<P> A triple - double is defined as a performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in three of five statistical categories -- points , rebounds , assists , steals , and blocked shots -- in a game . The most common way for a player to achieve a triple - double is with points , rebounds , and assists , though on occasion players may record 10 or more steals or blocked shots in a game . The origin of the term `` triple - double '' is unclear . Some sources claim that it was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers public relations director Bruce Jolesch in the 1980s in order to showcase Magic Johnson 's versatility , while others claim that it was coined by then Philadelphia 76ers media relations director Harvey Pollack in 1980 . The triple - double became an officially recorded statistic during the 1979 -- 80 season . </P>
<P> A triple - double is defined as a performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in three of five statistical categories -- points , rebounds , assists , steals , and blocked shots -- in a game . The most common way for a player to achieve a triple - double is with points , rebounds , and assists , though on occasion players may record 10 or more steals or blocked shots in a game . The origin of the term `` triple - double '' is unclear . Some sources claim that it was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers public relations director Bruce Jolesch in the 1980s in order to showcase Magic Johnson 's versatility , while others claim that it was coined by then Philadelphia 76ers media relations director Harvey Pollack in 1980 . The triple - double became an officially recorded statistic during the 1979 -- 80 season . </P>
when did the nba start recording triple doubles
when did the nba start recording triple doubles
the 1979 -- 80 season
the 1979 -- 80 season