Last updated on October 24th, 2023 at 04:06 pm
A triple-double is a statistical achievement by a basketball player when they get at least ten points in three of the five major statistical categories in a single game. The most popular triple-double categories are points, rebounds, and assists. However, a triple-double can also include steals and blocked shots.
So, why do people call it a triple double in basketball anyway? Can a player achieve anything greater than a triple double during a match? What are the five categories that make up the triple double? How often do triple doubles occur in basketball games?
Here is the complete breakdown on what a triple-double is in basketball.
Why Is it Called a Triple-Double?
A triple-double refers to a basketball player receiving double digits in three statistical categories. The name comes as an evolution of the double-double. A double-double refers to receiving ten or more figures in two out of five categories, so the triple means one more than that.
To get points for a triple-double, a player doesn’t just have to shoot field goals. Three-pointers and free throws also count towards achieving a triple-double.
What are the Five Triple Double Categories?
- Points: Scoring points includes free throws, layups, post ups, and three point shots
- Rebounds: Getting the ball after a shot either on offense or defense
- Steals: While on defense, you gain of the ball from a player who currently had possession of it while they were dribbling
- Assists: A pass that directly led to a point for a teammate. Usually, an assist will be from a quick pass as a player was driving towards the hoop
- Blocks: Preventing a shot from going into the basket before it reached it’s highest arc point. If the ball was heading down towards the hoop and you interfere with it, you will receive a goaltending violation.
Is There Anything Greater than a Triple-Double in Basketball?
Basketball players can also get quadruple doubles and quintuple doubles if they get ten or more points in four or five statistics.
What is the Fastest Triple-Double in the NBA History?
It took 14 minutes and 33 seconds for Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double. The accomplishment took place in 2018, and the game was against the Milwaukee Bucks. His final slash line was 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 17 assists.
Before Nikola Jokic, the previous fastest record was in 1955 by Jim Tucker, which took seventeen minutes.
Conclusion: What is a Triple-Double in Basketball?
In summary, a triple-double in basketball means that a player has (3) ten or more figures in three out of the five categories. Each time a basketball player achieves a triple-double, it’s cause for celebration. These stats show just how skilled and powerful players are becoming.
Now that players are starting to stand out as offensive powerhouses, we’ll surely see more triple-doubles and maybe even quadruple-doubles in the future. The evidence of more triple-doubles in the game is prevalent in stat websites like Statista, which show modern-day players have the most triple-doubles in NBA history.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.