What is a triple-double in basketball? Everything you need to know about the NBA feat

At the professional level, basketball is not just about scoring, blocking, or assisting. In high-level NBA games, viewers frequently hear terms like triple-double and double-double. What do these terms mean? In this article, basketscores.com answers the question: What is a triple-double in the NBA?

What is a triple-double in the NBA?

A triple-double is a term used to describe a player achieving 10 or more in 3 out of the following 5 key statistical categories in a game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. To achieve a triple-double, a player must combine physical strength to compete for rebounds, vision to deliver assists, and scoring ability.

Most players are only strong in one or two areas. Tall players are often good at rebounds but less effective at assists, while smaller guards excel at assists but struggle with rebounds. Players who achieve this not only score but also contribute significantly to controlling the game and supporting their teammates.

The history of the triple-double

According to statisticians, Dolph Schayes (Syracuse Nationals) is believed to be the first player to record a triple-double on February 8, 1951, with 18 points, 22 rebounds, and 13 assists.

In the 1961/62 season, the legendary Oscar Robertson achieved an unprecedented feat by averaging a triple-double for an entire season (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists). However, at the time, the media simply described him as having “a great all-around performance.”

The term “triple-double” officially emerged and became popular around 1980. One theory credits Bruce Jolesch, former communications director of the Los Angeles Lakers, with coining the term to highlight Magic Johnson’s versatility.

Another theory suggests Harvey Pollack, the legendary communications director of the Philadelphia 76ers, created the term to emphasize players’ all-around contributions.

The NBA officially began recognizing the triple-double as a separate statistical category in the 1979/80 season, which also marked the introduction of the three-point line and the start of the modern era.

Players with the most triple-doubles in NBA history

Russell Westbrook

The Sacramento Kings player holds the all-time record with 209 triple-doubles, surpassing Oscar Robertson (181) in 2021. In the 2016/17 season, he recorded 42 triple-doubles and also holds the record for 11 consecutive triple-doubles in 2019.

Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets superstar is close behind with 197 triple-doubles. Jokić often records triple-doubles with a field goal percentage above 50–60% and holds the record for the fastest triple-double in NBA history (14 minutes 33 seconds) against the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2018.

Oscar Robertson

As the first player to achieve this milestone, he also became the first to average a triple-double for an entire season. Notably, he did this without the three-point line, making his scoring even more impressive.

Magic Johnson

Although his totals are lower than some modern players, Magic Johnson still holds the record for the most playoff triple-doubles (30 as of April 2026). His performances in the 1980s helped popularize the term.

LeBron James

As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron is also on this list. In March 2026, he became the only player in history to record four triple-doubles after turning 40. He is also the only player to surpass 40,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, and 11,000 assists.

Some facts about triple-doubles

Triple-doubles are sometimes criticized as “inflated stats” due to stat padding. Some players may chase rebounds or assists after reaching key milestones. A well-known example is Russell Westbrook, who has faced criticism for this style of play.

Triple-doubles are not limited to superstars. Some role players have recorded them in standout games. A notable example is Tony Wroten, who achieved a triple-double in his first game as a starter.

Most people think scoring 10 points is the easiest part of a triple-double. However, on February 10, 2017, Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) made history by recording a triple-double without scoring 10 points: 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals (with only 4 points). This remains the only such case in NBA history.

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