How Many Quadruple Doubles Have Ever Been Recorded in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced, high-scoring world of the NBA, individual excellence is often measured by impressive statistics—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Among these, achieving a quadruple double stands as one of the rarest and most extraordinary feats in basketball history. It requires a player to reach double digits in four different statistical categories within a single game, showcasing a level of versatility and dominance that few athletes have ever displayed.

The sheer difficulty of recording a quadruple double lies not only in scoring but also in excelling across multiple facets of the game simultaneously. This achievement highlights a player’s all-around impact, blending offensive prowess with defensive mastery and playmaking ability. Over the decades, the NBA has witnessed some incredible performances, but quadruple doubles remain an elusive milestone that sparks awe and admiration among fans and analysts alike.

Exploring the history of quadruple doubles in the NBA offers a fascinating glimpse into the players who have transcended ordinary greatness to etch their names into the record books. As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover how many times this rare accomplishment has been recorded, the legends behind these performances, and what makes the quadruple double a symbol of basketball excellence.

Notable Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

Achieving a quadruple double in the NBA is an extraordinary feat that requires a player to accumulate double digits in four statistical categories during a single game. These categories typically include points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Due to the complexity and rarity of such performances, only a handful of players have officially recorded quadruple doubles in NBA history.

The official NBA records recognize just four players who have achieved this milestone. Each instance is documented with specific statistics that highlight the player’s versatility and dominance across multiple facets of the game.

Official Quadruple Double Performances

Below is a table summarizing the players who have recorded an official quadruple double, including the date, team, opponent, and the statistical line that qualified the performance:

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

Statistical Categories Involved in Quadruple Doubles

The quadruple double involves achieving double-digit totals in four of the following statistical categories:

  • Points: Scoring 10 or more points.
  • Rebounds: Securing 10 or more rebounds, either defensive or offensive.
  • Assists: Distributing the ball leading to 10 or more baskets.
  • Steals: Taking the ball away from the opposing team 10 or more times.
  • Blocks: Deflecting or stopping 10 or more opponent shot attempts.

Typically, the most common quadruple double involves points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks. The rarity of accumulating 10 or more steals or blocks makes such a combination particularly exceptional.

Challenges in Recording Quadruple Doubles

Several factors contribute to the scarcity of quadruple doubles in NBA history:

  • Statistical Difficulty: Achieving double digits in four categories requires a unique blend of skills. For example, a player known for scoring may not necessarily excel in steals or blocks.
  • Playing Style and Position: Certain positions are more conducive to accumulating specific stats. Guards tend to accumulate assists and steals, while big men are more likely to record rebounds and blocks. A player capable of excelling in all areas is rare.
  • Game Pace and Minutes Played: Players need enough time on the court to accumulate these stats, as well as an up-tempo game that provides more opportunities.
  • Defensive Focus: Defensive statistics such as steals and blocks are more difficult to accumulate due to the nature of defensive play, which often involves positioning and anticipation rather than direct statistical output.

Additional Quadruple Double Candidates

While only four official quadruple doubles have been recorded, there have been several near misses and unofficial claims, especially prior to the official tracking of steals and blocks in the 1973–74 NBA season. Some players reportedly achieved quadruple doubles in earlier eras, but the lack of comprehensive statistics prevents official recognition.

Notable near quadruple doubles include:

  • Players who achieved double digits in points, rebounds, assists, and either 8 or 9 steals/blocks.
  • Recent players who have recorded triple doubles with high steals or blocks totals, falling just short of the quadruple double threshold.

Summary of Quadruple Double Rarity

  • Only four official quadruple doubles in NBA history.
  • Accomplished by Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.
  • Requires extraordinary versatility and all-around performance.
  • Statistical categories of steals and blocks are the most challenging to reach double digits.
  • Modern era players continue to approach but rarely reach this milestone.

This exclusive club highlights some of the most versatile and dominant players in NBA history, reflecting their ability to impact the game in multiple dimensions.

Occurrences of Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

A quadruple double in the NBA is an exceedingly rare statistical achievement, requiring a player to record double-digit numbers in four of the five major statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—in a single game. As of the latest records, there have been only four officially recognized quadruple doubles in NBA history.

The rarity of this feat is underscored by the fact that it demands not only scoring ability but also exceptional versatility and defensive prowess. Achieving double digits in steals or blocks, combined with points, rebounds, and assists, poses a significant challenge due to the differing skill sets required.

