Fastest Triple-Doubles in NBA History

The NBA has some of the most dynamic and versatile players, with a handful of them being masters of the triple-double. Elite players like Oscar Robertson, Nikola Jokic, and Russell Westbrook have made historical achievements through their unique ability to accumulate points, rebounds, and assists, in relatively few minutes of a single game. Accomplishing double digits in three of the identified categories in itself is challenging, therefore, achieving this milestone within a pile of minutes is even more astonishing. 

This article not only makes honorary mentions of players who have conquered in one of the hardest achievements in the NBA, which is the fastest triple-doubles. It further analyses the categories and minutes in which the triples and doubles were made. 

5 Fastest Triple-Doubles in NBA History

We rank the leading five triple-doubles in the history of the league, recognizing and solemnizing the incredible feats of speed and skills of the unmatched performances.

1. Nikola Jokic (14 Minutes 33 Seconds, 2018)

On February 16, 2018, Jokic, an emerging big man at the time, rewrote history by breaking Jim Tucker’s 63-year-old NBA record for the fastest triple-double. In just 14 minutes 33 seconds, the Serbian had accumulated 16 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, which became the fastest triple-double in NBA history. 

In the game against Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo fought tooth and nail to out-manage Jokic but the “Greek Freak” managed a triple-double of 36 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in nearly the entire game. On the other hand, Jokic had managed 30 points, 17 assists, and 15 rebounds within 34 minutes of the game. 

2. Jim Tucker (17 Minutes, 1955)

February 20, 1955 saw Jim Tucker put up a jaw-dropping performance that remained cemented in the league for more than 60 years. Although he played just three seasons in the NBA, he left an indelible mark that remained unbeaten in one of the longest periods in NBA history. 

Tucker made a historical record after making a triple-double in a mere 17 minutes, while playing with the Syracuse Nationals. In the matchup against New York Knicks he had accomplished 12 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. This record remained steadfast until Denver Nuggets big man, Jokic, regenerated another one. Although Jim Tucker’s name is one of the unfamiliar mentions in the NBA, this achievement renders him a household name.

If Nikola Jokic’s triple-double Thursday night against the Bucks were at all normal, he would have reached double-digit assists with a garbage-time pass in the fourth quarter, or pulled down a missed shot as time expired, or made a late-game free throw.

3. Russel Westbrook (17 Minutes 35 Seconds, 2016)

Russel Westbrook is a triple-double king who made history on April 11, 2016 after recording 13 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes 35 seconds. Westbrook, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder at the time, achieved this record against the LA Lakers in a game that would later become Kobe Bryant’s final road matchup. 

In the game, Westbrook employed aggressive drives that elevated his speed, allowing him to accumulate stats rapidly. Being an all-rounded scorer, he was able to employ versatility, making this achievement. He is one of the dynamic players in the league’s history and his ability to withstand remarkable records of individuals like Jason Kidd and Magic Johnson speaks volumes about his talent.

4. Russel Westbrook (18 Minutes 43 Seconds, 2016)

A matchup between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers marked a remarkable moment in Westbrook’s career, following a triple-double achievement in 18 minutes 43 seconds. He finished in just 28 minutes, maintaining a record of 17 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds. Westbrook’s remarkable record boosted the Thunder’s dominant 114-88 win. 

Westbrook has 202 career triple-doubles so far, the most in NBA history. On May 2021, he surpassed Oscar Robertson’s long-standing 1974 record of 181 triple-doubles. He also holds the NBA record for having a triple-double in 11 consecutive games, the most in the league. Moreover, in the 2016-2017 season, he made a record for most triple-doubles in a single season, having made 42. 

5. Luka Doncic (18 Minutes 59 Seconds, 2023)

Luka Doncic made history in the NBA for recording the first-ever 25-point triple-double in record time –18 minutes 59 seconds. The game was between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz and he finished in just 20 minutes, making 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

By February, 2025, Luka has recorded 91 career triple-doubles, including playoffs, and is the fifth player in the NBA to make an honorary achievement of recording a triple-double against every team he has faced-off in the league. He made his debut triple-double with the Los Angeles Lakers on February 25; he finished with 16 points, 12 assists, and 15 rebounds.