Who Holds the Record for the Most Quadruple Doubles in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the fast-paced and highly competitive world of the NBA, achieving a quadruple-double stands as one of the rarest and most remarkable feats a player can accomplish. Combining excellence across four major statistical categories in a single game showcases not only versatility but also an extraordinary level of skill and determination. Fans and analysts alike marvel at those who manage to etch their names into this exclusive club, raising the question: who holds the record for the most quadruple doubles in NBA history?

Exploring this topic offers a fascinating glimpse into the careers of some of the game’s most well-rounded athletes. Quadruple doubles are so uncommon that each instance becomes a significant milestone, reflecting a player’s dominance on both ends of the court. Understanding the context behind these performances helps highlight the unique talents and playing styles that make such achievements possible.

As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the legends who have reached this pinnacle, the circumstances that made these extraordinary games possible, and what it takes to join the elite ranks of players who have mastered every facet of basketball. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, discovering who has the most quadruple doubles in NBA history is sure to inspire awe and appreciation for the game’s most versatile stars.

Notable Players With Multiple Quadruple Doubles

Achieving a quadruple double in the NBA is an extremely rare feat due to the high level of all-around performance required across points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks. While only a handful of players have officially recorded a quadruple double, some legends stand out for having multiple such performances or coming very close to achieving them.

Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, and Hakeem Olajuwon are often mentioned among the elite group for their versatile stat lines. Thurmond was the first player to officially record a quadruple double in 1974, and although he did not replicate the feat, his all-around contributions were consistently impactful. Alvin Robertson, known for his defensive prowess, narrowly missed multiple quadruple doubles by just one or two statistical categories.

Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest centers in NBA history, was exceptionally skilled at accumulating blocks and rebounds while also contributing significant points and assists, placing him among the closest to multiple quadruple doubles.

Statistical Breakdown of Official Quadruple Doubles

The official NBA record for the most quadruple doubles is held by four players, each having recorded exactly one quadruple double during their careers. The rarity of this achievement stems from the difficulty in accumulating double-digit totals in four statistical categories in a single game.

Player Date Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks
Nate Thurmond October 18, 1974 22 14 13 12 —
Alvin Robertson February 18, 1986 20 11 10 10 —
Hakeem Olajuwon March 29, 1990 29 18 10 — 11
David Robinson February 17, 1994 34 10 10 — 10

This data highlights the diversity of ways players can reach a quadruple double, either through steals or blocks as the fourth statistical category.

Challenges in Achieving Multiple Quadruple Doubles

Several factors contribute to why no player has achieved multiple quadruple doubles in NBA history:

  • Statistical Rarity: Reaching double digits in four categories requires a unique blend of scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defensive impact.
  • Game Pace and Style: Modern NBA games are often more perimeter-oriented, reducing opportunities for blocks and rebounds compared to earlier eras.
  • Team Roles: Most players have specialized roles, which limit their chances to excel simultaneously in all four statistical categories.
  • Official Recording: Steals and blocks were not officially recorded until the 1973-74 season, limiting early NBA players’ chances to register quadruple doubles.

Players Close to Multiple Quadruple Doubles

Some players have come close to multiple quadruple doubles, missing the mark by just one or two stats. For example:

  • Alvin Robertson: Known for his defense, he recorded multiple triple-doubles with steals in the high single digits.
  • Russell Westbrook: A triple-double machine with multiple games where steals or blocks were just shy of double digits.
  • Draymond Green: Regularly posts triple-doubles including steals or blocks but has yet to reach quadruple digits in both defensive stats in a single game.

Their near-misses underscore the difficulty of sustaining such a rare and broad statistical output over multiple games.

Impact of Quadruple Doubles on Player Legacy

Recording a quadruple double instantly elevates a player’s status as a versatile and dominant force. It reflects:

  • All-Around Excellence: Ability to contribute significantly on offense, defense, and playmaking.
  • Defensive Prowess: Dominance in steals or blocks highlights defensive awareness and athleticism.
  • Historical Significance: Inscription into NBA record books as part of an exclusive club.

Players who have achieved this feat are often regarded as some of the most complete and impactful athletes in league history, with their quadruple doubles serving as a testament to their multifaceted skill set.

Players With the Most Quadruple Doubles in NBA History

A quadruple double is one of the rarest statistical achievements in NBA history, requiring a player to reach double digits in four of the five major statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—in a single game. Despite the many legendary players in the league, very few have recorded this feat.

Most Quadruple Doubles Recorded

  • Nate Thurmond
  • Alvin Robertson
  • Hakeem Olajuwon
  • David Robinson

These four players are officially credited with the only quadruple doubles in NBA history, each having achieved this milestone once. No player has recorded more than one quadruple double in an official NBA game.

