In basketball, a “double” means a player scores double digits in five key statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.
A triple-double, a more remarkable feat, happens when a player hits double digits in three of these categories. Often, this involves a player notching at least 10 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in a single game. However, achieving a triple-double can also involve blocks and steals.
Most Triple Doubles In NBA History:
1. Russell Westbrook – 198
Russell Westbrook, known for his incredible athleticism, holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history, with an astounding 198 and counting.
Westbrook is the only player to average a triple-double for four seasons, achieving this feat in two consecutive ones.
Currently, he plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, having joined them after a two-season stint with the LA Lakers. Westbrook set his record-breaking triple-double while playing for the Washington Wizards. His career includes over ten seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and a year with the Houston Rockets, highlighting his significant impact across multiple teams in the league.
2. Oscar Robertson – 181
Oscar Robertson, an iconic MVP from the past, once held the record for most regular season triple-doubles in NBA history, a title that seemed unbreakable for years.
Although Russell Westbrook has since surpassed this record, Robertson’s legacy remains formidable. Playing as a point guard from 1960 to 1974, he was a dominant force in the league, representing the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks.
Robertson’s influence extends beyond his era, as he was the first player to average a triple-double for a full season, a feat that continues to inspire today’s NBA players.
3. Magic Johnson – 138
Magic Johnson, frequently hailed as the best point guard and possibly the greatest player in NBA history, is a household name among basketball enthusiasts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson amassed 138 triple-doubles, showcasing his proficiency as a scorer and his exceptional rebounding skills, aided by his height, which surpassed that of an average point guard.
His versatility allowed him to play across all positions effectively. Magic Johnson dedicated his entire 19-season NBA career to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team he also coached in 1994, further cementing his legacy in the league.
4. Nikola Jokić – 118
Nikola Jokić, hailing from Serbia, entered the NBA in 2015, joining the Denver Nuggets, where he continues to play. He has earned the title of a 5-time All-Star and 2-time NBA MVP.
As the 2023/2024 season commenced, Nikola had achieved 118 triple-doubles.
With just eight seasons under his belt and already surpassing 100 triple-doubles, Nikola shows strong potential to ascend in the rankings for most triple-doubles, possibly challenging Russell Westbrook’s record.
5. LeBron James – 109
As the 2023/2024 season kicked off, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had amassed 109 triple-doubles, surpassing Jason Kidd.
LeBron is frequently mentioned as one of the greatest players, often compared to Michael Jordan. However, his triple-double count is just over half of the record holder’s tally.
6. Jason Kidd – 107
Jason Kidd, currently the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was a formidable triple-double threat during his playing days, achieving 107 triple-doubles.
A 10-time All-Star and 2011 NBA Champion, Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game throughout his career.
Over his 19-year tenure in the NBA, he played for five teams, consistently averaging over 10 points per game. However, he only managed a double-double average in three seasons. Accumulating a total of 107 triple-doubles is a remarkable feat, placing Jason Kidd as a notable yet often underrated figure among the record holders.
7. Wilt Chamberlain – 78
Wilt Chamberlain, remembered as a legendary figure in basketball, set numerous records after joining the league in 1959.
A 4-time MVP, he was a 7-time scoring champion and an 11-time rebounding champion. Chamberlain concluded his career with 78 triple-doubles, a remarkable achievement for his era.
His towering height and exceptional skills allowed him to dominate the early years of the NBA. Wilt’s record is particularly impressive considering the context of his playing days – the NBA then comprised only 8 teams and seasons had just 75 games.
In contrast, the current NBA features 30 teams with each team playing 82 games in a season.
8. James Harden – 74
James Harden, a prolific shooter and active player for the Los Angeles Clippers, begins the 2023/2024 season with 74 triple-doubles.
The 2018 MVP and Olympic Gold Medalist also had stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
Standing at 1.96m (6ft 5in) and weighing 100kg (220lb), Harden’s build aids him in securing rebounds, positioning him among the top triple-doublers in the league. His combination of height and agility makes him a formidable presence on the court, contributing significantly to his triple-double tally.
9. Luka Doncic – 64
Luka Doncic, at just 24, has already secured the 9th spot for most triple-doubles among retired and active players in NBA history, a testament to his prowess found in any basketball reference.
The Slovenian star of the Dallas Mavericks stands out for his exceptional ball-handling, passing, and scoring. With 64 triple-doubles, he’s more than a common triple-double achiever; he’s a versatile force in rebounds and assists. Doncic’s potential suggests he might soon challenge the current record holders in this esteemed category.
10. Larry Bird – 59
Larry Bird, a celebrated old-school player known for his time with the Boston Celtics, recorded 59 triple-doubles and is now an executive with the Indiana Pacers.
His career includes Rookie of the Year, MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and All-Star MVP.
Beyond his playing days, he has also earned Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year awards. Bird’s comprehensive achievements in his career make his presence on the triple-double list unsurprising to basketball aficionados.
11. Domantas Sabonis – 44
Domantas Sabonis, a standout in the NBA, has impressively secured 44 triple-doubles during the regular season. His tenure in the league, marked by consistent and versatile performances, has established him as a significant player among active triple-double achievers.
Playing for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and now the Sacramento Kings, Sabonis has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set. His ability to consistently achieve triple-doubles in the regular season highlights his potential to further ascend in the ranks of notable NBA players.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Most Career Playoffs Triple-Doubles
The record holder for the most triple-doubles in NBA Playoffs Magic Johnson, achieved this statline 30 times.
Who has the most triple-doubles in NBA history all time?
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history, with a remarkable count of 198 and counting. He surpassed the previous record holder, Oscar Robertson, who had set a long-standing record of 181 triple-doubles. Westbrook’s achievement underscores his exceptional all-around skills on the basketball court.
Who has the most triple-doubles in the NBA active players?
Russell Westbrook, currently an active player in the NBA, holds the record for the most triple-doubles among active players. As of now, his count stands at 198 triple-doubles. Westbrook’s record is not only the highest among active players but also the all-time record in history.
Who has the most triple-doubles in the NBA Finals?
LeBron James holds the record for the most triple-doubles in the NBA Finals, with an impressive total of 11.
