A triple double in basketball is a remarkable achievement where a player records double digits in three statistical categories. Most commonly, this includes points, rebounds, and assists, such as scoring 18 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. However, a triple double can also be achieved with other combinations, such as points, rebounds, and blocks, though these are much rarer. While steals and blocks are considered part of the game, they are less commonly included in triple doubles. The versatility required to reach this milestone showcases a player’s all-around skills and impact on the game.
What Is a Double Double in Basketball?
A double double in basketball occurs when a player achieves double digits in two out of the five main statistical categories, such as scoring 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Steals and blocks are not required for a double double, as long as the player reaches double digits in two categories. For power forwards and centers, points and rebounds are the most common combination, while guards often achieve a double double with points and assists. It’s relatively rare for a player to reach double digits in steals or blocks for a double double.
What Is a Quadruple Double?
A quadruple double occurs when a basketball player scores at least 10 in four out of the five statistical categories. This is an extremely rare achievement, showcasing a player’s versatility across various aspects of the game. Even rarer is the quintuple double, where a player reaches double digits in all five categories in a single game. Both feats highlight the player’s all-around contribution and are considered monumental achievements in basketball history.
Are Double Doubles and Triple Doubles Common?
For aspiring basketball players, achieving a double double or triple double might have once seemed out of reach. However, recent seasons have seen these feats becoming more common. While the game itself hasn’t drastically changed, there are two key reasons behind this trend:
Increased Game Pace:
The overall pace of NBA games has risen in recent years. With more possessions per game, players have more opportunities to accumulate stats, leading to a higher frequency of double doubles and triple doubles.
Positionless Play:
The modern NBA emphasizes positionless basketball, where players, regardless of their role, contribute across various categories. For example, rebounds, once dominated by power forwards, are now accessible to players of all sizes, thanks to team-oriented offenses that focus on movement and three-point shooting. This shift has allowed more players to fill multiple statistical columns, particularly in points and assists.
