Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
A triple-double is one of basketball’s most celebrated individual achievements, showcasing a player’s ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game. Recording double-digit totals in three major statistical categories during a single game requires versatility, basketball IQ and all-around excellence.
While triple-doubles were once considered rare, today’s NBA has seen an explosion in their frequency thanks to positionless basketball, increased pace and players taking on larger offensive responsibilities.
What Is a Triple-Double?
A player records a triple-double by finishing a game with 10 or more in three of the following statistical categories:
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocks
The vast majority of triple-doubles involve points, rebounds and assists, although defensive triple-doubles featuring steals or blocks have occasionally occurred.
NBA Career Triple-Double Leaders
| Rank | Player | Triple-Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russell Westbrook | 203 |
| 2 | Oscar Robertson | 181 |
| 3 | Nikola Jokić | 170+ |
| 4 | Magic Johnson | 138 |
| 5 | LeBron James | 125+ |
| 6 | Jason Kidd | 107 |
| 7 | Luka Dončić | 90+ |
| 8 | Wilt Chamberlain | 78 |
| 9 | James Harden | 79 |
| 10 | Larry Bird | 59 |
| 11 | Fat Lever | 43 |
| 12 | Domantas Sabonis | 40+ |
| 13 | Draymond Green | 35 |
| 14 | Grant Hill | 29 |
| 15 | Ben Simmons | 23+ |
Totals reflect regular-season triple-doubles.
Russell Westbrook Changed NBA History
No player has redefined the triple-double quite like Russell Westbrook.
After breaking Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to surpass 200 career triple-doubles. His relentless athleticism, rebounding from the guard position and aggressive playmaking made triple-doubles a regular occurrence throughout his prime.
Westbrook also became the first player since Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season, eventually accomplishing the feat multiple times.
Oscar Robertson’s Record Stood for Decades
For more than 45 years, Oscar Robertson held the NBA record for career triple-doubles.
During the 1961–62 season, Robertson became the first player to average a triple-double, a feat many believed would never be matched.
His remarkable combination of scoring, rebounding and passing was decades ahead of its time.
Nikola Jokić Is Climbing the Leaderboard
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić has become one of the greatest triple-double producers in league history.
Unlike traditional centers, Jokić functions as his team’s primary playmaker while remaining one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers and rebounders.
He already ranks among the top three all-time and continues to add to his historic total.
Magic Johnson Revolutionized the Point Guard Position
At 6-foot-9, Magic Johnson transformed expectations for point guards.
His elite vision, rebounding ability and scoring efficiency helped him compile 138 career triple-doubles, many of which came during the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty of the 1980s.
Why Triple-Doubles Have Become More Common
Several factors have contributed to the rise in triple-doubles over the past decade:
- Faster pace of play
- Increased three-point shooting
- Positionless basketball
- More ball-handling responsibilities for stars
- Greater emphasis on versatile playmakers
Modern offenses create more opportunities for elite players to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
Active Triple-Double Leaders
Among active NBA players, these stars continue to climb the all-time rankings:
- Russell Westbrook
- Nikola Jokić
- LeBron James
- Luka Dončić
- Domantas Sabonis
- James Harden
- Draymond Green
Several younger stars could eventually join the all-time top ten if they maintain their current production.
Triple-Doubles and Winning
Although triple-doubles attract significant attention, they are often associated with team success.
Many of the NBA’s greatest playmakers—including Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Nikola Jokić and LeBron James—have consistently translated triple-double performances into deep playoff runs and championships.
When a player contributes at an elite level in multiple areas, the chances of winning generally increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most triple-doubles in NBA history?
Russell Westbrook holds the NBA record with more than 200 career regular-season triple-doubles.
Who was the first player to average a triple-double?
Oscar Robertson became the first player to average a triple-double during the 1961–62 NBA season.
Has anyone averaged a triple-double for multiple seasons?
Yes. Russell Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double across multiple seasons.
Do playoff triple-doubles count toward career totals?
No. Regular-season and playoff triple-doubles are tracked separately by the NBA and Basketball Reference.
Final Thoughts
The NBA’s all-time triple-double leaderboard is filled with some of the greatest all-around players ever to step onto a basketball court. From Oscar Robertson’s groundbreaking seasons to Russell Westbrook’s record-breaking career and Nikola Jokić’s modern dominance, these players have shown that impacting every aspect of the game is often the hallmark of true greatness. As the NBA continues to evolve, the race up the triple-double leaderboard remains one of the league’s most fascinating statistical storylines.