Have you ever wondered what it takes to record a quadruple-double in the NBA, a feat rarer than a perfect game in baseball?
Key Takeaways:
- A quadruple-double means a player hits double figures in four different areas like points, assists, rebounds, or blocks in one game.
- Only four NBA players have ever achieved this.
- Players need to be versatile and dominate on both offense and defense to achieve a quadruple-double.
The NBA quadruple-double remains one of the most elusive achievements in professional basketball. To put it in perspective, more people have walked on the moon than have recorded a quadruple-double in an NBA game.
It takes more than being good at basketball. It requires the right mix of skill, opportunity, and a bit of luck.
Here we dive into what a quadruple-double is, why it’s a big deal, the NBA players who’ve done it, and who might be next to join this elite group.
Defining the Quadruple Double in Basketball
A quadruple-double in basketball happens when a player reaches double digits in four different statistical categories in a single game. These categories are typically points, rebounds, assists, and steals or blocks.
To break it down:
- Points: Total number of points made during the game through field goals and free throws.
- Rebounds: Total number of times a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot.
- Assists: Total number of times a player passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score.
- Steals: Total number of times a player causes the opponent to turn the ball over through deflection or interception.
- Blocks: Total number of times a player legally deflects an opponent’s shot to stop them from scoring.
Getting ten or more in any of these areas is tough. Doing it in four areas in one game is why a quadruple-double is so special. It’s about being versatile, dominating, and helping the team in many ways.
This achievement shows a player’s all-around skill. They need to be good at both offense and defense.
Learn more: What is a rebound in basketball?
A Rare Feet: Quadruple Doubles in NBA History
Only four players have managed the incredible feat of achieving a quadruple-double in the NBA.
Nate Thurmond – October 18, 1974
Nate Thurmond made history as the first player to record a quadruple-double in the NBA. On October 18, 1974, playing for the Chicago Bulls against the Atlanta Hawks, Thurmond scored 22 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, delivered 13 assists, and blocked 12 shots.
Alvin Robertson – February 18, 1986
Alvin Robertson achieved this rare feat as the only guard in NBA history to record a quadruple-double. On February 18, 1986, as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, he faced the Phoenix Suns and ended the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals.
Hakeem Olajuwon – March 29, 1990
Hakeem Olajuwon, playing for the Houston Rockets against the Milwaukee Bucks, achieved his NBA quadruple-double on March 29, 1990. He showcased his dominance by accumulating 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and 11 blocks.
David Robinson – February 17, 1994
David Robinson recorded his quadruple-double on February 17, 1994, playing for the San Antonio Spurs against the Detroit Pistons. He achieved 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks.
Learn more: Who has the most rings in the NBA?
The Challenge of Scoring a Quadruple Double
Without exaggeration, scoring a quadruple-double in basketball is one of the rarest feats in the sport.
Let’s look at more common achievements for comparison. A basketball double-double is which a player reaches double digits in two statistical categories. This is tough, but we see it almost every night in the NBA.
Then there’s the triple-double in basketball. This requires an exceptional performance to rack up double digits in three categories. It’s a big deal, but it still happens over a hundred times each NBA season.
But a quadruple-double in the NBA? That’s next-level rare. In the entire history of the NBA, with thousands of games played, it’s only been done four times.
Why Is it So Hard to Get a Quadruple Double?
To get a quadruple-double, a player needs to be amazing in four different areas: scoring, rebounding, assisting, and defending (through steals or blocks). This level of all-around skill (not to mention, stamina) is rare even among the best basketball players in the world.
Basketball games also vary a lot. A player might be great at scoring and passing but not get many chances to make steals or blocks. Or, if they’re focused on defense, they might not score much. It’s tough to excel in all four areas in one game.
Player Positions and Styles Pivotal for Quadruple Doubles
Where a player usually plays on the court, and how they play, affects their chances of getting a quadruple-double.
Centers and Forwards Have an Advantage
Typically, centers and forwards have a better shot at this feat. Why? Their job often includes scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots – three key parts of a quadruple double. Taller players, like some of the tallest NBA players, often excel in these areas due to their height and reach.
Guards, who usually play away from the basket, are different. They focus on scoring, passing, and stealing the ball. They don’t often get many rebounds or block shots because of their position and size. That’s why it was so special when guard Alvin Robertson got a quadruple-double.
Versatile Players Have a Better Chance
How a player plays matters too. Players who excel on both ends of the court can adapt to different roles and have a better shot at a quadruple-double. They’re actively involved in all aspects of the game.
But, basketball is evolving. Today, we see more guards and smaller players expanding their skills to include rebounding and blocking. This evolution could lead to more diverse players achieving quadruple-doubles in the future.
Victor Wembanyama: A Rising Star and Quadruple Double Contender
Victor Wembanyama could end the long wait for a new quadruple-double in the NBA. He’s a new player, a center for the Spurs, and really tall at 7’4″ with an almost eight-foot reach.
This, along with his above-average coordination and timing, makes him great at blocking shots. Right now, he blocks about 2.6 shots in each game.
These physical attributes, combined with his skill in passing, place him in a unique position to possibly achieve a quadruple-double.
While it’s unusual for a rookie to achieve such a feat, Wembanyama is showing he might develop into one of the most all-around skilled players in NBA history, dominating at both scoring and defense and a good candidate for a quadruple-double.
FAQs on Quadruple Doubles
What is a quadruple double in the NBA?
A quadruple-double in the NBA happens when a player gets double digits in four different stats like points, rebounds, assists, and blocks or steals, all in one game.
Who has achieved a quadruple double in NBA history?
Only four players have achieved a quadruple-double in NBA history: Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.
How many quadruple-doubles does LeBron James have?
LeBron James has not achieved a quadruple-double in his NBA career.
Will we ever see a quadruple double again?
It’s possible but very rare. With evolving skills and more versatile playing styles, we might see another quadruple-double in the future.
How has the game’s evolution affected the likelihood of a quadruple double?
The evolution of the game, with players now developing more versatile skills, could increase the likelihood of seeing a quadruple-double, though it remains a rare feat.
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