I’m sure you already know, but a no hitter is when a pitcher gives up 0 hits to the opposing team. A no hitter is so rare, that out of all the MLB games each season, the average is only 2 per year (out of 2,4360 games). So what’s the equivalent to a no hitter in the NBA?

The most comparable thing to a no hitter would be a triple double. Although they are way more common than a no hitter (especially in todays league). So much more common, that Russel Westbrook was able to average a triple double in a single season. In 2016-17 he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, and the most impressive part was he played 81 out of 82 games.

The basketball equivalent to hitting a no-hitter: a triple-double

For those of you who don’t know, a triple double is when a player gets double digits in three separate categories. The most common triple double is achieved through 10+ rebounds, 10+ points, and 10+ assists, but it has been done with blocks before. Rookie Shaq had one of the most impressive triple doubles with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.

In order to get triple doubles on a regular basis, you need to be able to dominate the game on a regular basis. This includes being able to score, hustling to get rebounds, and in most cases orchestrating the offense as the point guard. It doesn’t only take skill, but it takes a lot of heart (which is why Russel Westbrook was able to do it on a regular basis).

Why Have Triple Doubles Become More Likely In The Last Couple Of Years

It used to be that no hitters and triple doubles were more in the same boat. But over the years triple doubles have become more and more common. We’re going to go over the reasons why.

Faster Pace The Last Couple Of Years

The faster the pace that is played, the more plays there are in a single game. That is why since the pace has went up, there have been more triple doubles. It only makes sense as there are more scoring opportunities, more rebound opportunities, and more passing opportunities.

There Are More Shooters In Todays Game

For pass first players, it’s much easier to drive and kick the ball outside than it used to be. That’s because there are more players in the NBA that specialize in shooting than ever before. Not only is this true, but its also easier to get an assist driving and kicking then it is driving and trying to dish to a big man. This is because when you drive and try and make good pass down low, the lane usually packed, which makes it harder to make those passes.

Players Focus On Being More Well Rounded Than Ever Before

Back in the days, there weren’t many Lebron James’ out there. There were all around players, but not at the level Lebron plays at. Nowadays, players are inspired by that all around play so it’s more frequent you’ll see players get triple doubles.

Notable triple-double performances in basketball history

1. Russell Westbrook: 57 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists (March 29, 2017)
2. James Harden: 60 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists (January 30, 2018)
3. Shaquille O’Neal: 24 points, 28 rebounds, 15 blocks (November 20, 1993)
4. Wilt Chamberlain: 22 points, 25 rebounds, 21 assists (March 18, 1968)
5. Nate Thurmond: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 blocks (October 18, 1974)
6. Luka Doncic: 60 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists (December 28th, 2022)

What Are More Comparable Stats In Basketball and Baseball?

Two more comparable stats in Basketball and baseball are the perfect game, and the quadruple double. A perfect game is the ability to not let ONE player on base, and a quadruple double is the same thing as a triple double, but you have to add one more statistical category. An example of a quadruple double is 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks.

In the history of baseball, a perfect game has only happened 23 times. When it comes to the quadruple double, it has only happened 4 times:

1. Nate Thurmond: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 blocks, 12 steals (October 18, 1974)
2. Alvin Robertson: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals (February 18, 1986)
3. Hakeem Olajuwon: 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 blocks (March 29, 1990)
4. David Robinson: 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks, 2 steals (February 17, 1994)

Is There a Such Thing As a Quintuple Double And Has It Ever Been Done?

There is a such thing as a quintuple double, and it only happened once. Wilt reportedly did it and the stat line was 53 Points, 32 Rebounds, 14 Assists, 24 Blocks, And 11 Steals. The possibility of this ever happening in todays game is very low.

If there was a player that could do it, it would be Giannis. This is because he’s one of the only players capable of getting 10 steals and 10 blocks, while doing everything else as well. I wouldn’t bet on it though.

Conclusion

No you know the comparison of the no hitter, and also the perfect game in basketball. As time goes on I’m curious as to whether or not the quadruple double will ever become normal practice. By the way players in NBA are evolving, I wouldn’t be surprised.

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it on social media, or with friends or family.