What is a triple-double in basketball?
The Five Categories
In basketball, a triple-double requires a player to accumulate at least 10 in three of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Points, rebounds, and assists are the most common combination.
The term 'double-double' refers to reaching double digits in two categories, while a 'quadruple-double' (four categories) is extremely rare. The NBA has recorded only a handful of quadruple-doubles in its history.
How It Happens
Triple-doubles often occur when a player has a well-rounded game, such as a point guard who scores, rebounds, and sets up teammates. For example, a player might finish with 15 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
In the NBA, triple-doubles have become more common in recent years due to faster pace and more versatile players. In international play (FIBA), the game is slightly shorter (40 minutes vs. 48 in the NBA), which can make triple-doubles harder to achieve.
Notable Examples
Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62, a feat matched by Russell Westbrook in 2016-17 and later. These are exceptional achievements.
In college basketball, triple-doubles are less frequent because games are shorter (40 minutes) and styles vary. In women's basketball, players like Sabrina Ionescu have recorded many triple-doubles.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a triple-double requires exactly 10 in each category—it's 10 or more.
- Confusing a triple-double with a triple-double-double (which doesn't exist); a quadruple-double is four categories.
- Assuming all triple-doubles are equal—some are more impressive based on efficiency or game context.
