The game of basketball changed throughout the years, but a triple-double is still a prestigious statistic that only the most elite playmakers achieve, and there is a decent chance that you have already heard a lot about the players with the most triple-doubles in NBA history.
When a player records double digits in three of five major categories, points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks, they accomplish a triple-double. Those who consistently rake up double-digit numbers in these categories slowly made it to the list of the all-time triple-double leaders in the NBA.
Who has the most career triple-doubles in the NBA?
Russel Westbrook has the most triple-doubles in NBA history, at the time of writing. Westbrook has over 206 triple-doubles to his name, with Nikola Jokic trailing him closely with over 175 triple-doubles. While a legendary name, Oscar Robertson, holds onto the second place with 181 triple-doubles.
Westbrook also made NBA history with 11 straight triple-doubles back in 2020, which makes him one of the most dominant athletes in the list of NBA triple-double leaders. Westbrook’s triple-double mastery was even praised by Gary Payton.
Before Westbrook and Jokic took over the standings, the record belonged to Oscar Robertson, who had 181 triple-doubles. Robertson played for the Cincinnati Royals, now Sacramento Kings, and the Milwaukee Bucks throughout his career.
Top 10 All-Time Triple Double Leaders:
- Russell Westbrook: 206 triple-doubles
- Oscar Robertson: 181 triple-doubles
- Nikola Jokić: 175 triple-doubles
- Magic Johnson: 138 triple-doubles
- LeBron James: 122 triple-doubles
- Jason Kidd: 107 triple-doubles
- Luka Dončić: 83 triple-doubles
- James Harden: 82 triple-doubles
- Wilt Chamberlain: 78 triple-doubles
- Domantas Sabonis: 68 triple-doubles respectively
The level of consistency that the top triple-double specialists showcase is even reflected on NBA betting apps, where odds may generally favour them getting another triple-double.
For a more detailed and up-to-date look at triple-double stats, you can check out NBA’s official stats tracker for all players in the league.
FAQs about NBA triple-doubles
What is a triple-double in basketball?
A triple-double in basketball happens when a player gets 10 or more in three different stats during a game. The stats are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Has anyone ever had a 20/20/20 triple-double?
Has anyone had a quadruple double in the NBA?
Yes, four players achieved a quadruple-double in NBA history. These players are Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.
Has anyone had a 60-point triple-double?
Yes, three players recorded 60-point triple-doubles in history, and these players are James Harden, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokić.
Has anyone got a 50-point triple-double?
Yes, eight players achieved 50-point triple-doubles, and the list includes Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Richie Guerin.
Has anyone ever had a 30-20-20 game?
Yes, Nikola Jokić is the only player in NBA history to post a 30-20-20 game. Since it has occurred only once in almost eight decades, betting apps would consider the chances of it happening virtually impossible.
How many triple-doubles did Michael Jordan get in a row?
Michael Jordan recorded seven triple-doubles in a row in 1989. MJ had 28 triple-doubles in total throughout his career.
Did Shaquille O’Neal ever have a triple-double?
Yes, Shaquille O’Neal achieved two triple-doubles throughout his career.
Who is the youngest rookie to get a triple-double?
The youngest rookie who got a triple-double in the NBA was Josh Giddey.
