Steal (basketball)

In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by their positive, aggressive action(s).

Steals are credited to the defensive player who first causes the turnover, even if they do not end up with possession of the live ball.

An unsuccessful steal can result in the defender being out of position and unable to recover in time, allowing the offense to score.

For example, forward Rick Barry led the NBA in steals in 1974–75, and for many years center Hakeem Olajuwon led his team in the category, consistently ranking among the league's leaders, and is the only center ranked in the top 10 all-time in steals.

Kendall Gill and Larry Kenon are tied for most steals in a regular season NBA game with eleven.