Most Triple Doubles in a single postseason is held by Nikola Jokic 8, Wilt Chamberlin 7, Magic Johnson and Draymond Green at 6.
Recording a triple-double in basketball, where a player reaches double-digit figures in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) during a single game, is an exceptional accomplishment. It showcases the player’s versatility, skill, and impact on the game.
During the NBA playoffs, the highest level of competition, achieving multiple triple-doubles in a single postseason is a remarkable display of talent and a significant contribution to a team’s success.
Nikola Jokic, a standout player for the Denver Nuggets, continues to make history. At the 4:39 mark of the third quarter, he recorded another assist, adding to his growing list of triple-doubles in the NBA.
Nikola’s most recent achievement came in Game 6 as the Nuggets eliminated the Phoenix Suns. In an impressive 25-point blowout victory, Jokic erupted for 32 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, securing yet another triple-double.
Nikola Jokic – 8
Nikola Jokic now has the most triple doubles in a playoff run after the 2022-23 season defeating the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
He achieved a remarkable feat in NBA history by recording his eighth triple-double in the playoffs, surpassing the legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s record of seven triple-doubles during the 1966-67 postseason with the 76ers.
The Nuggets showcased their resilience and determination by staging a second-half comeback led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, resulting in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. This win secured the Nuggets’ first-ever trip to the NBA Finals in their 47-year history.
During the game, Nikola’s outstanding performance propelled him past Chamberlain in the third quarter. He scored 13 points in that period, leading Denver to take their first lead.
By the end, the Nuggets center had amassed an impressive stat line of 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Notably, Jokic’s exceptional performance was part of a four-game stretch in which he maintained remarkable averages of 27.8 points, 11.8 assists, and 14.5 rebounds.
Wilt Chamberlain – 7
Wilt Chamberlain had the most triple doubles in a NBA playoff in the 1966-67 postseason. He averaged 29.1 rebounds, 21.7 points, and 9.0 assists in 15 games.
During Game 5 of the 1967 NBA playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers emerged victorious with a dominant score of 140-116, ending the Celtics’ remarkable streak of eight consecutive NBA titles.
Chamberlain played a pivotal role in the win, scoring 29 points, securing 36 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists. In the subsequent 1967 NBA Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers went up against Chamberlain’s former team, the San Francisco Warriors.
Wilt’s remarkable contributions were evident as he averaged 17.7 points and an outstanding 28.7 rebounds per game while facing off against his opponent Nate Thurmond. Chamberlain grabbed at least 23 rebounds in the six games played during the series.
Draymond Green – 6
Draymond Green’s remarkable performance in the postseason resulted in six triple-doubles, equaling Magic Johnson’s second-highest tally in NBA history for a single postseason.
During the Warriors’ initial playoff series against the Clippers, Green secured his fifth career playoff triple-double, contributing 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a decisive 129-110 victory that advanced them in the playoffs.
In a second-round Game 3 encounter against the Rockets, despite a 126-121 overtime loss, Green showcased his versatility with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Demonstrating his prowess once again in Game 3, Draymond notched his seventh postseason triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, propelling the Warriors to a 110-99 victory.
The Warriors completed a series sweep with Green’s exceptional triple-double performance of 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a thrilling 119-117 overtime win during Game 4.
Magic Johnson – 6
Magic Johnson holds the distinction of recording the most triple doubles playoff run, amassing an impressive total of 30 throughout his career.
Looking back at specific playoff runs, Johnson showcased his ability to produce triple-doubles consistently. In the 1981-82 NBA playoffs, he achieved an impressive tally of 6 triple-doubles.
During the 1983-84 NBA playoffs, Magic continued to dazzle with 5 triple-doubles, further solidifying his impact. In the 1984-85 NBA playoffs, Johnson maintained his high level of performance, recording 4 additional triple-doubles.
Johnson’s record-breaking accomplishment of 30 playoff triple-doubles was attained in just 190 games spanning 13 playoff appearances. This feat is even more remarkable, considering his average playing time of 39.7 minutes per game.
In the grand stage of the NBA Finals, Johnson’s excellence continued. He amassed eight triple-doubles throughout his career in the NBA Finals, a feat unmatched by any other player.
LeBron James – 5
LeBron James is another notable name in the list of most triple doubles postseason, with an impressive total of 28 in his playoff career.
Specifically, during the 2016 NBA playoffs, James recorded an impressive tally of 5 triple-doubles leading the Cavaliers to the championship.
The following year, in the 2017 playoffs, LeBron continued his stellar performances with 4 additional triple-doubles, further solidifying his impact on the court. In the 2018 NBA playoffs, James contributed 3 triple-doubles.
Additionally, James demonstrated his prowess in the 2015 NBA playoffs with 2 triple-doubles. In both the 2014 and 2019 NBA playoffs, he recorded 1 triple-double each, leaving a mark of his influential presence during those postseason runs.
Furthermore, in the 2020 NBA playoffs, King James added another triple-double to his remarkable career playoff record.
Oscar Robertson – 5
Oscar Robertson, a legendary player in NBA history, holds the league record for the most triple-doubles with a total of 181 across 14 seasons.
In the playoffs, Robertson achieved 8 triple-doubles throughout his illustrious career. During the 1963 NBA playoffs, he recorded 1 triple-double, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
Oscar continued this trend in the 1964 NBA playoffs, securing another triple-double on the court during the postseason play.
Rajon Rondo – 4
During the 2011-12 playoffs, Rajon Rondo registered 4 triple-doubles. Rondo was the sole player to record a triple-double in the 2012 postseason.
Notably, in Game Two against the Atlanta Hawks on May 4, he contributed significantly with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Continuing his outstanding performances, Rondo secured his second triple-double of the playoffs in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 12. In that game, he amassed 13 points, 12 rebounds, and an impressive 17 assists.
Rondo achieved yet another triple-double in a significant seventh game of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, despite his illustrious performance, Celtics fell short against the Miami Heat, ending their playoff run.
With this 10th playoff triple-double, Rondo’s impressive accomplishment tied him for third place among the leaders in NBA career triple-doubles.
Jason Kidd – 4
Jason Kidd achieved an impressive total of four triple-doubles while playing for the New Jersey Nets during the 2001-02 postseason.
Throughout his entire career, Kidd amassed a total of 11 triple-doubles in the playoffs. Remarkably, 10 of these triple-doubles occurred during his time with the New Jersey Nets. The remaining triple-double came during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns.
The 2001-02 season was particularly memorable for Kidd and the Nets. Under Kidd’s leadership, the team achieved an impressive 52-30 record, marking a significant improvement of 26 games compared to the previous season.
This was also the first time in the franchise’s NBA history that they achieved a 50-win season.