The triple-double was once a rare feat, and it’s newsworthy when someone achieves it. Recording a double-digit score in points, rebounds, and assists requires a lot of skill, and for years, the team’s strategy wasn’t made so that one player could do it. Over the years, the approach to basketball strategy has changed, and many players have managed to do it. However, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have changed the situation further, and they’ve managed to make triple-doubles a common occurrence.
Historical Context of Triple-Doubles
The history of a triple-double is older than Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. Oscar Robertson set the gold standard by averaging a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62. In the 1980s, Magic Johnson dominated the category. However, even in the 2000s, when players such as Jason Kidd and LeBron James achieved triple-doubles, it was a rarity. In recent years, however, the game has changed. Between 2010 and 2020, the total number of triple-doubles across the league skyrocketed. It’s mostly due to the change in gameplay and game style across the league.
Luka Doncic and his impact on the Game
Luka Doncic entered the League in 2018 and immediately changed the game. By his second season, he had achieved a triple-double in 17 games, becoming the youngest player to achieve such a goal.
Over the last six years, Doncic managed to achieve a triple-double in 50 games. By this measure, Doncic has surpassed many players who have had a huge impact on the game and many who have played for much longer than he has. It’s safe to say that Doncic will continue to achieve records in this category in the years to come, as well. Doncic can achieve this because of his unique approach to the game. He averages 8+ assists per game, and his rebound ability is pretty high given that he’s a guard – Doncic averages nine rebounds per game. It’s also important to note that in the points department, Doncic often has over 40 points per game.
Nikola Jokic Setting a New Standard
Nikola Jokic has revolutionized the role of a center in basketball strategy in the same way Doncic has revolutionized the role of a guard. Jokić, the reigning two-time MVP, recorded 29 triple-doubles during the 2022-23 season, which is especially impressive given his height and position.
He is the first center in NBA history to lead the league in assists, doing so with an average of 9.8 assists per game in the 2022-23 season. It’s an anomaly within the league. Taking into account the matches outside of the NBA, Jokic has had over 100 triple-doubles. Jokic’s performance is even more impressive when high-stakes games are taken into account. Jokic performs best when the game is important for the team and when the outcome matters. During the 2023 NBA playoffs, he recorded multiple triple-doubles, becoming the first center to do so in both conference finals and the NBA Finals.
A Wider Statistical Trend
The rise of Doncic and Jokic is part of a broader statistical trend in the NBA. This is also noticeable within the anonymous sports betting sites, such as the ones reviewed by CCN, that allow players to wager on the scores and the number of assists and rebounds within a game. All of these sites have modified their predictions to show the increase in these stats. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, more players have recorded triple-doubles than in any previous three-year span. It goes to show that the game has changed and that every player is now more versatile in their ability and their role on the court.
European Influence
It’s not hard to notice that the most significant change in triple-double statistics happened with the introduction of two European players of great talent to the league. European players were a big part of the NBA before, but this effect is new. Many believe that it’s because Jokic and Doncic brought more of the European style and tactics to the game. NBA and European basketball have always been strategically different, but now the two styles are merging, in many ways bringing in the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić have redefined what it means to achieve a triple-double, turning what was once a rare feat into a more frequent occurrence. Their unique skills and European influence have not only shaped their stats but also contributed to broader changes in the game itself. As more players become versatile, the rise in triple-doubles reflects a shift in basketball strategy. Both Dončić and Jokić are setting new standards, and their continued success will likely inspire future generations of players to push the boundaries even further.