Andrew Pace
A triple-double is a basketball statistic achieved when a player reaches double digits in three of the five main statistical categories in a single game. The five categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The most common form of a triple-double is a combination of points, rebounds, and assists. The triple-double is considered a benchmark of virtuoso versatility and is achieved by some of the best players in NBA history, including Russell Westbrook, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A triple double occurs when a basketball player scores in double digits in three out of five statistical categories. |
| Statistical categories | Points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. |
| Examples | 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists; 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists; 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. |
| Record holders | Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, James Harden, Larry Kenon, Kendall Gill, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Tamika Catchings, Sabrina Ionescu. |
| First recorded triple double | Andy Phillip of the Philadelphia Warriors, in a 1950 NBA game against the Fort Wayne Pistons. |
| Criticism | Some critics have called the triple-double an overrated measure of talent and performance. |
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What You'll Learn
Triple doubles are a benchmark of versatility
A triple-double is a basketball statistic that occurs when a player scores double digits in three out of five statistical categories in a single game. These categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. For example, a player might score 18 points, make 12 rebounds, and assist 10 shots.
Triple-doubles are considered a "benchmark of virtuoso versatility" by The Economist and a "common measuring stick" by The Denver Post. They are a testament to a player's versatility and skill in multiple facets of the game. The ability to score a triple-double requires a well-rounded set of skills, including scoring, rebounding, and assisting.
The occurrence of triple-doubles has increased in contemporary basketball. From 1990 to 2011, there were around 30 triple-doubles per year, while in 2018, there were 108. This increase has been attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the pace of the standard NBA game has increased, resulting in more possessions per game and, consequently, more opportunities to achieve higher statistics. Secondly, the positionless nature of modern NBA games has contributed to the rise in triple-doubles, as players are no longer confined to traditional roles and can showcase their versatility across different positions.
Some of the most notable NBA players with impressive triple-double records include Russell Westbrook, who holds the record for the most career triple-doubles; Magic Johnson, who has the most triple-doubles in the postseason; and James Harden, who scored the most points in a triple-double with 60 points. Outside of the NBA, Tamika Catchings of the WNBA achieved a quintuple-double, becoming the first person in recorded basketball history to reach double digits in all five statistical categories.
In summary, triple-doubles are indeed a benchmark of versatility in basketball. They require a diverse set of skills and a well-rounded performance across multiple statistical categories. The increase in triple-doubles over time further highlights the importance of versatility and all-around excellence in the modern game.
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Triple doubles are becoming more common
A triple-double is a unique and impressive feat in basketball, where a player accumulates double digits in three of the five major statistical categories in a single game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. This rare accomplishment has always been highly regarded and celebrated in the basketball world, but in recent years, it has become more common, with more players achieving it on a regular basis.
The modern NBA game has evolved to favor versatility and all-around contribution from players, which has contributed to the rise in triple-doubles. The pace of the game has increased, with teams prioritizing offensive efficiency and transition play. This faster pace generates more possessions and, therefore, more opportunities for players to accumulate stats across the board. The 3-point line has also played a significant role, spacing the floor and creating more driving lanes for players to attack the rim, leading to more potential for assists and rebounds.
Advanced analytics and a deeper understanding of basketball strategy have also contributed to the surge in triple-doubles. Coaches and players are now more aware of the impact of certain actions, such as offensive rebounding or creating transition opportunities, which can boost a player's statistical output across multiple categories. Additionally, the emphasis on player development has led to more well-rounded athletes who are capable of contributing in a variety of ways.
One of the key drivers of the increasing frequency of triple-doubles is the emergence of versatile, do-it-all players who excel in multiple facets of the game. These players, often labeled as "point forwards," blend the traditional skills of a point guard with the size and rebounding abilities of a forward. This unique blend of skills allows them to impact the game in a multitude of ways, making them capable of filling up the stat sheet night after night.
The rise of super-star duos and dynamic trios in the NBA has also played a part in the surge of triple-doubles. When a team has multiple elite players, the offensive load is shared, creating more opportunities for assists and strategic play. Additionally, the presence of a dominant rebounder can free up other players to focus on accumulating stats in other categories, making it easier for them to reach double digits.
While the triple-double has become more common, it still holds significant value and is admired by fans and analysts alike. It represents an exceptional individual performance and showcases a player's ability to contribute to their team's success in a diverse range of ways. As the NBA continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more remarkable individual performances and a continued appreciation for the unique achievement of a triple-double.
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Points, rebounds and assists are the most common triple-double
A triple-double is a basketball statistic achieved when a player accumulates double-digit numbers in three of the five main statistical categories in a single game. These categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. The most common triple-double is achieved through points, rebounds, and assists.
