What’s a Triple Double in the NBA?

A “triple double” is when a player gets ten or more of a certain stat in a game. The stat can be points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

What is a triple double in the NBA?

In basketball, a triple double is when a player recorded a double-digit number total in three of the five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. The most sought-after triple double is when a player reaches double digits in all three major statistics: points, rebounds and assists.

The history of the triple double

A triple double is when a player accumulates a total of 10 or more in three of the five standard statistical categories—points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks—in one game. The most common way to achieve a triple double is through points and rebounds, although there have been notable instances where a player has recorded 10 or more points, assists, and steals.

The first recorded triple double in NBA history was achieved by guard Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals in a 1960 game against the Detroit Pistons In that contest, Robertson tallied 27 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. Since then, only two other players have managed to post similar numbers in a single game: Michael Jordan and Hershey Hawkins.

Interestingly enough, the selection criteria for the NBA’s All-Star game originally included the stipulation that each team must have at least one player who had previously achieved a triple double during the season. This rule was eventually dropped, but it does point to the remarkable nature of this statistical feat.

The benefits of the triple double

In the NBA, a triple double is a performance statistic that occurs when a player accumulates a total of 10 or more points, assists and rebounds in a game. The term “triple double” was coined by former NBA player and Head Coach John MacLeod. The benefits of the triple double are numerous.

Triple doubles require a high level of coordination and effort from all players on the court. Because each player must contribute in three different statistical categories, it encourages ball movement and unselfish play. It also rewards players who are versatile and who have a well-rounded skillset.

The triple double is also a significant achievement because it is relatively rare. In the history of the NBA, there have been less than 200 Triple Doubles recorded. This makes it one of the most coveted statistical achievements in basketball.

Players who record triple doubles often find themselves in the MVP conversation come season’s end. In 2017, Russell Westbrook became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple double for an entire season. He ultimately went on to win MVP honors that year.

The impact of the triple double

In the NBA, a triple double is when a player records 10 or more points, assists, and rebounds in a game. While this may not seem like a big deal, it actually has a huge impact on the game.

For one, it means that the player is doing a great job of contributing to the team in multiple ways. They’re not just scoring points, but also helping their teammates score points and grab rebounds. This makes them a very Valuable Player and one that opposing teams have to game plan for.

Secondly, triple doubles tend to be very rare. In the 2016-2017 season, there were only 22 triple doubles recorded by players in the entire league. That’s out of hundreds of games played! So when a player does record one, it’s a pretty big deal.

Finally, triple doubles tend to happen more often in close games. This is because players who are doing well in multiple areas of the game are more likely to be on the court during crunch time. So not only do they have an impact on the game itself, but also on its outcome.

All in all, the triple double is a pretty impressive feat and one that has a big impact on both the player and the team.

How to achieve a triple double

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a triple double is defined as the achievement of 10 or more points, rebounds, and assists in a game. The term was coined by former Lakers public relations director Bruce Jolesch in the 1980s.

To achieve a triple double, a player must record 10 or more points, 10 or more rebounds, and 10 or more assists in a single game. The achievement is relatively rare, as it requires not only skill but also opportunity. A player must have the opportunity to play enough minutes to accumulate the necessary statistical categories, and must be able to contribute in all three areas of the game.

In order to be eligible for a triple double, a player must be on the court for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that players who come off the bench or are forced to sit out large portions of the game due to foul trouble cannot pad their stats.

The most common way to record a triple double is through points, rebounds, and assists. However, other combinations are possible. For example, blocks and steals can substitute for points, and turnovers can substitute for assists. As long as a player reaches the required total in three different statistical categories, they will have achieved a triple double.

The most common ways to get a triple double

In the NBA, a triple double is when a player accumulates a total of 10 or more points, rebounds, and assists in a game. While this may seem like a difficult feat, it’s actually quite common in the NBA. In fact, there have been over 200 triple doubles recorded in the past 5 years alone!

There are many ways to get a triple double, but the most common ways are by:
-Reaching double digits in all three categories (points, rebounds, assists)
-Reaching double digits in two categories and close to double digits in the third category (for example, 10 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists)
-Getting close to double digits in all three categories (for example, 9 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists)

The most impressive triple doubles in history

In the NBA, a triple double is defined as a player having at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a single game. This accomplishment is considered very impressive, as it requires a player to stuff the Stat Sheet in multiple categories.

There have been some truly great triple doubles throughout history. In the 1961-62 season, Oscar Robertson averaged a triple double over the entire course of the season. He remains the only player to ever accomplish this feat. Russell Westbrook has come close in recent years averaging a triple double in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Other notable triple doubles include Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game in 1962, where he also had 22 rebounds and 14 assists; Magic Johnson’s 1992 game where he had 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds; and LeBron James’ 2009 game where he had 29 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

For a list of all players who have recorded a triple double in an NBA game see here: https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/td_p_career.html

The players with the most triple doubles

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a triple double is defined as a performance in which a player accrues a total of 10 or more points, assists, and rebounds in a game.

The players with the most triple doubles in NBA history are Oscar Robertson (181), Russell Westbrook (138), Magic Johnson (138), Lebron James (84), and Jason Kidd (107). All of these players are considered to be among the greatest to ever play the game

The triple double and advanced stats

In basketball, a triple double is when a player reaches double digits in three of the five main statistical categories in a game. The categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. A triple double is considered a very rare feat in the NBA. In the history of the NBA, there have only been 500 recorded triple doubles.

The first recorded instance of a player getting a triple double was on January 31st, 1968 by Oscar Robertson He finished the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Since then, only 30 other players have been able to achieve this milestone.

The most recent player to get a triple double was Russell Westbrook on April 2nd, 2017. He finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The player with the most career triple doubles is Oscar Robertson with 181. The player with the second most is Magic Johnson with 138.

The future of the triple double

In the NBA, a triple double is when a player recorded double digits in three of the five main statistical categories in a game. The categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The first player ever to record a triple double in an NBA game was Oscar Robertson, who did it in 1961. since then, there have been over 200 triple doubles recorded in the NBA.

Triple doubles used to be a lot more common in the NBA than they are now. In the 1980s and 1990s, there were several seasons where there were over 20 triple doubles recorded. But since 2000, that number has dropped significantly. In the 2016-2017 season, there were only four players who recorded a triple double.

So what’s the reason for the decrease in triple doubles? There are a few theories. One is that the league has gotten better at distributing talent. In other words, there are more players who are good at one specific thing (like scoring or rebounding) and less players who are good at everything. Another theory is that the style of play has changed and there is less emphasis on individual stats and more on team play.

Whatever the reasons may be, it seems like the days of the triple double might be over. But with players like Russell Westbrook and Lebron James still playing at a high level, you never know when another one will be recorded.