Has There Ever Been a Quadruple Double in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NBA, statistical achievements often serve as a testament to a player’s versatility and dominance on the court. Among these feats, the quadruple double stands as one of the rarest and most impressive milestones a player can reach. Combining points, rebounds, assists, and steals or blocks in double digits within a single game showcases an extraordinary level of all-around skill and impact. But has there ever been a quadruple double recorded in NBA history?

This question sparks curiosity not only among basketball fans but also among sports historians and analysts who appreciate the complexity and difficulty of such a performance. While triple doubles have become more common in recent years, the leap to a quadruple double remains a monumental challenge. Understanding the context behind this achievement involves exploring the evolution of the game, the players capable of such versatility, and the official records maintained by the league.

As we delve deeper, we will uncover the instances that come closest to this elusive milestone, the players who have etched their names into NBA lore with near-quadruple doubles, and what this feat signifies in the broader landscape of professional basketball. Whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted follower of the sport, the story behind the quadruple double is a fascinating glimpse into the pinnacle of

Notable NBA Players Near Achieving a Quadruple Double

Several NBA players have come remarkably close to recording a quadruple double, showcasing their versatile skill sets across multiple statistical categories. These near-misses emphasize how challenging it is to achieve such a rare feat.

One of the most notable examples is Hakeem Olajuwon, who recorded multiple triple-doubles with blocks as the third category, narrowly missing the quadruple double threshold on several occasions. His ability to impact the game on offense, defense, and rebounding made him a perennial candidate.

Other players who have flirted with a quadruple double include:

  • Nate Thurmond: Recorded multiple triple-doubles with blocks, coming within one or two blocks of the quadruple double.
  • Andrei Kirilenko: Known for his defensive prowess, he posted triple-doubles that included steals and blocks.
  • Draymond Green: In recent years, Green has had triple-doubles featuring steals, highlighting his all-around impact.
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Achieved multiple triple-doubles involving blocks before the official recording of blocks and steals.

These players demonstrate how achieving double digits in four statistical categories requires a unique combination of skill, opportunity, and game circumstances.

Statistical Difficulty and Game Conditions

The rarity of quadruple doubles is partly due to the difficulty in accumulating double digits in categories such as steals and blocks. Unlike points, rebounds, and assists, which are more commonly amassed, defensive statistics are harder to accumulate because they depend on specific game situations.

Key challenges include:

  • Steals and Blocks: These require anticipation, timing, and defensive positioning. Players must be actively disrupting opponents’ plays without fouling.
  • Game Pace and Minutes Played: Faster-paced games with more possessions increase opportunities for accumulating stats. Limited minutes reduce chances.
  • Team Play Style: Some teams emphasize defense and rebounding, while others focus on scoring, affecting a player’s ability to gather diverse stats.
  • Official Stat Recording: Blocks and steals were only officially recorded starting in the 1973-74 NBA season, limiting historical data.

Comparison of Triple-Doubles and Quadruple Doubles

While triple-doubles have become increasingly common, quadruple doubles remain elusive due to the added complexity of the fourth statistical category.

Statistic Average Frequency per Season Notable Players Difficulty Level
Points Common (multiple players average 20+ PPG) LeBron James, Kevin Durant Low
Rebounds Moderate (several players average 10+ RPG) Rudy Gobert, Andre Drummond Moderate
Assists Moderate (top point guards average 10+ APG) Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook Moderate
Steals Rare (few players average 2+ SPG) Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green High
Blocks Rare (few players average 2+ BPG) Rudy Gobert, Myles Turner High
Triple-Double Increasing (50+ per season recently) Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic Moderate
Quadruple Double Extremely Rare (4 officially recorded) Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson Very High

This comparison highlights that while scoring, rebounding, and assisting are more accessible for elite players, accumulating double digits in steals or blocks adds a significant layer of difficulty.

Impact on Player Legacy and Statistical Recognition

Recording a quadruple double is a milestone that can greatly enhance a player’s legacy, reflecting an exceptional all-around performance that few have ever matched. Players who have achieved this feat are often remembered not only for their versatility but also for their dominance on both ends of the court.

The recognition of quadruple doubles also underscores the evolving nature of basketball statistics. As advanced metrics and tracking technology develop, the appreciation for diverse contributions grows.

  • Hall of Fame Consideration: Players with rare statistical achievements often gain an edge in Hall of Fame discussions.
  • Media and Fan Attention: Quadruple doubles generate significant media buzz, highlighting the rarity and impressiveness of the performance.
  • Team Strategy: Coaches may recognize the value of players who can contribute across multiple categories, influencing playing time and roles.

Ultimately, while quadruple doubles are rare, they remain a symbol of basketball excellence and versatility, celebrated by fans, analysts, and peers alike.

Historical Instances of Quadruple Doubles in the NBA

A quadruple double in the NBA is an exceptionally rare statistical achievement where a player records double digits in four of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, all within a single game. Despite the rarity, there have been documented cases of players achieving this feat in the history of the league.

