Key takeaways:
- A triple-double in basketball occurs when a player records double digits in three statistical categories in a single game.
- Triple-doubles are rare and a testament to a player’s all-around versatile skill.
- Players who achieve triple-doubles make a significant positive impact on a game’s outcome for their team.
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.
Basketball is a game filled with terminology. Understanding these terms adds depth to your viewing experience, offering insights into performance and enhancing enjoyment. One term you’ve likely heard is “triple double.”
So, what is a triple-double in basketball? It’s when a player has double-digit figures in three statistical categories in one game. For example, a player who scores 15 points, secures 10 rebounds and drops 11 assists in a single game has pulled off a triple-double.
Let’s explore further what a triple-double in basketball entails, its powerful impact on a game, and the elite players who have made the achievement a part of their game.
What is a Triple-Double in Basketball?
Recording a triple-double in a basketball game is one of the most impressive individual single-game achievements a player can have. It marks a player’s versatile dominance.
A triple-double in basketball is when a player, in a single game, accumulates double digits in three of the five primary statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.
Achieving a triple-double with double digits in steals and blocks is possible but very rare. So, 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.
As you can see, a triple-double defines versatility, indicating that a player has positively impacted their team in multiple ways.
Historical Context
The term “triple double” became part of basketball vocabulary during the 1979-80 NBA season. It became more widely used in the 1980s when versatile players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird dominated the league. Their multifaceted skills helped bring attention to this remarkable feat; today, it’s a staple in basketball.
See: Our curated list of best Larry Bird quotes.
Understanding Basketball Statistics
Players can 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 quantified, turning performances into data that convey a player’s effectiveness and contribution. Let’s break down the core statistics 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. It’s the most direct contribution to winning a game.
Rebounds
Rebounds are when a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot. There are two types: offensive rebounds, securing the ball off one’s own team’s miss, and defensive rebounds, gaining possession off an opponent’s miss. Rebounds are crucial for controlling the game’s pace and possession. Our article – What is a Rebound in Basketball? – breaks it down even further.
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. It reflects a player’s vision, teamwork, passing skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
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. They reflect a player’s defensive prowess and ability to disrupt an opponent.
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 a turnover.
Learn more: How long is a basketball game?
The Impact of a Triple-Double on a Game
A triple-double in basketball is undoubtedly a personal milestone. It’s big news when the NBA’s biggest name tallies double digits in three categories in a game. But it can also be a game-changing achievement that improves 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 potentially creating opportunities for easy buckets for teammates, generating more scoring chances for their team or limiting those for their opponent through rebounds. Triple-doubles can have a comprehensive impact that translates to more wins.
The rarity of triple-doubles also amplifies their significance. Yes, triple-doubles happen in basketball every season, but they’re not a common sight. It takes a unique player adept in multiple aspects of the game to sustain a dominating performance across numerous statistical categories.
Triple-Double Basketball Leaders in the NBA and WNBA
Triple-doubles happen in the NBA and WNBA but continue to be a rare feat. There were 13 total triple-doubles by WNBA players in this year’s 40-game WNBA season and 108 total triple-doubles by NBA players in their 82-game 2022-2023 season.
In the WNBA, 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 more extended history. Magic Johnson, for instance, was known for his versatile play and notched 138 triple-doubles in his illustrious career. And long before the term “triple-double” was even a thing, Oscar Robertson remarkably averaged the feat for a 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 |
Keep an Eye Out! How to Watch for a Triple-Double in a Game
Witnessing a player rack up a triple-double is an incredible experience. You get to watch a player dominate in several aspects of the game.
Let’s imagine you’re watching a game at home or in person and notice a player making an impact all over the court. How can you track a triple-double achievement in real time during a game? Here are some tips.
- Keep an eye on players accumulating stats in points, rebounds, and assists. These are the most common categories where players notch triple-doubles.
- Listen to the game commentators. They often provide real-time stats and will highlight if a player is nearing a triple-double.
- Utilize apps and websites that offer live statistical updates. They provide a detailed breakdown of each player’s performance.
FAQ
What is the definition of a triple-double in basketball?
A triple-double in basketball is when a player records at least 10 in three different statistical categories, such as points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks, during a single game.
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.
Who has the most triple-doubles in NBA history?
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 198, surpassing the previous record held by Oscar Robertson.
Who has the most triple-doubles in WNBA history?
Alyssa Thomas is the all-time WNBA triple-double leader, with 11. Candace Parker and Sabrina Ionescu are next on the all-time list, with three each.
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.
