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Top NBA Players with the Most Triple-Doubles in a Single Season

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A triple-double in the NBA—achieving double digits in three of five statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game—is a rare and impressive feat. It showcases a player’s versatility and all-around dominance on the court. While triple-doubles were once considered exceptional, the modern NBA has seen a surge in these performances due to changes in playing styles, pace, and the emergence of uniquely skilled players. But who holds the records for the most triple-doubles in a single season? Let’s dive into the history and highlight the players who have mastered this statistical milestone.

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Below is the updated list of NBA players with the most triple-doubles in a single season:

  1. Russell Westbrook, 42 (2016-17)
    Westbrook’s record-setting season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging a triple-double (31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists) and earning MVP honors.
  2. Oscar Robertson, 41 (1961-62)
    Robertson’s iconic season with the Cincinnati Royals, where he averaged a triple-double (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists) across 79 games.
  3. Russell Westbrook, 38 (2020-21)
    Westbrook, then with the Washington Wizards, notched 38 triple-doubles in 65 games, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists.
  4. Russell Westbrook, 34 (2018-19)
    Another stellar season for Westbrook with the Thunder, recording 34 triple-doubles in 73 games (22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists).
  5. Nikola Jokić, 34 (2024-25)
    In April 2025, Jokić records 34 triple-doubles in the 2024-25 season, further solidifying his status as a triple-double machine for the Denver Nuggets.
  6. Wilt Chamberlain, 31 (1967-68)
    Chamberlain’s 31 triple-doubles with the Philadelphia 76ers came alongside 24.3 points, 23.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game.
  7. Nikola Jokić, 29 (2022-23)
    Jokić led the league with 29 triple-doubles in 69 games (24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists), helping Denver win the 2023 NBA championship.
  8. Oscar Robertson, 26 (1960-61)
    Robertson’s rookie season with the Royals included 26 triple-doubles, averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists.
  9. Oscar Robertson, 26 (1963-64)
    Robertson continued his dominance with 26 triple-doubles, averaging 31.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 11.0 assists for the Royals.
  10. Domantas Sabonis, 26 (2023-24)
    Sabonis led the league with 26 triple-doubles in 82 games for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
  11. Russell Westbrook, 25 (2017-18)
    Westbrook’s 25 triple-doubles in 80 games (25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 10.3 assists) kept him among the league’s elite with the Thunder.
  12. Nikola Jokić, 25 (2023-24)
    Jokić recorded 25 triple-doubles in 79 games for Denver, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists.
  13. Oscar Robertson, 22 (1964-65)
    Robertson’s 22 triple-doubles came with averages of 30.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 11.5 assists for the Royals.
  14. Wilt Chamberlain, 22 (1966-67)
    Chamberlain added 22 triple-doubles during a season where he averaged 24.1 points, 24.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, leading the 76ers to a title.
  15. James Harden, 22 (2016-17)
    Harden’s shift to point guard for the Houston Rockets yielded 22 triple-doubles in 81 games (29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 11.2 assists).
  16. Luka Dončić, 21 (2023-24)
    Dončić recorded 21 triple-doubles in 70 games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 33.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.2 assists.
  17. Oscar Robertson, 20 (1962-63)
    Robertson’s 20 triple-doubles came with 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the Royals.
  18. Nikola Jokić, 19 (2021-22)
    Jokić notched 19 triple-doubles in 74 games (27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists), earning his first MVP award.
  19. Magic Johnson, 18 (1981-82)
    Johnson recorded 18 triple-doubles for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, helping win an NBA title.
  20. Russell Westbrook, 18 (2015-16)
    Westbrook’s 18 triple-doubles in 80 games (23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 10.4 assists) foreshadowed his record-breaking seasons with the Thunder.
  21. LeBron James, 18 (2017-18)
    James recorded 18 triple-doubles in 82 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.

The rise in triple-doubles in recent years reflects the NBA’s shift toward positionless basketball, faster pace, and players with diverse skill sets. Guards like Westbrook and Dončić rebound at elite levels, while big men like Jokić and Sabonis facilitate like point guards. The 2023-24 season saw a league-record 151 triple-doubles, with players like Sabonis, Jokić, and Dončić leading the charge. However, Westbrook’s 42 in 2016-17 remains the benchmark, a record that may stand for years to come—unless someone like Jokić or Dončić mounts a serious challenge.

The players with the most triple-doubles in a season—Westbrook, Robertson, Jokić, and others—represent the pinnacle of basketball versatility. Their ability to impact games in multiple statistical categories has left an indelible mark on NBA history. As the game continues to evolve, new stars will likely join this elite list, but for now, Westbrook’s 42 triple-doubles in 2016-17 reigns supreme as one of the most remarkable individual seasons the league has ever seen.

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