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What Is a Triple-Double in Basketball? Explained

If a player scores at least 10 points, grabs 10 rebounds, and makes 10 assists in one game, they achieve a triple double.

Leonard Solms
Leonard Solms

Last Updated: 2024-11-07

Chad Nagel

2 minutes read

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook//Getty Images

What is a Triple Double in Basketball Rules: Breaking Down the Stats: Points, Rebounds, Assists

If a player scores at least 10 points, grabs 10 rebounds, and makes 10 assists in one game, they achieve a triple double. This feat is rare and showcases a player’s versatility. It proves they are contributing in more than one area, showing skill in scoring, defending, and playmaking.

In a basketball game, different players excel in different ways. Let’s look at how points, rebounds, and assists contribute to a triple double:

Points: Scoring is often the easiest part of a triple double. Many players reach double digits in points. It shows the player is contributing offensively.

Rebounds: Rebounds are harder to achieve, especially for smaller players. Grabbing ten or more rebounds shows defensive skill and quick reactions.

Assists: Assists reflect a player’s ability to set up teammates for scoring opportunities. It is a mark of unselfish play, as well as court vision.

Some players also achieve triple doubles with steals or blocks. While less common, these statistics show defensive prowess. However, points, rebounds, and assists are the most common paths to a triple double.

DID YOU KNOW?

Only 12 players have scored triple doubles for the Toronto Raptors and one of them, Ben Uzoh, was generally a fringe player in the NBA who only featured 16 times for the Raptors. He achieved the feat against the New Jersey Nets in 2012.

Who has scored the most Triple Doubles in NBA history?

Russell Westbrook, currently on the books of the Denver Nuggets, has scored the most triple doubles in the history of the NBA.

He broke Oscar Robertson’s previous record of 181 while playing for the Washington Wizards against the Atlanta Hawks.

PlayerCareer NBA triple doubles as of 5 November 2024
1.  Russell Westbrook199
2.  Oscar Robertson181
3.  Magic Johnson138
4.  Nikola Jokić133
5.  LeBron James113
6.  Jason Kidd107
7.  Wilt Chamberlain78
8.  James Harden78
9.  Luka Dončić77
10. Domantas Sabonis60
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Leonard Solms
Leonard SolmsSports Writer

Leonard Solms is a freelance journalist who has been covering local and international sport from South Africa since 2015. Best known for his work for ESPN, he has also written for Al Jazeera, The Continent, New Frame, Planet Rugby and GiveMeSport among several other publications.