Ice Cube may have “messed around and got a triple-double” playing pickup that one good day. But in actuality, a triple-double in basketball is a rare feat.
If you’re not familiar with what a triple double is, you’re missing out on one of the most impressive personal achievements a player can attain in a game.
Key takeaways:
- A triple-double in basketball is when a player records double digits in three out of the five major statistical categories in a single game.
- Triple-doubles reflect a player’s versatility: it means they’re able to contribute in multiple ways.
- Players are more likely to achieve triple doubles with today’s positionless style of play.
Let’s explore what a triple-double in basketball entails, its powerful impact on a game, and the impressive players who have made the achievement a part of their game.
What is a Triple-Double in Basketball?
So, what is a triple-double in basketball? It’s when a player has double-digit figures in three of the five major statistical categories in one game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.
For example, a player who:
- Scores 15 points
- Secures 10 rebounds, and
- Drops 11 assists
… has pulled off a triple-double.
Recording a triple-double in a basketball game is one of the most impressive individual single-game achievements a player can have. It means a player dominates in multiple areas.
Most Frequent Types of Triple Doubles
In most cases, a player scores 10 or more points, grabs 10 or more rebounds, and dishes out 10 or more assists to get a triple-double. It’s rare for a player to get double digits in steals and blocks.
Historical Context
The term “triple double” started to become part of the basketball vernacular during the 1979-80 NBA season.
It then became more widely used in the 1980s when more versatile players came onto the scene. We’re talking great scorers, passers, and rebounders like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Back then, they were unique in having the multifaceted skills for a triple double. It’s much more common for players today to have the skillset necessary to pull it off.
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Understanding Basketball Statistics
Players can surely make a huge positive impact on a game without it being represented in their stat line. But basketball is a numbers game.
Every action, from jump shots to rebounds and assists, is counted and recorded. This means we’re able to turn performances into data that convey a player’s effectiveness and how much they contribute.
Let’s break down the five main statistical categories that could contribute to a player’s triple-double.
Points
Points are the most straightforward statistic. Every time a player scores, whether a free throw, a two-pointer, or a three-pointer, those points add to their and the team’s total score.
If they score 10 or more points in a game, the points category contributes as one of the five stats they need for a triple double.
Rebounds
Rebounds in basketball are when a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot. There are two types: 1) offensive rebounds, when they secure the ball off one’s own team’s miss, and 2) defensive rebounds, when they gain possession off an opponent’s miss.
A minimum of 10 rebounds adds to a player’s chance of getting a triple double.
Assists
An assist in basketball is credited to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score.
Players of all positions, from guards to centers, who have great vision and passing skills are able to get at least 10 assists per game to add to their triple double chances.
Steals
Steals happen when a player causes a legal turnover on the other team through deflection, intercepting a pass, or in another positive defensive way.
It’s rare for a player to have 10 or more steals per game, but it can happen.
Blocks
Blocks occur when a player stops an offensive player’s shot attempt by deflecting the ball while it’s in mid-air.
While hard to get in double digits, blocks are valuable defensively because they reduce an opponent’s shooting percentage and can lead to possession.
The Impact of a Triple-Double on a Game
A triple-double in basketball is a personal achievement. It’s big news when the NBA’s biggest name tallies double digits in three categories. But it can also improve a team’s likelihood of winning.
Players who record a triple-double contribute to their team in multiple ways – scoring, facilitating shots, and rebounding. This all-around, versatile contribution makes that player more efficient.
The player on their way to a triple-double isn’t just focused on scoring. They’re also creating opportunities for easy buckets for teammates, generating more scoring chances for their team, or limiting those for their opponent through rebounds.
Yes, triple-doubles happen in basketball every season, but they’re not so common. It takes a unique player adept in multiple aspects of the game to dominate across numerous statistical categories.
Triple-Double NBA and WNBA Leaders
Triple-doubles happen in the NBA and WNBA, but not every day.
- There were 13 total triple-doubles by WNBA players in the 2023 40-game WNBA season.
- And there were 108 total triple-doubles by NBA players in their 82-game 2022-2023 season.
In a remarkable WNBA statistic, Alyssa Thomas holds the record for the most triple-doubles in league history. The Connecticut Sun forward also easily led the way with six triple-doubles over the 2023 regular season.
The only other WNBA players to record multiple triple-doubles in their professional careers are Courtney Williams (2), Chelsea Gray (2), Sheryl Swoopes (2), Courtney Vandersloot (2), Candace Parker (3), and Sabrina Ionescu (3).
Here’s a list of the WNBA players who recorded triple-doubles in 2023:
WNBA Players With Triple-Doubles in 2023
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | TRIPLE-DOUBLES |
| 1 | Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut Sun | 6 |
| 2 | Courtney Williams | Chicago Sky | 2 |
| T-3 | Chelsea Gray | Las Vegas Aces | 1 |
| T-3 | Natasha Howard | Dallas Wings | 1 |
| T-3 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | 1 |
| T-3 | Satou Sabally | Dallas Wings | 1 |
| T-3 | Sug Sutton | Phoenix Mercury | 1 |
Learn more: How much do WNBA players make?
In the NBA, the triple-double has a longer history. Magic Johnson was known for his versatile play and notched 138 triple-doubles in his career. And long before the term “triple-double” was even a thing, Oscar Robertson averaged the feat for an entire season (1961-62: 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists).
Today, Russell Westbrook is the undisputed king of NBA triple-doubles. He averaged a triple-double over four seasons and broke Oscar Robertson’s overall record. He now has 198 triple-doubles over his career.
Russell Westbrook and other active NBA players like Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis bring a level of all-around performance for triple-doubles. Here’s a list of the top 10 NBA players by number of triple-doubles from last season:
NBA Players With Most Triple-Doubles in 2022-23
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | TRIPLE-DOUBLES |
| 1 | Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | 29 |
| 2 | Domantas Sabonis | Sacramento Kings | 14 |
| 3 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | 10 |
| 4 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | 7 |
| 5 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 6 |
| 6 | James Harden | Philadelphia 76ers | 5 |
| T-7 | Russell Westbrook | Los Angeles Clippers | 4 |
| T-7 | Josh Giddey | Oklahoma City Thunder | 4 |
| T-9 | Kyle Anderson | Minnesota Timberwolves | 3 |
| T-9 | LeMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets | 3 |
Triple Double FAQs
Why is it called a triple-double?
It’s called a “triple-double” because a player achieves double digits in three (triple) different statistical categories.
What stats count toward a triple-double in basketball?
The stats that count toward a triple-double are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. To achieve a triple-double, a player must reach double digits in any three categories in a single game.
What is a 40-point triple-double in basketball?
A 40-point triple-double occurs when a player scores 40 or more points and double digits in two other statistical categories, such as rebounds and assists, in a single game.
What is the difference between a double-double and a triple-double in basketball?
A triple-double involves a player reaching double digits in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game. In contrast, a double-double in basketball is when a player reaches double digits in two statistical categories during a game.
