Most Triple Doubles in NBA: The Players and Stats Behind Basketball’s Most Versatile Feat

If you’ve ever watched an NBA game and heard the term “triple-double,” you might have wondered what the big deal is – especially if you're looking at the latest NBA odds.

It's simple: a triple-double happens when a player records double digits in three key stats (points, rebounds, and assists) in a single game. But don't let the simplicity fool you – this is a marker of elite, all-around performance that can significantly sway a game's outcome and is often a strong indicator for player prop markets.

Some of the league’s most exciting players, the guys you might be considering for your NBA multi tips, have made a habit out of stacking up these impressive numbers

Just look at Russell Westbrook, who holds the all-time record. His ability to dominate multiple statistical categories shows just how rare and impactful this achievement is – the kind of performance that gets players noticed for major honours. Speaking of which, you can always check out the latest NBA MVP odds here.

If you love seeing players contribute across the board, or are looking for an edge when studying player stats for bets, exploring the history of triple-doubles gives you insight into some of basketball’s best stat-stuffers.

Let’s dive into what makes these efforts special, which players shine most, and why this rare feat isn’t just about individual talent, but about impacting the whole game – and potentially your next bet slip.

What Is a Triple-Double in the NBA?

A triple-double is a special record in basketball where a player achieves double digits in three key stats during a single game. This special feat shows a player's all-round ability, not just in offence but also in defence and playmaking.

A triple-double happens when you reach at least ten in three of the main statistical areas in one game.

To achieve a triple-double in NBA games, a player must get ten or more in three of these five stats:

• Points: The total baskets you score

• Rebounds: Recovering the ball after a missed shot

• Assists: Passing to a team-mate who then scores

• Steals: Taking the ball away from an opponent

• Blocks: Stopping a shot by the other team

The term “triple-double” became popular in the 1980s, thanks to broadcasters and coaches looking for a catchy way to highlight well-rounded players. Before that, players managed triple-doubles, but the feat wasn't given its own name.

Oscar Robertson was the first NBA player famous for getting lots of triple-doubles, and even averaged one over a full season in the early 1960s. These days, players like Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić are well known for regularly posting triple-doubles.

Leaders for the Most Triple-Doubles in NBA History

A small group of players has set the standard for triple-doubles in the NBA. Russell Westbrook leads the league with an incredible 203 triple-doubles.

He broke the record previously held by Oscar Robertson, who finished his career with 181. Robertson, nicknamed “The Big O,” was the only player to average a triple-double over an entire season for decades.

Right behind Robertson, you’ll find Nikola Jokić, who has quickly climbed the all-time list with over 160 triple-doubles.

Magic Johnson also stands out, holding the record for triple-doubles in playoff history and recording 138 in his career. LeBron James is in the top five as well, proving his versatility on the court.

Here’s a quick look at the top all-time leaders:

Player                            Triple-Doubles

Russell Westbrook         203

Oscar Robertson            181

Nikola Jokić                  164

Magic Johnson              138

LeBron James               110+

Active Players with High Triple-Double Totals

You still see new records set today, mainly by active players. Russell Westbrook and LeBron James are both still adding to their totals, showing that the record books are never complete.

Nikola Jokić is another current star who has made a habit out of triple-doubles, using his unique skill set as a centre to rack up assists and rebounds as easily as points.

Besides these leaders, players like Luka Dončić have also made a name for themselves by recording many triple-doubles early in their careers. With the NBA style evolving - for example, more focus on pace and space - current stars are finding more opportunities to fill the stat sheet.

Oscar Robertson’s Pioneering Triple-Double Achievements

Oscar Robertson changed the way basketball fans and players viewed all-around play. He turned the triple-double into something truly impressive and made it a regular part of the NBA conversation.

If you want to understand just how outstanding Oscar Robertson’s skills were, look at his 1961-62 season.

He became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season. That means, for every game he played, his stats averaged at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Here’s what his season average looked like:

Stat              Average per Game

Points          30.8

Rebounds   12.5

Assists        11.4

No one had ever done this before, and it stood as a record for decades. In that season, Robertson recorded 41 triple-doubles, which was unheard of at the time. 