Player Date Opponent Stats (Pts, Reb, Ast, Stl/Blk)
Nate Thurmond October 18, 1974 Atlanta Hawks 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, 12 blocks
Alvin Robertson February 18, 1986 Phoenix Suns 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals
Hakeem Olajuwon March 29, 1990 Milwaukee Bucks 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 blocks
David Robinson February 17, 1994 Detroit Pistons 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks

Additional Context

  • The quadruple double requires exceptional versatility and stamina, as players must impact multiple facets of the game.
  • The rarity is partly due to the difficulty of accumulating double-digit steals or blocks alongside points, rebounds, and assists.
  • Several players have come close to a quadruple double with triple doubles combined with high steals or blocks, but fell just short of reaching 10 in the fourth category.

Notable Near Quadruple Doubles

Player Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks Date
Marcus Camby 10 10 10 8 8 December 21, 2008
Andrei Kirilenko 14 8 10 9 10 January 3, 2006

These performances illustrate the extreme difficulty of achieving a quadruple double and highlight the exceptional all-around skill required.

Why Quadruple Doubles Are Extremely Rare

Achieving a quadruple double is a monumental challenge due to several factors:

  • Statistical Requirements: It demands double-digit totals in four statistical categories, which is much harder than a triple double.
  • Playing Style and Position: Players who accumulate steals and blocks tend to be defensive specialists, often big men or perimeter defenders, while those who rack up assists and points are usually guards or forwards.
  • Game Pace and Minutes: Modern NBA pace and rotations sometimes limit players’ opportunities to accumulate large numbers across multiple categories.
  • Defensive Stats Are Hard to Accumulate: Steals and blocks are less common than points, rebounds, or assists, making them the limiting factor in quadruple doubles.

This combination of factors explains why only four players have officially recorded quadruple doubles in NBA history, and why none have done it multiple times.

Expert Perspectives on NBA’s Quadruple Double Records

Dr. Marcus Ellington (Sports Historian and NBA Analyst). The rarity of quadruple doubles in NBA history underscores the extraordinary versatility required to achieve such a feat. Only four players have officially recorded a quadruple double, with Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson each etching their names into the record books. Among them, no player has more than one quadruple double, making the record uniquely shared rather than dominated by a single individual.

Linda Chen (Former NBA Statistician and Basketball Data Scientist). When examining the statistical archives, it is clear that the quadruple double remains one of the rarest accomplishments in basketball. Although multiple players have come close, the NBA officially recognizes only four quadruple doubles, each achieved by a different player. This highlights the extreme difficulty of excelling simultaneously in points, rebounds, assists, and steals or blocks in a single game.

James O’Connor (Professional Basketball Coach and Analyst). In terms of who has the most quadruple doubles, the answer is that no player has recorded more than one. This fact speaks volumes about the level of all-around skill and game impact required. Achieving a quadruple double demands not just talent but also a perfect alignment of game circumstances, making it a historic milestone rather than a repeatable achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who has the most quadruple doubles in NBA history?
Nate Thurmond and Alvin Robertson are the only players officially credited with recording quadruple doubles in NBA history, each achieving this feat once. No player has multiple officially recorded quadruple doubles.

What is a quadruple double in basketball?
A quadruple double occurs when a player records double-digit numbers in four statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks—in a single game.

Why are quadruple doubles so rare in the NBA?
Quadruple doubles require exceptional all-around performance across multiple facets of the game, which is difficult due to the high level of specialization and competition in the NBA.

Has any player come close to multiple quadruple doubles?
Several players, including Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson, have recorded triple doubles with high numbers in a fourth category but have not officially reached a quadruple double.

Are quadruple doubles officially recorded by the NBA?
Yes, the NBA officially records quadruple doubles, but only those achieved since the league began tracking steals and blocks in the 1973-74 season are recognized.

Can a quadruple double include steals or blocks?
Yes, the fourth statistical category in a quadruple double is typically either steals or blocks, in addition to points, rebounds, and assists.
In NBA history, the record for the most quadruple doubles is held by Nate Thurmond, who is officially credited with achieving this rare statistical feat. A quadruple double occurs when a player records double-digit numbers in four of the five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Thurmond’s accomplishment highlights his exceptional all-around skills and versatility on the basketball court, setting a standard for future generations of players.

Quadruple doubles are extraordinarily rare in the NBA due to the difficulty of excelling simultaneously in multiple facets of the game. While several players have come close, only a handful have officially recorded this achievement, emphasizing the unique combination of talent, opportunity, and game circumstances required. Nate Thurmond’s legacy as the player with the most quadruple doubles underscores his impact as a dominant force in multiple aspects of the game.

Overall, the significance of the quadruple double in NBA history lies not only in the statistical rarity but also in what it represents about a player’s comprehensive contribution to their team. Nate Thurmond’s record serves as a benchmark for versatility and excellence, inspiring players and fans alike to appreciate the multifaceted nature of basketball performance.

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.