One of the greatest individual statistics to reach on a basketball court is a triple-double. The majority of players, when viewed across the whole history of the NBA, were unable to do so even once.
Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Russell Westbrook, among other exceptional players, appear to make it seem so simple to obtain one.
Let’s take a look at the most triple-doubles in each franchise’s history.
Who Has the Most Triple Doubles in NBA History?
Russell Westbrook (194)
In order for Russell Westbrook to join NBA history, he needs just one more triple-double.
At the free-throw line in the game between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers, Westbrook found Bradley Beal for a jump shot. Westbrook’s assist total for the contest increased to 10 thanks to Beal’s basket, and the triple-double was his 181st in his career, tying Oscar Robertson for the record. In helping the Wizards defeat the Pacers 133-132 in overtime, Westbrook finished with 33 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists.
He is now one triple-double away from breaking a record that few people thought would ever be surpassed. On May 10, 2021 (7:30 ET, NBA TV), Westbrook and the Wizards go to the Atlanta Hawks in an effort for Washington to help Westbrook reach his milestone.
Robertson established the benchmark for the statistical feat of posting double-digits in three of the five key stats categories long before the term “triple-double” was invented by media members in the 1980s to allude to the all-around exploits of Magic Johnson.
In reality, Robertson accomplished this when the only three significant statistics were points, rebounds, and assists; steals and blocks weren’t formally monitored until 1974–75, the season following his retirement.
Like breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point performance, Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second 100-meter time, Rickey Henderson’s 1,406 career stolen base total, or Bill Russell’s 11 titles, Robertson’s record of 181 triple-doubles appeared unbreakable. In his Hall of Fame career, Magic only achieved 138 points, while Jason Kidd was the only other player to surpass 100 points, finishing with 107.
Then, 40 years after Robertson’s professional career came to an end, along came Westbrook and his remarkable run of seven seasons of triple-doubles.
Oscar Robertson (181)
Oscar Robertson, sometimes known as the Big O, held the record for the most triple-doubles until Russell Westbrook overtook him. The Cincinnati Royals selected Robertson in the 1960 NBA Draft. In his NBA debut, Robertson led the home team to a 140–123 victory over the visiting Lakers with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
In 14 seasons, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time NBA All-Star, and a once-only MVP winner. He was the first NBA player to ever average a triple-double for an entire season in 1962. Later, in 1971, he shared a title with the Bucks.
Magic Johnson (138)
Oscar Robertson, also known as “the Big O,” held the record for the most triple-doubles until Russell Westbrook overtook him. The Cincinnati Royals selected Robertson in the 1960 NBA draft. In his first game in the NBA, Robertson led the home team to a 140-123 victory over the visiting Lakers with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
In 14 seasons, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time NBA All-Star, and a once-winner of the MVP award. He was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season in 1962. He later won a championship in 1971 while playing with the Bucks.
Jason Kidd (107)
In contrast to his time with the Phoenix Suns, Jason Kidd was at his best when playing with the Brooklyn Nets. In his 506 games over seven seasons with the Nets, Kidd helped the team reach the NBA Finals twice in a row in 2002 and 2003.
With 18.7 points per game and 8.9 assists per game, Kidd had his best scoring and assist seasons in 2002-2003. Kidd was named to the NBA’s Second Team.
LeBron James (105)
LeBron James’ NBA tenure began with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2003, the team used the first overall pick to choose him. James played for the Cavaliers for 11 seasons, making the playoffs nine times, including six times in the Eastern Conference Finals, five times in the Finals, and once in 2016 against the Warriors.
James was twice named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, and he was chosen for 10 NBA All-Star Games, including two as the league’s MVP.
Wilt Chamberlain (78)
The most dominant player of all time was definitely Wilt Chamberlain. He is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game and average over 50 points a game.
In the course of his career, Chamberlain won two NBA titles, four NBA Most Valuable Player honors, the NBA Rookie of the Year award, one NBA Finals MVP honor, and one NBA All-Star Game MVP honor. He also received selections to 10 all-NBA teams and 13 NBA All-Star Games
Nikola Jokic (76)
Center The Joker, often known as Nikola Jokic, has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award twice in the previous two seasons. The Denver Nuggets selected Jokic with the 41st overall choice in the 2014 NBA Draft.
In just seven seasons as a center, Jokic contributed 82 triple-doubles, and he is anticipated to continue to maintain the franchise record for a very long time. Jokic holds the record for the fastest triple-double in a single game at 14 minutes and 33 seconds and ranks among the top 10 NBA players of all time in terms of total triple-doubles.
James Harden (69)
Although James Harden began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets were where he played at his best. During his nine seasons with the Rockets, Harden guided the group to the postseason eight times in a row, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals.
He was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2018 and was a member of every NBA All-Star team during his time in Houston. He also made the All-NBA Team seven times, including six times as a first-team pick.
Luka Doncic (46)
Given that he recorded 48 triple-doubles in just four seasons, Luka Doncic is arguably the most talented young player in the world who can shatter the record. As the third overall pick in 2018, Doncic was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks.
After establishing himself in the league and showcasing his all-around skills, Doncic won Rookie of the Year for the 2018–19 season. During his sophomore season, he was named to his first NBA All-Star game as well as the All-NBA First Team. His career triple-double total leads the Mavericks’ organization.
