A quintuple double—double-digit totals in five statistical categories in a single game—is the rarest feat in basketball, and it has never been officially recorded in the NBA. This article breaks down the history, the near-misses, and the statistical reality of this mythical stat line, so you can understand exactly why it remains unachieved.
Ingredients
- 1 official NBA box score (from any game)
- 5 statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks
- 1 player with elite all-around ability (e.g., a prime LeBron James or Hakeem Olajuwon)
- 48 minutes of regulation play (or more, if overtime occurs)
- 1 qualified opponent (to keep the game competitive)
- A dash of historical context (see instructions)
Instructions
- Understand the definition: A quintuple double means a player records at least 10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in a single game. The NBA has officially tracked blocks and steals since the 1973–74 season, so any claim before that is unverifiable.
- Check the official record books: The NBA has never recorded a quintuple double in its history. The closest documented performances are quadruple doubles, which have occurred only four times in the modern era.
- Review the four official quadruple doubles: Nate Thurmond (1974, 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, 12 blocks), Alvin Robertson (1986, 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals), Hakeem Olajuwon (1990, 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 blocks), and David Robinson (1994, 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks). None of these players reached double digits in the fifth category.
- Consider unofficial and pre-1974 claims: Wilt Chamberlain reportedly had a game with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals in 1968, but blocks and steals were not officially tracked then, and the stat line is disputed. The NBA does not recognize it.
- Analyze why it’s so hard: Blocks and steals are rare (the single-game record is 17 for blocks and 11 for steals), and a player must excel in both while also scoring, rebounding, and passing at a high level. Fatigue and game flow make it nearly impossible.
- Look at near-misses: Players like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen have come close, but no one has ever reached 10 in all five. For example, in 2017, Draymond Green had 4 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals, and 5 blocks—he fell short on scoring.
- Conclude that the quintuple double remains a mythical achievement, often discussed but never officially accomplished in the NBA.
Tips
- Substitution: If you’re researching this topic, use official NBA stats (Basketball-Reference or NBA.com) to verify any claims. Unofficial sources may cite pre-1973 games, but those lack reliable tracking.
- Storage: Keep this knowledge in your basketball trivia arsenal—it’s a great conversation starter for fans.
- Common mistake: Don’t confuse a quintuple double with a 5×5 (at least 5 in each category), which is rare but has happened many times. A quintuple double requires 10+ in each, which is far more elusive.
- Context matters: Remember that the NBA’s official tracking era began in 1973–74. Any earlier claims are speculative and not counted in official records.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this piece of basketball history alongside other statistical marvels, like Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game or Russell Westbrook’s triple-double seasons. It pairs well with debates about the greatest all-around players of all time.
Variations
If you’re interested in related feats, explore the quadruple double (four categories) or the 5×5 (five categories with at least 5 each). In women’s basketball, the WNBA has never seen a quintuple double either, but the closest was A’ja Wilson’s 2023 game with 10 blocks and 10 steals (though she didn’t reach 10 assists).
Storage and Reheating
This article is best consumed fresh, but you can revisit it anytime. It doesn’t spoil—store it in your bookmarks for future reference. If you need to reheat your knowledge, re-read the instructions or watch highlights of the four quadruple doubles on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone ever recorded a quintuple double in the NBA? No, not officially. The NBA has never had a player reach double digits in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in the same game since tracking began in 1973–74.
What is the closest anyone has come? The four players with official quadruple doubles each missed the fifth category. For instance, Hakeem Olajuwon had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and 11 blocks in 1990, but he had only 1 steal.
Did Wilt Chamberlain ever do it? There are unverified reports of a 1968 game where he supposedly had 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals, but since blocks and steals weren’t officially tracked then, the NBA doesn’t recognize it.
What’s the difference between a quintuple double and a 5×5? A 5×5 means at least 5 in each of the five categories, which is rare but has happened many times. A quintuple double requires 10+ in each, which is exponentially harder and has never been done.
Could a quintuple double ever happen? It’s theoretically possible, but it would require a player to have a historic game in both steals and blocks (each usually under 5 per game for even elite defenders) while also scoring and rebounding at an All-Star level. The odds are extremely low.
Are there any quintuple doubles in other leagues? In the WNBA, no. In college basketball, there is one recorded instance: in 1986, a Division III player named Michael Anderson recorded a quintuple double (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) for the University of Texas-Permian Basin, but that’s not an NBA record.
Related
- Pakora in Air Fryer: Crispy, Easy Recipe
- Pakora Bar Edinburgh: How to Host One at Home
- Onion Pakora with Rice Flour: Crispy & Easy
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).