In the NBA, a triple double is a special accomplishment worthy of celebrating. For those unaware, a player records a triple double when they reach 10 or more of three individual statistics. The LA Clippers have several players with a knack for logging triple doubles.
The most common way to get a triple double is by getting 10 or more points, rebounds, and assists, since steals and blocks are generally harder stats to rack up. The NBA first began tracking triple doubles during the 1950-51 season.
Who has the most triple doubles in NBA history?
As of this writing, Russell Westbrook holds the NBA record for most triple doubles recorded with 198. He officially set the record back in May of 2021 when he surpassed Oscar Robertson's previous high mark in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Westbrook broke a record that was previously considered unbreakable. Robertson's 181 career triple double mark stood as the most of all time for decades until Westbrook did the unthinkable. Oscar's achievement is still considered especially impressive due to him never having a three-point line to assist him in scoring.
During Westbrook's 2016-17 MVP season, he averaged a triple double for the entire 82-game regular season, becoming just the second player to ever achieve that feat. The first was, you guessed it, Oscar Robertson. Westbrook's 42 triple doubles that season passed the single-season record of 41 also held by Robertson.
Which Clippers players have the most triple doubles?
Out of all the players in the Clippers locker room, it goes without saying that Russell Westbrook holds the most career triple doubles. But not far behind him is James Harden, who has recorded 74 in his 15 pro seasons. This number gives him the eighth most triple doubles in history.
After Harden, Paul George is next in triple doubles with four for his career. He logged two while with the Pacers, one with the Thunder, and one with Clippers, which he recorded last season.
Kawhi Leonard has just one triple double in his career. He earned it with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a Clippers win over the Heat in January of 2020.