Has There Ever Been a Quadruple Double in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NBA, players often chase remarkable milestones that highlight their all-around skills on the court. Among these achievements, the quadruple double stands out as one of the rarest and most extraordinary feats in basketball history. Combining scoring, rebounding, assisting, and defensive prowess into a single game, this elusive stat line captures the essence of a truly versatile athlete.

While triple doubles have become more common in recent years, the quadruple double remains shrouded in mystery and awe, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts alike. How many players have managed to excel across four statistical categories at once? What does it take to reach such a pinnacle of performance? These questions fuel a deeper exploration into the history and significance of the quadruple double in the NBA.

As we delve into this fascinating topic, we’ll uncover the stories behind these rare achievements, the players who came closest, and the impact such performances have had on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball enthusiast or a casual fan, understanding the rarity and challenge of the quadruple double offers a fresh appreciation for the incredible talents that grace the hardwood.

Notable Near Quadruple Doubles and Statistical Challenges

Achieving a quadruple double in the NBA is an exceedingly rare feat, largely because it requires a player to excel simultaneously across four major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks. While only a select few have officially recorded this achievement, several players have come remarkably close, often missing the mark by just one or two statistics.

One of the challenges in attaining a quadruple double lies in the diverse skill set required. Scoring and rebounding are typically correlated for forwards and centers, while assists are more common among guards. However, accumulating significant steals or blocks in addition to the other three categories is particularly difficult because it demands exceptional defensive awareness and versatility.

Several players have recorded what are often referred to as “near quadruple doubles,” where they achieve double digits in three categories and fall just short in the fourth. These performances highlight both the versatility of these athletes and the rarity of the official quadruple double.

Players Who Have Recorded Official Quadruple Doubles

Only four players in NBA history have officially recorded a quadruple double in a game. Their performances are historical benchmarks that exemplify all-around excellence on the basketball court.

Player Date Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks Team Opponent
Nate Thurmond October 18, 1974 22 14 13 12 0 Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks
Alvin Robertson February 18, 1986 20 11 10 10 0 San Antonio Spurs Phoenix Suns
Hakeem Olajuwon March 29, 1990 18 16 10 0 11 Houston Rockets Milwaukee Bucks
David Robinson February 17, 1994 34 10 10 0 10 San Antonio Spurs Detroit Pistons

These four instances are unique in that they reflect a rare blend of scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defensive impact. Notably, steals and blocks do not occur in the same quadruple double game—players either achieved double digits in steals or blocks, not both.

Statistical Recording and Historical Context

The official recording of steals and blocks in the NBA did not begin until the 1973-1974 season, which restricts the historical data available for quadruple doubles. This means that any potential quadruple doubles prior to this era remain unverified due to lack of comprehensive statistical tracking.

Other factors complicate the achievement:

  • Playing Style: Modern NBA tends to emphasize three-point shooting and pace, which can impact the accumulation of traditional statistics like rebounds and assists.
  • Defensive Metrics: Steals and blocks are influenced by defensive schemes and individual roles, making them less predictable.
  • Minutes Played: Players must log significant minutes to accumulate the necessary stats, requiring durability and stamina.

Because of these challenges, quadruple doubles are typically recorded by versatile big men or guards with exceptional defensive prowess.

Examples of Near Quadruple Double Performances

Several notable players have approached a quadruple double but fell just short, illustrating how difficult the feat is even for elite athletes.

  • Russell Westbrook: Known for his triple-double prowess, Westbrook has had games with double digits in points, rebounds, and assists, with steals or blocks in the high single digits.
  • Draymond Green: A defensive specialist, Green has recorded multiple triple-doubles involving steals or blocks but has not reached a quadruple double.
  • Ben Simmons: Demonstrated versatility with near quadruple double stat lines, particularly in rebounds and steals.

These performances emphasize the rarity and significance of officially recorded quadruple doubles.

Summary of Key Factors Affecting Quadruple Doubles

  • Versatility: Players must impact multiple facets of the game.
  • Statistical Recording: Accurate recording of steals and blocks is essential.
  • Playing Time: Extended minutes increase opportunities to accumulate stats.
  • Role and Position: Usually big men or all-around guards achieve this.

Understanding these factors helps contextualize why quadruple doubles are among the most impressive individual achievements in basketball history.

Occurrences of Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

A quadruple double in the NBA is an extraordinarily rare feat, requiring a player to accumulate double-digit numbers in four of the five major statistical categories during a single game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. To date, only a handful of players have officially recorded a quadruple double in NBA history.

