In basketball, a quadruple-double is the term used for when a player accumulates ten or more points, assists, rebounds, and blocks in a single game. This is an extremely rare accomplishment, and only a handful of players have ever done it. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the players who had achieved this feat, as well as when they accomplished it!
Players That Have Achieved a Quadruple Double
A quadruple-double is a single-game achievement in basketball in which a player gets double-digit figures in four statistical categories, typically points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
The first known occurrence of a quadruple-double was by Nate Thurmond of the Chicago Bulls on October 18, 1974. He achieved 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks against the Atlanta Hawks.
There have only been three other occasions where a player has achieved this statistical feat. The next player that has achieved this feat was Alvin Robertson from San Antonio Spurs. The feat was made on February 18, 1986, against the Phoenix Suns, and Robertson ended with stats of 20 points, 11 rebounds, ten assists, and steals.
The third player to achieve this was Hakeem Olajuwon, who surprisingly achieved the feat two times in his NBA career. The first instance was on March 3, 1990, as a member of the Houston Rockets against the Golden State Warriors. Olajuwon finished the game with a whopping 29 points, 18 rebounds, ten assists, and 11 blocks. Only a few weeks later, he had another quadruple-double on March 29, 1990, against the Milwaukee Bucks. During this game, Olajuwon ended with 18 points, 16 rebounds, ten assists, and 11 blocks. Olajuwon’s incredible performance made him one of the most popular players in the 90s.
The fourth player to achieve a quadruple-double was David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs. He achieved this on February 17, 1994, in a game against the Detroit Pistons. Robinson had 34 points, ten rebounds, ten blocks, and ten assists during the game.
As seen above, there have only been four players in NBA history that have achieved a quadruple-double. This is an amazing accomplishment, and it is something that not many players will be able to achieve in their careers.
What Makes a Quadruple Double an Impressive Feat?
In basketball, a quadruple-double is when a player accumulates ten or more of the following statistics in a single game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. While it may seem like a relatively simple feat, it is actually quite difficult to achieve.
In fact, there have only been four recorded instances of a quadruple-double in NBA history. One reason why it is so difficult to achieve is that it requires a player to be not just an offensive threat but also a defensive stalwart.
A player who racks up points and rebounds but doesn’t also contribute in other areas is unlikely to reach the 10-threshold in all five categories.
Furthermore, achieving a quadruple-double typically requires a significant amount of playing time. A player who doesn’t see significant minutes on the court is unlikely to have the opportunity to put up the necessary numbers.
Finally, it should be noted that the feat is more difficult to achieve in today’s game than it was in the past. This is due in part to the increased emphasis on specialization and positionality in modern basketball.
In other words, today’s players are more likely to specialize in one area of the game, such as shooting or defense, rather than trying to excel at all aspects of the game.
This makes sense from a strategic standpoint, but it also makes it less likely that any one player will be able to fill up the stat sheet in the way that is necessary to achieve a quadruple-double.
While the quadruple-double is a rare and impressive feat, it is important to remember that it is only a measure of individual statistical achievement and not necessarily a measure of team success.
Learn More About Triple Doubles
Besides quadruple doubles, there’s another feat that’s worth mentioning: the triple-double. A triple-double is when a player reaches double digits in three of the following statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
While it falls short of the quadruple-double, the triple-double is still an impressive achievement and one that is much more common than its quadruple counterpart.
One of the rarest feats in basketball is a triple-double. This is when a player accumulates ten or more of the following statistics in a single game: points, rebounds, and assists.
Some of the most notable players to achieve a triple-double include Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
What makes a triple-double an impressive accomplishment is that it is difficult to achieve. In order to accomplish it, a player must be able to not only score but also rebound and assist. This requires a high level of skill and versatility.
While these are some of the rarest and most impressive feats in basketball, there are many other accomplishments that players can achieve. For example, a player might lead the league in scoring or have the most assists in a season.
Individual accomplishments are important, but they should not be confused with team success. In the end, the only thing that matters is whether or not a team wins championships.
Final Thoughts
In basketball, a quadruple-double is the achievement of a player who accumulates ten or more in four different statistical categories in a game. Notable players who have achieved a quadruple-double include Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson. Achieving a quadruple-double is an impressive feat that demonstrates a player’s all-around contributions to their team. While it is unlikely to be seen often, it is always exciting when it does happen.