Points are the oldest statistic in basketball, with assists first being officially tracked in the 1946/47 season, and rebounds introduced four seasons later. The two major defensive categories, blocks and steals, are the most recent additions, having been introduced in the 1973/74 season.
While the combination of points, rebounds, and assists is the most common triple-double, other combinations are possible. For example, a player could achieve a triple-double with points, blocks, and rebounds, although this is a relatively rare occurrence.
The first player to achieve a triple-double without scoring any points was Warriors forward Draymond Green in 2017. He had 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals, and 4 points. Another unusual triple-double was achieved by Kalara McFadyen of Memphis, who, without scoring a point or even attempting a shot, achieved 12 assists, 10 steals, and 10 rebounds.
Triple-doubles are considered a "benchmark of virtuoso versatility" and a "common measuring stick" for players, showcasing their all-around performance in a game.
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Triple doubles are recorded at many levels
Triple-doubles are recorded at many levels, from high-school basketball to the NBA. The NBA first officially started recording the triple-double statistic in the 1979-80 season, and the first triple-double in the league's history was achieved by Andy Phillip (Philadelphia Warriors) on December 14, 1950, against the Fort Wayne Pistons.
Since then, triple-doubles have become a common occurrence in the NBA, with players like Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokić, and LeBron James achieving multiple triple-doubles in their careers. Westbrook currently holds the record for the most career triple-doubles, with 202, while Jokić holds the record for the fastest triple-double, achieving the feat in just 14 minutes and 33 seconds.
Triple-doubles are also recorded in other basketball leagues and competitions, such as the WNBA, where players like Tamika Catchings and Alex Montgomery have achieved quintuple-doubles, a rare feat that involves reaching double digits in five statistical categories.
In addition, triple-doubles are recognised and celebrated at the Olympic Games. Magic Johnson holds the record for the most triple-doubles in the playoffs, with three-time Olympic gold medallist LeBron James in second place.
The popularity of the triple-double statistic has grown over the years, with the term gaining recognition in the 1980s and becoming a benchmark of versatility in basketball. While some critics argue that it is an overrated measure of talent, others view it as a testament to a player's all-around skill and impact on the game.
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Some of the most famous triple-double holders
A triple-double in basketball is a highly sought-after statistic achieved when a player reaches double digits in three of the five statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) in a single game. While it became a recorded statistic in the NBA around 1980, the first-ever triple-double was achieved by Andy Phillip of the Philadelphia Warriors on December 14, 1950. Since then, several basketball players have achieved the feat, with some going on to set remarkable records. Here are some of the most famous triple-double holders in basketball:
Russell Westbrook:
Russell Westbrook holds the NBA record for the most career triple-doubles, with 202 as of 2024. He surpassed Oscar Robertson's long-standing record of 181 in 2021. Westbrook also holds the record for the most triple-doubles in a single regular season, notching 42 in the 2016-17 season. He also recorded 17 of those triple-doubles in away games, the most in that category. Furthermore, Westbrook achieved the most consecutive games with a triple-double, with 11 straight games from January 22 to February 14, 2019.
Nikola Jokic:
Nikola Jokic is one of only three players to average a triple-double in a single season, along with Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokic holds the record for the most points scored in a triple-double, with 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game on April 1, 2025. He also achieved a unique feat by becoming the first player to score at least 30 points while having 20 or more rebounds and 20 or more assists.
Magic Johnson:
Magic Johnson is credited with popularizing the triple-double statistic in the NBA in the 1979-80 season. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles in the playoffs, with 30. Johnson's achievements with triple-doubles were so impressive that they helped coin the term and bring it to the forefront of basketball fans and the general public.
LeBron James:
LeBron James is a three-time Olympic gold medallist and one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles in the NBA Finals, with 11, surpassing both Magic Johnson (8) and Draymond Green (3). James is also one of only three players to have recorded 15 or more triple-doubles in the postseason, along with Magic Johnson and Nikola Jokic.
Wilt Chamberlain:
Wilt Chamberlain is a legendary NBA player who may have achieved a quintuple-double (double digits in all five statistical categories) before such stats were recorded. Chamberlain is tied with Maurice Stokes for the most rebounds in a triple-double, with 38. He also achieved the rare feat of a double-triple-double, with at least 20 in three statistical categories.
These players have left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball, and their achievements in the realm of triple-doubles continue to inspire and awe fans and aspiring players alike.
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Frequently asked questions
A triple-double in basketball occurs when a player scores double digits in three out of the five main statistical categories in a single game.
The five main statistical categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
No, steals and blocks do not have to be included in a triple-double. The most common triple-double combinations are points, rebounds and assists.
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most career triple-doubles.
Some other notable players known for their triple-doubles include Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Larry Kenon, Kendall Gill, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.