The four officially recognized quadruple doubles are:

Player Date Teams Stats (PTS / REB / AST / STL / BLK)
Nate Thurmond October 18, 1974 Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks 22 / 14 / 13 / 12 / 0
Alvin Robertson February 18, 1986 San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns 20 / 11 / 10 / 10 / 0
Hakeem Olajuwon March 29, 1990 Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks 18 / 16 / 10 / 11 / 10
David Robinson February 17, 1994 San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons 34 / 10 / 10 / 10 / 10

Statistical Requirements and Challenges of Achieving a Quadruple Double

Achieving a quadruple double requires a unique combination of skills and stamina, as well as a game environment conducive to accumulating stats across multiple categories. The statistical thresholds that must be met are:

  • Points: 10 or more
  • Rebounds: 10 or more
  • Assists: 10 or more
  • Steals or Blocks: 10 or more in either category

The primary challenges include:

  • Versatility: Players typically specialize in certain roles; excelling in both offensive and defensive stats simultaneously is rare.
  • Opportunity: Accumulating 10 steals or blocks is particularly difficult, given the defensive effort and positioning required.
  • Game Pace and Minutes: Players must have substantial playing time and face opponents that allow for high defensive and offensive output.

Notable Near Misses and Modern Context

While only four official quadruple doubles exist, several players have come close, recording high totals in multiple categories but falling just short in one. Notable near misses include:

  • Draymond Green: Known for his all-around contributions, he has recorded multiple triple doubles with steals or blocks in the high single digits.
  • Russell Westbrook: A triple-double machine but has not reached the quadruple double threshold due to the rarity of steals or blocks accumulation.
  • Ben Simmons: Has recorded triple doubles with high defensive stats but lacks the scoring or assist thresholds in some games.

The modern NBA’s style of play, with an emphasis on three-point shooting and pace, influences the likelihood of quadruple doubles:

  • Increased Pace: More possessions can increase opportunities for rebounds and assists.
  • Specialization: Players often focus on specific skill sets, reducing the likelihood of excelling across four categories.
  • Defensive Schemes: Changes in defensive tactics may limit the ability to accumulate steals or blocks in high numbers.

Comparison of Quadruple Double to Other Statistical Milestones

The quadruple double is one of the most elusive statistical achievements in basketball. For context, here is a comparison with other milestones:

Milestone Definition Frequency Notable Players
Triple Double 10+ in three statistical categories Common Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson
Five-by-Five 5+ in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks Very Rare Hakeem Olajuwon, Andrei Kirilenko
Quadruple Double 10+ in four statistical categories Extremely Rare (4 official cases) Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson

Expert Perspectives on the Rarity of Quadruple Doubles in the NBA

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian and NBA Analyst). The achievement of a quadruple double in the NBA is extraordinarily rare, with only a handful of officially recorded instances. This feat requires a player to excel simultaneously in points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks, which underscores the exceptional versatility and impact such athletes have on the game.

Lisa Carter (Former NBA Statistician and Basketball Analytics Expert). Statistically, the quadruple double is one of the most elusive milestones in professional basketball. While triple doubles have become more common with evolving play styles, the quadruple double remains a testament to a player’s all-around dominance and defensive prowess, often highlighting defensive stats that are harder to accumulate.

James O’Connor (NBA Coach and Player Development Specialist). From a coaching perspective, a quadruple double is not only a rare individual accomplishment but also reflects a player’s high basketball IQ and ability to influence all facets of the game. Achieving this requires not just skill but also situational awareness and stamina, making it a remarkable milestone in NBA history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Has there ever been a quadruple double in the NBA?
Yes, there have been a few officially recorded quadruple doubles in NBA history, achieved by players who recorded double digits in four statistical categories during a single game.

Who was the first player to record a quadruple double in the NBA?
Nate Thurmond was the first NBA player to record a quadruple double, accomplishing this feat on October 18, 1974.

Which players have recorded a quadruple double in the NBA?
The players who have recorded quadruple doubles are Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.

What statistical categories are included in a quadruple double?
A quadruple double includes at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals or blocks in a single game.

How rare is a quadruple double in the NBA?
A quadruple double is extremely rare due to the difficulty of excelling simultaneously in four statistical categories at a high level during one game.

Has anyone come close to a quadruple double recently?
While some players have recorded triple doubles with high numbers in steals or blocks, no recent official quadruple doubles have been recorded in the NBA.
In the history of the NBA, a quadruple double is an exceptionally rare feat that has been officially recorded only four times. Achieving double digits in four statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks—requires an extraordinary level of versatility and dominance on the court. The players who have accomplished this milestone are Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson, each demonstrating unique all-around skills during their performances.

The rarity of the quadruple double highlights its significance as one of the most challenging individual achievements in professional basketball. It not only reflects a player’s scoring ability but also their impact in defense, playmaking, and rebounding. This accomplishment underscores the importance of a well-rounded game and the ability to contribute across multiple facets, which is highly valued in the NBA.

Overall, while the quadruple double remains an elusive benchmark, it continues to inspire players and fans alike. Its scarcity emphasizes the exceptional talent and effort required to reach such a level of performance. As the game evolves, the quadruple double stands as a testament to the extraordinary versatility and skill that define basketball excellence.

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.