What is a triple double in basketball?

In the thrilling world of basketball statistics, few individual achievements capture the imagination and demonstrate all-around brilliance quite like the triple-double. It's a statistical rarity that signifies a player's profound impact across multiple facets of the game, showcasing their ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. But what exactly defines a triple-double, and which players have etched their names in history by consistently achieving this remarkable feat across the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA?

The definition: What makes a triple-double?

A triple-double occurs when a player records double-digit totals (10 or more) in three different statistical categories during a single game. There are five main statistical categories from which these three are drawn:

Points: The primary measure of offensive scoring.Rebounds: Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot, whether offensive or defensive.Assists: Delivering the ball to a teammate who then scores.Steals: Taking possession of the ball from an opponent.Blocks: Deflecting an opponent's shot attempt.

While technically any three categories can form a triple-double, the most common and universally recognized combination involves points, rebounds, and assists. This combination speaks to a player's ability to simultaneously score, control the boards, and facilitate offense for their teammates – a true testament to their versatility.

Why is the triple-double so significant?

Achieving a triple-double is a clear indicator of a player's comprehensive skill set and influence on the game. It shows they are:

Dominant scorers: Contributing significantly to their team's offensive output.Effective rebounders: Controlling possessions and impacting both offensive and defensive boards.Elite playmakers: Creating scoring opportunities for others through precise passing and vision.

Players who consistently record triple-doubles are often considered true floor generals and invaluable assets to their teams, as they demonstrate the ability to dictate the flow of the game in multiple ways.

Triple-double legends: Who holds the records?

The history books are filled with players who have mastered the art of the triple-double, some reaching heights previously thought unimaginable.

NBA records:

Career triple-doubles: The all-time leader in NBA career triple-doubles is Russell Westbrook, with an astounding 203. He surpassed the legendary Oscar Robertson, who held the record for decades. Following them are iconic names like Oscar Robertson (181), Nikola Jokic (164), Magic Johnson (138), and LeBron James (122).Most triple-doubles in a single season: The single-season record belongs to Russell Westbrook, who recorded an incredible 42 triple-doubles during the 2016-17 season, famously averaging a triple-double for the entire year. Oscar Robertson previously held this record with 41.Most consecutive triple-doubles: Russell Westbrook also owns this record, achieving 11 straight games with a triple-double during the 2018-19 season.

WNBA records:

In the WNBA, Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun is the commanding leader with 15 career triple-doubles. No other player has more than four, highlighting her extraordinary all-around impact. The first triple-double in WNBA history was recorded by Sheryl Swoopes on July 27, 1999.

NCAA records:

NCAA Men's Career Triple-Doubles (Division I): The record is held by Kyle Collinsworth (BYU) with 12 triple-doubles from 2010-2016. Shaquille O'Neal had 6.NCAA Women's Career Triple-Doubles (Division I): The record is held by Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon) with an incredible 26 triple-doubles from 2016-2020, making her the all-time collegiate leader (men or women). Caitlin Clark is also high on this list with 17.

The triple-double remains a pinnacle of individual statistical achievement in basketball, celebrating players who truly do it all on the court. It symbolizes versatility, dominance, and the ability to consistently influence the game in profound ways, cementing the legacies of those who achieve it.