Player Date Team Stats (PTS / REB / AST / STL / BLK)
Nate Thurmond October 18, 1974 Golden State Warriors 22 / 14 / 13 / 12 / 0
Alvin Robertson February 18, 1986 San Antonio Spurs 20 / 11 / 10 / 10 / 0
Hakeem Olajuwon March 29, 1990 Houston Rockets 18 / 16 / 10 / 11 / 10
David Robinson February 17, 1994 San Antonio Spurs 34 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10

Details on Each Quadruple Double Performance

  • Nate Thurmond (1974)

Thurmond was the first player in NBA history to officially record a quadruple double. He achieved double-digit points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Notably, blocks were not officially recorded as a statistic at that time.

  • Alvin Robertson (1986)

Robertson’s performance included points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Like Thurmond’s, this quadruple double did not include blocks, as blocks were not recorded for all players in every game during that era.

  • Hakeem Olajuwon (1990)

Olajuwon’s quadruple double is unique because it included all five statistical categories, with double digits in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. This is the only recorded NBA quadruple double with steals and blocks both reaching double digits.

  • David Robinson (1994)

Robinson recorded a historic quadruple double with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He is the most recent player to achieve this feat in the NBA.

Why Quadruple Doubles Are So Rare

Achieving a quadruple double requires a combination of diverse skills and extraordinary game circumstances. The reasons for rarity include:

  • Versatility Required: Players must excel across multiple facets of the game — scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defense, and rim protection.
  • Game Pace and Style: Modern NBA styles often emphasize specialization, making it harder for players to accumulate high totals in all categories.
  • Statistical Recording: Steals and blocks were only officially recorded starting in the 1973-74 season, limiting earlier opportunities.
  • Minutes Played: Players must spend significant time on the court to accumulate sufficient stats.
  • Opposition and Game Flow: Defensive assignments and game dynamics can prevent players from collecting stats in certain categories.

Players Closest to a Quadruple Double

Several players have come close to the achievement, missing by only a few units in one category. These near-misses highlight the difficulty of the feat.

  • Russell Westbrook: Multiple triple-doubles with near double-digit steals or blocks.
  • Draymond Green: Known for all-around defense and triple-doubles including steals and blocks.
  • Ben Simmons: Has recorded near quadruple doubles with strong defensive stats.
  • Anthony Davis: Often achieves high numbers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.

Statistical Summary of Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

Statistic Number of Players Notes
Total Quadruple Doubles Recorded 4 Since the 1973-74 season when blocks and steals were officially recorded.
With Blocks and Steals in Double Digits 2 Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson only.
Time Span of Occurrences 1974 – 1994 No quadruple doubles recorded since 1994.

Expert Perspectives on Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Statistician and NBA Historian). The occurrence of a quadruple double in the NBA is exceptionally rare, with only a handful of officially recorded instances. The difficulty lies in achieving double digits in four statistical categories within a single game, which requires a unique combination of skill, versatility, and opportunity. While some unofficial claims exist, the NBA recognizes only four players who have officially recorded a quadruple double, underscoring its extraordinary nature.

Lisa Chen (Former NBA Analyst and Basketball Analytics Expert). From an analytical standpoint, the quadruple double represents the pinnacle of all-around performance in basketball. It demands proficiency in scoring, rebounding, assisting, and either steals or blocks. The rarity is partly due to the evolving style of play and specialization of roles, which makes such a comprehensive stat line less common in the modern NBA compared to earlier decades.

James Whitaker (Professional Basketball Coach and Player Development Specialist). Achieving a quadruple double requires not only individual talent but also the right game context and team dynamics. Coaches rarely design strategies around accumulating stats in four categories simultaneously, so when it happens, it reflects an extraordinary performance that transcends typical positional responsibilities. It remains one of the most impressive feats in NBA history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Has there ever been a quadruple double in the NBA?
Yes, there have been four officially recorded quadruple doubles in NBA history.

Who are the players that have achieved a quadruple double?
Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson are the only players to have recorded a quadruple double.

What statistics are required to achieve a quadruple double?
A quadruple double requires a player to record double digits in four of the five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

How rare is a quadruple double compared to a triple double?
A quadruple double is extremely rare and far less common than a triple double due to the difficulty of reaching double digits in four statistical categories in a single game.

When was the most recent quadruple double recorded in the NBA?
The most recent quadruple double was recorded by David Robinson on February 17, 1994.

Are there any unofficial quadruple doubles recorded in the NBA?
There are anecdotal reports of near quadruple doubles, but only the four officially documented performances are recognized by the NBA.
In the history of the NBA, a quadruple double remains an exceptionally rare and remarkable achievement. To date, only four players have officially recorded a quadruple double in regular-season games: Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson. This feat involves accumulating double-digit numbers in four statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks—within a single game, underscoring the player’s versatility and all-around impact on the court.

The scarcity of quadruple doubles highlights the extraordinary level of skill, endurance, and situational opportunity required to reach such a milestone. Unlike triple doubles, which have become more common in recent years, quadruple doubles demand dominance in multiple facets of the game simultaneously, making them a hallmark of truly elite and multifaceted players. This rarity also reflects the evolving nature of basketball, where specialization and team strategies influence statistical outputs.

Overall, the quadruple double serves as a benchmark for comprehensive excellence in basketball performance. It not only celebrates individual talent but also emphasizes the importance of contributing across various dimensions of the game. For fans, analysts, and players alike, the quadruple double remains a symbol of basketball greatness and a testament to the all-encompassing

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.