Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, a double-double is achieved when a player accumulates double-digit numbers in two of the following five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The first double in the term refers to the two categories, and the second double refers to accumulating ten or more in that category. While double-doubles are a common occurrence in the NBA, only four players have ever recorded a quadruple-double, and no quintuple-double has ever been officially recorded. The most common double-double combinations are points and rebounds, or points and assists. Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most career double-doubles, with 968. Other notable mentions include Tim Duncan, who led the NBA in points-rebounds combinations with 841 double-doubles, and John Stockton, who led the points-assists combination with 714.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A single-game performance in which a player accumulates 10 or more in two of the following five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. |
| Triple-double | Occurs when a player accumulates 10 or more in three of the five statistical categories. |
| Quadruple-double | Occurs when a player accumulates 10 or more in four of the five statistical categories. Only four quadruple-doubles have been officially recorded in the NBA. |
| Quintuple-double | Occurs when a player accumulates 10 or more in all five of the statistical categories. No quintuple-double has ever been recorded in a professional basketball game. |
| Five-by-five | Accumulation of at least five in all five statistical categories. |
| Double-double combinations | Most common combinations are points and rebounds, or points and assists. |
| Players with notable double-doubles | Wilt Chamberlain (968 career double-doubles), Tim Duncan (led NBA in points-rebounds combination since 1983-84 season), John Stockton (led in points-assists combination), Russell Westbrook (led in rebounds-assists combination), Kevin Love (53 consecutive games with a double-double), Tracy McGrady (youngest player with a double-double), Luka Dončić (led NBA players in fantasy points per game in 2023-24) |
| Players with notable triple-doubles | Oscar Robertson (CIN), Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kyle Collinsworth, Sabrina Ionescu |
| Players with notable quadruple-doubles | Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson |
| Players with notable quintuple-doubles | Wilt Chamberlain (only one in history, but the accuracy of this record is disputed) |
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What You'll Learn
What is a double-double in basketball?
In basketball, a double-double is a single-game performance in which a player accumulates double-digit totals in two of the following five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. The first "double" in the term refers to the two categories, and the second "double" refers to accumulating ten or more in that category. The most common double-double combinations are points and rebounds for big men, and points and assists for guards.
During the 2008–09 NBA season, 69 players who were eligible for leadership in the main statistical categories recorded at least ten double-doubles. Since the 1983–84 season, Tim Duncan leads the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the points–rebounds combination with 841 double-doubles, John Stockton leads the points–assists combination with 714, and Russell Westbrook leads the rebounds–assists combinations with 142. Kevin Love holds the record for the longest streak of consecutive games with a double-double, with 53 straight games between November 22, 2010, and March 11, 2011.
A triple-double is achieved when a player reaches double figures in three of the five categories, and a quadruple-double is achieved with ten or more in four of the five categories. A quintuple-double, achieved by accumulating double digits in all five categories, has never been officially recorded in a professional basketball game. However, Wilt Chamberlain is rumoured to have achieved this feat, though some have cast doubt on the accuracy of the record-keeping during his career.
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Who has recorded the most double-doubles in the NBA?
A double-double in basketball is a performance in which a player accumulates a double-digit total in two of five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. The most common double-double combination is points and rebounds, followed by points and assists.
While Wilt Chamberlain is believed to have recorded 968 double-doubles over his career, this was before double-doubles became an official NBA stat in 1976-77. Therefore, the most double-doubles in NBA history have been recorded by Tim Duncan, who racked up 841 double-doubles over his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged 19.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, leading the Spurs to five championships.
Karl Malone, who spent 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz and one with the L.A. Lakers, recorded the second-most double-doubles in NBA history with 814. He averaged 25.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Hakeem Olajuwon, who played for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors, is also notable for recording six five-by-fives (at least five in all five statistical categories).
LeBron James is the only active player in the top ten for most double-doubles, with 573 career double-doubles.
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Who was the youngest player to record a double-double?
In basketball, a double-double is achieved when a player accumulates double-digit totals in any two of the five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. The most common double-double combination is points and rebounds, followed by points and assists.
The youngest player to record a double-double was Tracy McGrady of the Toronto Raptors. At 18 years and 175 days old, he logged a double-double on November 15, 1997, against the Indiana Pacers.
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What is a quintuple-double?
A quintuple-double in basketball is when a player records at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals, and 10 blocks in a single game. It is an extremely rare feat that has reportedly only been achieved once in the history of the NBA.
Wilt Chamberlain, as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, is the only player believed to have achieved a quintuple-double. On March 18, 1968, Chamberlain dropped 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals in a game against the LA Lakers. However, it is important to note that the NBA did not officially count steals and blocks at the time, so the record is considered unofficial by some.
The rarity of quintuple-doubles can be attributed to the difficulty of achieving double digits in all five statistical categories. Double-digit steals and blocks in a single game are incredibly rare occurrences. While blocks happen once or twice a season, steals only happen once or twice a decade. Therefore, the likelihood of a player achieving both in the same game is extremely small.
Some basketball analysts believe that the modern style of play further reduces the chances of witnessing a quintuple-double. The game has evolved, and it seems unlikely that any current player will be able to push the boundaries and achieve this legendary stat line. However, there have been a few players who have come close. Nate Thurmond, for example, finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks, falling just short in steals.
While the odds are slim, some believe that a quintuple-double could still be achieved in the future. With the right combination of skills and abilities, players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid may have the potential to make it happen. Only time will tell if another player can join the elite club of achieving a quintuple-double in the NBA.
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Who has recorded a quintuple-double?
A quintuple-double in basketball is a single-game performance in which a player accumulates double-digit figures in all five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. This feat is extremely rare, and only four players have officially recorded a quadruple-double in NBA history. As of January 2023, no NBA player's career-high stat line is a quintuple-double.
Wilt Chamberlain allegedly recorded a quintuple-double on March 18, 1968, with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals. However, there is doubt surrounding this record as steals and blocks were not officially recorded by the NBA until the 1974 season, after Chamberlain's retirement in 1973. Statistician Harvey Pollack, who spectated the game, reported that Chamberlain might have had more than one quintuple-double. Pollack was reportedly "like the Einstein of early basketball" and kept compulsive records of every stat possible for about 30 years.
Some believe that Victor Wembanyama, a San Antonio Spurs superstar, could be the next player to record a quintuple-double. Wembanyama has the skillset to score, rebound, and block shots, and his performance against the Raptors in 2024 showed his potential. He ended the game with 27 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and 10 blocks, falling just five assists short of a quadruple-double.
While it is mathematically possible to achieve a quintuple-double, it is considered highly unlikely. As of 2024, 10 blocks in a game have only been achieved a few times a season at most, and 10 steals have never been recorded. With the way the game is played today, it will be tough for anyone to come close to breaking Chamberlain's record.
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