A triple double is a game in which a basketball player reaches 10 or more in three of the five main stat categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. The most common version is points, rebounds and assists, which is why triple doubles are the signature of all around players. The chart below breaks down every kind of double, from the nightly double double to the quintuple double that has never happened in the NBA.
The Five Categories
| Category | How hard is 10? |
|---|---|
| Points | The easiest category to reach 10 for any starter |
| Rebounds | Usually the hardest for guards and the easiest for centers |
| Assists | The category that separates true triple double threats |
| Steals | Rarely reaches 10; the record in a game is 11 |
| Blocks | Reaching 10 takes an elite rim protector |
Why Triple Doubles Are More Common Today
Triple doubles used to be rare enough to make headlines. Today’s faster pace creates more possessions, and more teams run their offense through one ball handler who rebounds, passes and scores. Russell Westbrook holds the NBA career record with more than 200, and Nikola Jokić has joined him and Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple double over a full season, according to the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a triple double?
Ten or more in any three of points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a single game.
What is a double double?
Ten or more in two categories, most often points and rebounds.
Has anyone ever had a quadruple double?
Four players in NBA history: Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Related
Why an assist is called a dime · NBA MVP winners by year · NBA standings
The NBA defines each stat category in its stats glossary.