Most Triple-Doubles by Season

Each NBA season brings its own history when it comes to triple-doubles. Some players have pushed the limits, breaking records, while others set the standard for consistency in this remarkable stat line.

Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in a single NBA season, finishing with 42 in 2016-17. That year, he passed Oscar Robertson, who racked up 41 triple-doubles back in 1961-62. 

Here's a quick look at the top single-season triple-double marks:

Player                                      Season                    Triple-Doubles

Russell Westbrook                   2016-17                   42

Oscar Robertson                      1961-62                   41

Russell Westbrook                   2020-21                   38

Not many players have crossed the 30 triple-double mark in a season. Reaching even 10 is rare for most. Westbrook's record-setting run brought new attention to the triple-double as a measurement of all-around skill and hustle.

Most Triple-Doubles by Team and Position

Some NBA franchises stand out for producing lots of triple-doubles, often led by standout players. You’ll also notice differences in triple-double stats based on player positions, with point guards usually leading the pack.

Franchise Leaders

The Los Angeles Lakers have the most triple-doubles in NBA history, with 329 recorded in the regular season. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings also show up high on the list, thanks to stars who regularly stuff the stat sheet.

Players like Magic Johnson, who played for the Lakers, and Russell Westbrook, who played for both the Thunder and Lakers, have boosted these teams' numbers. The focus on passing, rebounding, and high-scoring games helps these franchises accumulate more triple-doubles than others.

Franchise history and play style often influence these totals, especially for teams known for fast-paced offence or having all-around players.

Guards vs. Forwards vs. Centres

Triple-doubles aren’t split evenly across positions. Point guards lead by a wide margin, with 1,437 triple-doubles in NBA regular season history. These players get lots of chances for assists and rebounds, as they often handle the ball and direct the team’s offence.

Forwards come next, especially versatile small forwards who can score, pass, and rebound. Stars like LeBron James regularly rack up triple-doubles thanks to their versatile skill sets and playmaking roles.

Centres get the fewest triple-doubles. While they often collect rebounds and can score, they usually have fewer assists since they aren’t the main ball handlers. However, some modern centres, like Nikola Jokić, have improved these numbers by becoming strong passers as well.

To sum it up simply:

• Most triple-doubles: Point Guards

• Next most: Forwards

• Fewest: Centres

The position a player takes on the court shapes how likely they are to get a triple-double, with team strategy and player skills both playing key parts.

Notable Single-Game Triple-Double Feats

One famous moment was when Nikola Jokić set the record by securing a triple-double in just over 14 minutes during a game in 2018. Jokić scored, passed, and rebounded with barely any time off the clock, stunning fans and players alike.

Before Jokić, the record was held by Jim Tucker of the Syracuse Nationals. He accomplished it in about 17 minutes during a 1955 game. Both performances show that timing, as well as talent, can make NBA history.

Unusual and Rare Triple-Doubles

Most triple-doubles come from points, rebounds, and assists, but every so often, something rare happens. Some players achieve triple-doubles using less common stats like steals or blocks.

For example:

• Hakeem Olajuwon once had a quadruple-double - meaning he had double digits in four categories: points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.

• Draymond Green recorded a triple-double without scoring 10 points; he managed double digits in rebounds, assists, and steals instead.

It’s also quite rare to see multiple teammates collect a triple-double in the same game. Legends like Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić have pulled this off with a teammate, which is a testament to their chemistry and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who holds the record for the most triple-doubles in a single NBA season?

Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in one NBA season. He tallied 42 triple-doubles during the 2016-17 season while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. This achievement broke Oscar Robertson's long standing record from the 1961-62 season.

What's the longest consecutive streak of triple-doubles recorded by an NBA player?

Russell Westbrook also holds the record for the longest consecutive streak. He recorded 11 triple-doubles in a row during the 2018-19 NBA season. This streak stood out as he continued to impact every stat category nightly.

Who's the all-time leader in double-doubles in NBA history, and how does it compare to triple-doubles?

Tim Duncan is often cited as the all-time leader in double-doubles, with more than 840 across his career. Double-doubles are much more common than triple-doubles, as players only need to reach double digits in two statistical categories instead of three. This makes Duncan’s total quite remarkable, but it’s not as rare as the triple-double records.