team in a single game is 33.
Who holds the WNBA career record for most turnovers?
Diana Taurasi holds the WNBA career record with a total of 1,520 turnovers.