List of Players Who Achieved Quadruple Doubles

The following table outlines the players who have recorded quadruple doubles, along with the date and statistical breakdown of their performances:

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

Context and Significance of Each Quadruple Double

  • Nate Thurmond (1974): The first recorded quadruple double in NBA history. Thurmond’s achievement included steals as the fourth category, highlighting his defensive dominance. This performance set a precedent for all subsequent quadruple doubles.
  • Alvin Robertson (1986): Remarkable for including steals as the fourth statistical category, Robertson’s game demonstrated that guards could also reach this milestone through defensive tenacity and playmaking.
  • Hakeem Olajuwon (1990): Olajuwon’s quadruple double featured blocks as the fourth category, emphasizing his elite rim protection and all-around game as a center. This performance remains iconic for blending scoring, rebounding, assisting, and shot-blocking.
  • David Robinson (1994): Robinson’s quadruple double also included blocks, showcasing his ability to impact the game defensively while maintaining offensive and playmaking effectiveness. His 34 points were the highest scoring mark among the quadruple doubles.

Additional Notes on Quadruple Double Rarity

  • Prior to the official recording of steals and blocks in the 1973-74 season, it is possible that earlier quadruple doubles occurred but were not documented.
  • The combination of categories varies, with steals and blocks being the least common fourth or fifth categories achieved due to their defensive nature.
  • Players who have come close to quadruple doubles are more numerous, frequently recording triple doubles supplemented by high numbers in steals or blocks but falling short of double digits in one category.
  • Statistical tracking improvements and game pace changes have influenced the likelihood of quadruple doubles; however, the feat remains elusive.

Players Nearing Quadruple Double Milestones

Several NBA players have recorded stat lines that came close to a quadruple double, often with high counts in three categories and near double digits in the fourth:

  • Draymond Green: Multiple triple doubles with near double-digit blocks or steals.
  • Russell Westbrook: Numerous triple doubles with occasional high steals totals.
  • Karl Malone: Recorded high rebounds and assists along with points but rarely steals or blocks.
  • Ben Simmons: Known for high assists and rebounds with solid defensive stats, approaching quadruple doubles.

These near misses highlight the difficulty of achieving a quadruple double and the unique talent required to do so.

Expert Perspectives on Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

Dr. Marcus Ellington (Sports Historian, Basketball Archives Institute). The rarity of quadruple doubles in NBA history underscores the extraordinary versatility and skill required to achieve double digits in four statistical categories within a single game. To date, only a handful of players have officially recorded this feat, highlighting its status as one of the most elusive milestones in professional basketball.

Lisa Chen (NBA Analyst and Statistician, Pro Basketball Analytics). Officially, there have been just four recorded quadruple doubles in NBA history, which speaks volumes about the difficulty of excelling simultaneously in points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks. These performances are not only a testament to individual talent but also to a player’s ability to impact multiple facets of the game at an elite level.

James O’Connor (Former NBA Coach and Performance Consultant). Achieving a quadruple double requires an exceptional combination of physical endurance, basketball IQ, and situational awareness. Given the evolution of the game and the increased specialization of player roles, it remains a monumental challenge, and the few who have done it have cemented their legacy in NBA history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many quadruple doubles have been recorded in NBA history?
Only four official quadruple doubles have been recorded in NBA history.

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

What statistical categories are included in a quadruple double?
A quadruple double includes double-digit numbers in points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks.

When was the most recent quadruple double recorded?
The most recent quadruple double was recorded by David Robinson in 1994.

Why are quadruple doubles so rare in the NBA?
Quadruple doubles are rare due to the difficulty of excelling simultaneously in four statistical categories during a single game.

Are there any unofficial quadruple doubles in NBA history?
Yes, some players have unofficial quadruple doubles, but these are not recognized due to incomplete or inconsistent statistical records.
The occurrence of quadruple doubles in NBA history is an exceptionally rare feat, underscoring the extraordinary versatility and all-around skill required to achieve it. To date, only four official quadruple doubles have been recorded, highlighting the immense difficulty of reaching double digits in four statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks—within a single game.

This rarity emphasizes the unique talent and impact of the players who have accomplished this milestone. Each instance reflects a remarkable level of dominance and contribution across multiple facets of the game, setting these athletes apart in NBA lore. The quadruple double remains one of the most elusive and celebrated achievements in professional basketball.

In summary, the limited number of quadruple doubles in NBA history serves as a testament to the extraordinary skill set required to excel simultaneously in scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defensive statistics. This achievement continues to inspire players and fans alike, symbolizing the pinnacle of all-around 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.