In the history of the NBA, very few things show a player's all-around skills like the triple-double. It's when a player gets at least ten points, ten rebounds, and ten assists in a game. Not many players can do this. The triple-double shows how good a player is at different parts of the game. Some players in NBA history were so good at this that they made the triple-double really famous. As of November 22, 2023, the number of triple-doubles recorded in the current 2023-24 season is 13, led by Nikola Jokic's 6. We have seen a rise in triple-double performances in recent years because of the way the game is being played now. The modern NBA is positionless which makes it much easier for players to put up stats that aren't typically expected from their playing position.
As we explore the history of the league, it's clear that some players haven't just mastered but actually shaped this era of triple-double dominance.
Oscar Robertson: Paving The Way
Oscar Robertson was a trailblazer in an era when numbers in basketball weren't as important. He was amazing at getting lots of points, rebounds, and assists in a single game, achieving a season-long triple-double average in the 1961-62 season. No one matched this for a long time. He made people see a triple-double as a sign of being really good at everything in basketball.
Magic Johnson: Point Guard Extraordinaire
Magic Johnson's court vision and versatility revolutionized the point guard position. Magic's towering 6'9" frame gave him a significant advantage over other point guards, creating mismatches that he expertly exploited to dominate the game. His ability to impact the game across multiple statistical categories not only translated into championships for the Los Angeles Lakers but also solidified his status as one of the greats in triple-double history.
Russell Westbrook: Modern-Day Triple-Double Machine
Russell Westbrook brought intense energy and determination to the game. Westbrook's relentless energy and tenacity propelled him to 3 consecutive triple-double seasons, winning the MVP award in 2016-17. His sheer will and determination showcased an unyielding pursuit of statistical excellence. He currently holds the all time record for most career triple double games at 198.
LeBron James: The All-Around Maestro
LeBron James, often heralded as a basketball savant, seamlessly combines scoring, rebounding, and playmaking prowess. His versatility and basketball IQ have resulted in a multitude of triple-doubles throughout his career, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete players in NBA history. His four MVP awards firmly establish his place among the greatest players in NBA history.
Nikola Jokić: Maestro of the Modern Big Man
In a time when guards rule the game, Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets' center and two-time MVP, stands out for his incredible versatility. His special abilities and vision on the court allow him to achieve triple-doubles unusually often for a player in his position, setting a new standard for big men in the league.
Honorable Mentions: James Harden and Luka Doncic
Players like James Harden and Luka Doncic deserve mention for their consistent ability to fill up the stat sheet and regularly produce triple-doubles, signifying their impact on the game and their versatility on the court.
The triple-double era doesn't just highlight individual excellence; it also underscores how the game keeps changing. As players redefine roles, break limits, and grow their skills, the triple-double stands as proof of a player's ability to influence every aspect of the game.
(All images from Pinterest)