What is a Triple Double in Basketball? Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever watched a basketball game and heard the announcers go absolutely wild about a “triple-double”?

It’s one of those stats that separates good players from elite ones. What is a Triple Double in Basketball?

It’s when a player records double digits (10 or more) in three different statistical categories in a single game – and it’s become one of the most celebrated achievements in the NBA.

What is a Triple Double in Basketball?

Let’s dive into the legendary performances and players who made this stat line famous.

What is a Triple Double in Basketball?

Getting 10+ in any three stat categories (points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks) in one game.

Top 7 Things to Know About Triple-Doubles

Before we get to the epic performances, here’s what you need to understand:

• 1. The Basic Rule A triple-double means getting 10+ in any three of these five stats: points, assists, rebounds, steals, or blocks. That’s it.
• 2. Why Is It Called a Triple Double? Simple math. You’re hitting doubles (double digits = 10+) in THREE categories. Triple doubles = three categories with 10+.
• 3. Most Common Combo About 90% of triple-doubles are points + assists + rebounds. Other combos exist, but they’re way more rare.
• 4. What is a Triple in Basketball? Confusing Terms Don’t mix this up! A “triple” usually means a three-point shot. A “triple-double” is the stat achievement we’re talking about here.
• 5. They’re Everywhere Now. Back in the ’90s, triple-doubles were super rare. Now, someone gets one almost every night thanks to the faster pace and positionless basketball.
• 6. Double-Double vs Quadruple-Double A double-double is 10+ in TWO categories (happens constantly). A quadruple-double is 10+ in FOUR categories (almost impossible—only happened four times in NBA history).
• 7. It Shows All-Around Greatness A triple-double proves you’re not just a scorer. You’re doing everything—scoring, passing, rebounding, or defending at an elite level.

Top 5 Triple-Double Performances of All Time

Here’s the thing: some triple-doubles are just stat lines. Others changed basketball history.

1. Oscar Robertson: The Original Triple-Double King (1961-62 Season)

The Stat Line: 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists per game for an entire season

Why It Mattered:

• First player ever to average a triple-double for a full season
• This wasn’t just one game—it was 79 games of dominance
• Set a standard many thought would never be matched
• Finished his career with 181 triple-doubles (held the record for decades)

Robertson wasn’t just putting up numbers. He was redefining what a point guard could do on the court.

2. Russell Westbrook: The Modern Triple-Double Machine (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19)

The Stat Line: Averaged a triple-double for THREE straight seasons

Why It Mattered:

• When Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City in 2016, everyone wrote off the Thunder
• Westbrook responded by averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists in 2016-17
• Won MVP that year
• Then did it AGAIN the next two seasons
• Broke Oscar Robertson’s “impossible” achievement—and kept going

Key moments:

1. Most people thought Robertson’s feat would never happen again
2. Westbrook proved it was possible in the modern game
3. Changed how we view triple-doubles (from rare to achievable with elite effort)

3. LaMelo Ball: The Youngest Ever (2021, Age 19)

The Stat Line: 22 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists vs Atlanta Hawks

Why It Mattered:

• Youngest player ever to record a triple-double in NBA history
• Beat the previous record (Markelle Fultz) by 177 days
• Did it as a rookie with the Charlotte Hornets
• Showed that the next generation can do it even younger

Ball’s achievement proved that in today’s positionless NBA, talented young players can rack up all-around stats faster than ever before.

4. Classic Big Man Triple-Double: The Rare Blocks Version (1980s-90s Era)

What Made It Special:

• Traditional centers like Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson would occasionally post triple-doubles with blocks instead of assists
• Typical line: 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, 10+ blocks
• Required absolute defensive dominance
• Way harder than the points-assists-rebounds combo

These performances showed that triple-doubles weren’t just for guards—big men could do it too with elite shot-blocking.

5. Modern Point Guard Triple-Double: The Pace Era (2010s-Present)

The Evolution:

• Players like Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić (mentioned as young stars) continue pushing boundaries
• Modern offenses with five-out spacing make rebounds more available to guards
• Ball movement creates easy assists
• Triple-doubles went from once-a-month rare to almost nightly

In short, the modern game rewards versatile players who can do everything.

Tip Box: How to Spot a Triple-Double Live During a Game

Watch the box score graphic during timeouts or check the ESPN app. If a player has 8+ in three different categories by the third quarter, they’re “triple-double hunting.” Announcers will start mentioning it constantly!

Comparing the Triple-Double Legends

Fans on basketball forums and What is a triple double in basketball reddit threads constantly debate: who’s the real triple-double king?

Here’s how the top three stack up:

Player	Why They Stand Out	Famous Stat/Note
Oscar Robertson	First ever to average a triple-double for a full season (1961-62)	181 career triple-doubles; held all-time record for 50+ years
Russell Westbrook	Only player to average a triple-double for THREE straight seasons	Won 2017 MVP; shattered the “impossible” barrier
LaMelo Ball	Youngest player ever to record a triple-double at age 19	22 pts, 12 reb, 11 ast as a rookie in 2021

Mobile note: This table adjusts for smaller screens automatically.

Each brought something different: Robertson was the pioneer, Westbrook was the machine, and Ball represents the future.

How Coaches and Teams Value Triple-Doubles Today?

Modern NBA coaching has changed to make triple-doubles more achievable. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• Positionless lineups: Guards are encouraged to crash the glass for rebounds instead of just getting back on defense
• Pace-and-space offense: More possessions = more chances to fill up the stat sheet
• Rebound sharing: Teams often let their primary ball-handler grab uncontested rebounds to push the break faster
• Ball movement schemes: Five-out offenses with constant passing create easy assist opportunities
• Analytics approval: Teams now track “potential assists” and value playmaking more than ever

Bottom line? The game has evolved to reward versatile, do-it-all players.

FAQs: Triple-Double Essentials

• What is a triple double in basketball rules officially?

According to NBA scoring rules, you must record 10 or more in three of the five major statistical categories (points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks) during a single game. That’s the official definition.

• What is a triple double in basketball all time?

When people talk about all-time triple-double records, they’re usually referring to career totals. Oscar Robertson’s 181 career triple-doubles were the record for decades. Russell Westbrook has since passed him and continues adding to his total.

• Can you get a triple-double in other leagues?

Yes! College basketball, international leagues, and women’s basketball (WNBA) all track triple-doubles the same way. The criteria never change: 10+ in three categories.

Wrapping It All Up:

The triple-double has gone from a rare achievement to an almost-nightly occurrence in today’s NBA.

But that doesn’t make it any less impressive.

Whether it’s Oscar Robertson setting the original standard, Russell Westbrook breaking every rule about what’s possible, or LaMelo Ball showing us the next generation is ready, What is a Triple Double in Basketball remains one of the coolest stats in sports.

It’s proof that basketball rewards players who do everything, not just score.

Which triple-double game is your favorite? Drop a comment and let us know!