What is a Triple Double in Basketball?

The triple double is one of the most prestigious accomplishments in basketball and it’s a feat that is normally associated with the greats, such as Magic Johnson and LeBron James. It signifies a player who is versatile and able to do a lot of different things on the court. So what is a triple double and why is it so important?

Understanding the Basics of a Triple Double

A triple double is when a player accumulates a total of 10 or more in three of the five major statistical categories – points, assists, rebounds, blocks and steals – in a single game. The player must reach double digits in each of the specified categories and in the process of doing that, he must have either scored, assisted, blocked, stole, or rebounded the ball at least 10 times. This is a record that has been reached a mere 156 times in the history of the NBA.

What Makes a Triple Double So Special?

The triple double signifies a player who is not only talented but also very versatile in their skills. It’s a true testament to their overall ability as a basketball player, as they’re able to play multiple roles and be a major contributor in all facets of the game. It’s also a display of their commitment to making their team as successful as possible, as it means that they are actively involved in almost every aspect of the team’s success.

The Record Holders:

The record holder for the most triple-doubles in an NBA season is the great Oscar Robertson, who accomplished the feat in the 1961-62 season with 41. He would go on to total 181 triple-doubles in his Hall of Fame career. The active leader in the NBA is the record breaking triple-double king, Russell Westbrook, who currently has 147.

The triple-double is an important and impressive feat that is recognized as one of the highest accomplishments in the game of basketball. It’s a great way to demonstrate a player’s versatility and commitment to their team and it’s a feat that will surely continue to be respected and admired for many years to come.