Over the past decade, the term Triple Double has become increasingly popular in the NBA thanks to the incredible numbers of Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LeBron James who have elevated this stat to its highest level.

What is a Triple Double?

The concept of triple doubles is relatively recent as it was only introduced in the 1979/80 season in order to define the performance of a player who, in a single game, reaches double figures in three of the following stats: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks.

As we shall see, one of his main performers, Oscar Robertson, was not aware of his numbers as this stat had not yet been invented when he stopped playing.

Today we find out who holds the NBA Triple Doubles Records and Leaders in history. (last update March 23, 2023).

Most Triple Doubles in NBA history

The current NBA triple-doubles record holder is Russell Westbrook with 202 triple-doubles.

In second place we found Oscar Robertson, who performed 181 triple-doubles in 14 seasons.

Robertson, known as “The Big O”, played for Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks and ended his career in 1974 with 1.040 games played and an average per game of 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists.

On May 11, 2021, in the match between Wizards and Hawks, Russell Westbrook broke Oscar’s historical record after 47 years, becoming the all-time leader.

Most Triple Doubles in a Single Season

The record for Triple Doubles in a single NBA season belongs to Russell Westbrook who scored 42 Tripe Doubles in the 2016/2017 season playing for Oklahoma City Thunder.

He reached the first place by surpassing the legendary Oscar Robertson (41 Triple Doubles in the 1960/61 season).

NBA Triple Doubles Leaders

#PlayerTriple Doubles
1Russell Westbrook*202
2Nikola Jokić*182
3Oscar Robertson181
4Magic Johnson138
5LeBron James*122
6Jason Kidd107
7Luka Dončić*88
8James Harden*82
9Wilt Chamberlain78
10Domantas Sabonis*68
11Larry Bird59
12Giannis Antetokounmpo*56
13Fat Lever43
14Bob Cousy33
Ben Simmons*33
Draymond Green*33
17Rajon Rondo32
18John Havlicek31
19Grant Hill29
20Michael Jordan28
* Active players written in bold

NBA Active Players Triple Doubles Leaders

#PlayerTriple Doubles
1Russell Westbrook207
2Nikola Jokić182
3LeBron James122
4Luka Dončić88
5James Harden82
6Domantas Sabonis68
7Giannis Antetokounmpo56
8Ben Simmons33
9Draymond Green31
10Kyle Lowry21
NBA Active Players Triple Doubles Leaders