A triple-double is a basketball statistic that occurs when a player accumulates a total of ten or more in three of the five categories in a single game. The categories are points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. It is considered one of the most prestigious basketball feats as it requires a player to be equally skilled in all five aspects of the game.
History of the Triple-Double
The triple-double was first recorded in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1979, when Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers achieved the feat. He was the first player to record a triple-double in the NBA, and it has since become a highly sought-after stat.
The triple-double has become increasingly more common in recent years, with the number of players achieving the feat increasing every season. In 2019-20, the NBA saw a record-breaking number of triple-doubles, with 45 different players achieving the feat.
Notable Triple-Doubles
There have been some incredible triple-doubles recorded over the years. Here are some of the most impressive triple-doubles ever achieved:
1. Wilt Chamberlain’s 78-point Triple-Double
In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers achieved an all-time record 78-point triple-double. He scored 78 points, grabbed 43 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists in a single game against the New York Knicks. He is the only player in NBA history to ever achieve a triple-double with 78 points.
2. Russell Westbrook’s Triple-Double Streak
In 2017, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder achieved an incredible feat by recording a triple-double in 11 consecutive games. This streak has since been broken by fellow triple-double machine James Harden, who achieved a streak of 15 games in 2019.
3. Oscar Robertson’s 41-Triple Double Season
Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals achieved an incredible feat by recording 41 triple-doubles in 1961-62. He is the only player in NBA history to achieve this feat, and his record is unlikely to ever be broken.
4. LeBron James’s 30-Triple Double Season
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers achieved 30 triple-doubles in 2017-18, setting a new single-season record. He is the first player in NBA history to achieve 30 or more triple-doubles in a single season.
Benefits of the Triple-Double
The triple-double is a great indicator of a player’s overall impact on the game. A player who can accumulate a triple-double in a single game is likely to have a huge influence on the outcome of the game.
The triple-double is also a great indicator of a player’s all-around skill set. A player capable of achieving the feat is likely to be well-rounded and be able to contribute in all aspects of the game.
Conclusion
The triple-double is one of the most prestigious feats in basketball. It is a great indicator of a player’s overall impact on the game and their all-around skill set. It has become increasingly more common in recent years, with a record-breaking number of players achieving the feat in 2019-20. There have been some incredible triple-doubles recorded over the years, with Wilt Chamberlain’s 78-point triple-double, Russell Westbrook’s 11-game triple-double streak, Oscar Robertson’s 41-triple-double season, and LeBron James’s 30-triple-double season being some of the most impressive feats ever achieved.