Three different categories
A triple-double is a single-game basketball performance with at least ten in three of five main categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
The NBA’s explanation makes the counting rule clear. “Triple” means three categories; “double” means double figures. It is not three shots worth two points each.
Try this box score
Imagine a player finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. All three totals reach ten, so that is a triple-double.
Change the assists to nine and the triple-double disappears. A player scoring thirty points has had a productive scoring game, but that total alone fills only one category.
More than one route
Points, rebounds and assists are the familiar combination. Steals or blocks can also count: the rule does not require one fixed trio.
The box score has several stories running at once. For another basketball number that needs context, discover why the hoop is ten feet high.