Triple-doubles are not common in the NBA, as they occur about once in every 36 games. What is even rarer than a triple-double is to have two players from the same team both have triple-doubles in the same game.
In NBA history, there have only been two games where teammates both recorded triple-doubles in the same regular season game. These are the two sets of teammates who recorded triple-doubles in the same NBA game.
What is interesting to note about the triple-double teammates is that all four players involved will likely end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Two of the players are already enshrined, while the other two are still active, but both active players are virtual locks for immortality.
NBA teammates with triple-doubles in the same game
- Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1989
On January 3, 1989, teammates Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls both had triple-doubles in an OT game vs the Los Angeles Clippers. In the game, Michael Jordan had 41 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while teammate Scottie Pippen had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
The Chicago Bulls won the game, 126-121, in OT. I believe this was the first game in NBA history where teammates both had triple-doubles in the same game, but the NBA did not record steals and blocks until the 1973-74 season. So it's possible teammates could have had triple-doubles in the same game prior to 1973-74 if blocks and steals were tallied.
Michael Jordan had 28 career triple-double games, while Scottie Pippen had just seven. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are both in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Jason Kidd and Vince Carter in 2007
On April 7, 2007, teammates Jason Kidd and Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets both had triple-doubles in an OT game vs the Washington Wizards. In the game, Jason Kidd had 10 points, 16 rebounds and 18 assists, while teammate Vince Carter had 46 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.
The New Jersey Nets won the game, 120-114, in OT. Jason Kidd has 107 regular season triple-doubles in his career, which is the most among active players, and third most in NBA history. Vince Carter has just five triple-doubles in his career.
Jason Kidd is a lock for the Basketball Hall of Fame, but what about Vince Carter? Vince Carter is in the top 30 all time in points scored in NBA history. The only player in the top 30 in points scored who is eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame and is not in is Gary Payton.
Comments