In popular sports terminology, a triple-double is a feat achieved by a player in a single game where they accumulate a total of ten or more in three of five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. It is an impressive individual accomplishment that demonstrates a player’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. The term triple-double gained recognition in the 1980s and has since been used to describe a player’s performance when they reach the feat. But why is it called a triple-double?
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The Origins of the Term
The term triple-double first came into the public consciousness in the 1980s when it was used to describe the impressive performances of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers’ point guard, Magic Johnson. Johnson was a master of the triple-double, averaging at least one per game in the 1981-82 season, and setting a record of 18 triple-doubles in the 1982-83 season. Johnson was the first player to make the triple-double a well-known statistic, and as a result, the term became widely used among basketball fans.
The Meaning Behind the Term
The term triple-double is derived from the fact that the player has achieved a total of ten or more in three of the five statistical categories. The term also implies that the player is impacting the game in multiple ways, and that they are a threat on both ends of the court. The triple-double is a signal of a player’s versatility, and it is often seen as a sign that the player is a triple-threat: they can score, rebound, and pass the ball.
The Significance of the Triple-Double
A triple-double is an impressive feat that is achieved by a select group of players. It is a testament to a player’s ability to be a threat in all aspects of the game, and it is seen as a sign of a player’s greatness. As a result, the players who have achieved the feat are often remembered for their accomplishments, and it is seen as a mark of excellence among basketball fans.
The Most Notable Triple-Doubles
Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been a number of impressive triple-doubles that have stood out. Perhaps the most notable was Magic Johnson’s 25 point, 10 rebound, and 10 assist performance in the 1980 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Other notable triple-doubles include Wilt Chamberlain’s 22 point, 25 rebound, and 21 assist performance in 1968, and Russell Westbrook’s 42 point, 12 rebound, and 11 assist performance in 2017.
Conclusion
The term triple-double is a term that is used to describe a player’s performance when they reach the feat of achieving a total of ten or more in three of five statistical categories. It is an impressive individual accomplishment that demonstrates a player’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, and it is seen as a mark of excellence among basketball fans. Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been a number of impressive triple-doubles, and it is a feat that is still achievable today.